American States Water Company vs Centene Corp — how do they compare? American States Water Company trades at $87.83 (market cap $3.47B), while Centene Corp trades at $66.89 (market cap $32.05B). The key difference: Centene Corp is far larger — about 9.2× American States Water Company's market cap, and American States Water Company pays a 2.49% dividend while Centene Corp pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AWR | CNC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.47B | $32.05B |
Sector | Utilities | Health |
52-Week High | $89.28 | $68.72 |
52-Week Low | $70.10 | $26.17 |
Enterprise Value | $4.37B | $21.10B |
Dividend Yield | 2.49% | — |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
American States Water (AWR) trades at $87.83, up 1.46% today, with strong technical momentum as moving averages signal bullish alignment. The company maintains robust fundamentals with 20.52% net income margin and consistent dividend growth, recently increasing its quarterly payout by 8.2%. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations at $1.09 per share, driven by water rate increases and operational gains across business segments.
Outlook remains stable with revenue growth and dividend reliability, though valuation multiples appear elevated versus utilities peers. Key risks include regulatory dependence on rate approvals and competitive pressures. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 20% buy ratings amid concerns about current price levels relative to earnings potential.
Centene (CNC) trades at $66.56, up 1.2% today, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $71.00. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $2.51 per share, beating estimates, and raised its full-year EPS guidance, reflecting margin recovery and cost discipline. Revenue growth remains robust, projected to reach $202.9 billion in 2026, though net income margins are negative due to elevated medical costs.
The stock presents a value opportunity with low P/E (8.06) and P/S (0.16) ratios, but investors face risks from Medicaid membership volatility and regulatory pressures. Analyst sentiment is strongly bullish (61% buy ratings), with institutional interest growing, as seen in recent fund additions. Near-term upside is likely if cost controls sustain profitability improvements.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
American States Water provides water and electric services to over one million people in the U.S. It also manages water and wastewater systems for various military bases under long-term privatization contracts.
Read more on AWR →Centene is a managed-care organization focused on government-sponsored healthcare plans, including Medicaid, Medicare, and the individual exchanges. Centene served 22 million medical members as of September 2021, mostly in Medicaid (68% of membership), the individual exchanges (10%), Medicare Advantage (6%), and the balance in Tricare (West region), correctional facility, and international plans. The company also serves 4 million users through the Medicare Part D pharmaceutical program.
Read more on CNC →