American States Water Company vs Gilead Sciences, Inc. — how do they compare? American States Water Company trades at $87.28 (market cap $3.47B), while Gilead Sciences, Inc. trades at $135.92 (market cap $168.35B). The key difference: Gilead Sciences, Inc. is far larger — about 48.5× American States Water Company's market cap, and American States Water Company pays the higher dividend (2.49%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AWR | GILD | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.47B | $168.35B |
Sector | Utilities | Health |
52-Week High | $89.28 | $155.80 |
52-Week Low | $70.10 | $110.56 |
Enterprise Value | $4.37B | $191.42B |
Dividend Yield | 2.49% | 2.42% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
American States Water (AWR) trades at $87.45, up 1.02% with a bullish technical outlook. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $1.09 per share, beating estimates, driven by water rate increases and revenue growth of 11.2%. Profitability remains robust with a 20.52% net income margin and ROE of 13.62%. Recent news highlights AWR's 71-year dividend growth streak and inclusion in TIME's America's Best Companies 2026 list.
AWR offers stable income with consistent dividend growth but faces valuation concerns at 23.92 P/E. Analyst consensus is cautious with 50% hold ratings. Key risks include regulatory dependence and competitive pressures. The stock presents a defensive play with reliable dividends but limited near-term upside given current multiples.
Gilead Sciences (GILD) trades at $136.73, up 2.76% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst consensus. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat revenue estimates despite a net loss driven by acquisition costs, while HIV drug sales and raised guidance provide fundamental support. The stock is near its pivot point of $136, with resistance at $137 and support at $134.
Outlook remains positive given robust HIV franchise growth and pipeline advancements, but risks include patent cliffs, high debt, and profitability volatility. With 67% of analysts rating it a Buy and a consensus price target of $151.22, the stock offers potential upside, though investors must weigh execution risks against growth catalysts.
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 →Gilead Sciences develops and markets therapies to treat life-threatening infectious diseases, with the core of its portfolio focused on HIV and hepatitis B and C. The acquisitions of Corus Pharma, Myogen, CV Therapeutics, Arresto Biosciences, and Calistoga have broadened this focus to include pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Gilead's acquisition of Pharmasset brought rights to hepatitis C drug Sovaldi, which is also part of combination drug Harvoni, and the Kite, Forty Seven, and Immunomedics acquisitions boost Gilead's exposure to cell therapy and noncell therapy in oncology.
Read more on GILD →