American States Water Company vs HCA Health Inc — how do they compare? American States Water Company trades at $85.55 (market cap $3.33B), while HCA Health Inc trades at $364 (market cap $80.66B). The key difference: HCA Health Inc is far larger — about 24.2× American States Water Company's market cap, and American States Water Company pays the higher dividend (2.37%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AWR | HCA | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.33B | $80.66B |
Sector | Utilities | Health |
52-Week High | $85.05 | $545.13 |
52-Week Low | $70.10 | $334.32 |
Enterprise Value | $4.24B | $129.57B |
Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 0.86% |
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.
HCA Healthcare stock trades at $390.74, down 3.9% following a lowered 2026 profit outlook. The company maintains strong fundamentals with revenue growth to $75.6B in 2025 and consistent earnings beats, though technical indicators show bearish momentum. Recent news highlights challenges from payer mix shifts and rising uninsured patients, creating near-term headwinds despite long-term capacity expansion initiatives.
The stock presents a valuation opportunity with a P/E of 13.5x below industry averages, supported by analyst consensus target of $481.80. Key risks include execution on guidance and healthcare reimbursement pressures, but institutional sentiment remains positive with 63% buy ratings, suggesting potential recovery once near-term uncertainties resolve.
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 →HCA Healthcare is a Nashville-based healthcare provider organization operating the largest collection of acute-care hospitals in the U.S. As of December 2021, the firm owned and operated 182 hospitals, 125 freestanding outpatient surgery centers, and a broad network of physician offices, urgent care clinics, and freestanding emergency rooms across nearly 20 states and a small foothold in England.
Read more on HCA →