American States Water Company vs Essex Property Trust, Inc. — how do they compare? American States Water Company trades at $85.55 (market cap $3.33B), while Essex Property Trust, Inc. trades at $297.8 (market cap $19.16B). The key difference: Essex Property Trust, Inc. is far larger — about 5.8× American States Water Company's market cap, and Essex Property Trust, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.47%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AWR | ESS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.33B | $19.16B |
Sector | Utilities | Real Estate |
52-Week High | $85.05 | $298.33 |
52-Week Low | $70.10 | $239.61 |
Enterprise Value | $4.24B | $25.88B |
Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 3.47% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
American States Water (AWR) trades at $85.05, up 0.64% today, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong profitability metrics including a 19.66% net income margin. Recent news highlights its inclusion in TIME's America's Best Companies 2026 list and a completed $200 million ATM equity offering. The stock shows consistent dividend performance with a 71-year growth streak, though recent quarters saw mixed earnings results versus expectations.
Outlook remains stable with revenue growth to $679 million in 2026 and solid cash flow, but risks include regulatory pressures and interest rate sensitivity. Analysts are cautious with only 20% buy ratings. The stock offers defensive appeal but faces execution risks in a high-valuation environment.
ESS trades at $297.48, up 1.34% today, near its consensus price target of $294.25. The stock shows bullish technical momentum with strong moving average signals and has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters. Recent news highlights include the upcoming Q2 2026 earnings release and the company's addition to the Russell Microcap Index. Fundamentals remain solid with $1.89B revenue and a 30.03% net income margin in 2025.
Outlook is cautiously optimistic given analyst consensus leaning toward Hold (52.17%) despite recent beats. Key opportunities include AI-driven rental demand in West Coast markets and a sustainable dividend. Risks involve high debt levels (debt-to-asset ratio of 51.92% in 2024) and potential economic sensitivity. The stock offers moderate upside if earnings momentum continues but requires monitoring of leverage and regional market conditions.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Essex Property Trust owns a portfolio of 253 apartment communities with over 62,000 units and is developing three additional properties with 571 units. The company focuses on owning large, high-quality properties on the West Coast in the urban and suburban submarkets of Southern California, Northern California, and Seattle.
Read more on ESS →