American States Water Company vs Altria Group Inc — how do they compare? American States Water Company trades at $85.55 (market cap $3.33B), while Altria Group Inc trades at $70.25 (market cap $117.16B). The key difference: Altria Group Inc is far larger — about 35.2× American States Water Company's market cap, and Altria Group Inc pays the higher dividend (6.04%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AWR | MO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.33B | $117.16B |
Sector | Utilities | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $85.05 | $74.55 |
52-Week Low | $70.10 | $54.72 |
Enterprise Value | $4.24B | $138.23B |
Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 6.04% |
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.
MO trades at $71.87, up 0.14% today, with a neutral technical signal and bullish moving averages. The company reported a net income margin of 39.52% for 2025, with recent earnings beating expectations in Q1 2026. Strong cash flow from operations of $9.29B supports its dividend, with a recent $1.06 payment declared. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $71.00 price target.
Outlook remains stable with defensive qualities highlighted by media, but risks include high debt levels and regulatory pressures. The stock offers a high yield and pricing power, though revenue trends show slight volatility. Investment appeal centers on dividend sustainability and cash flow generation amid a challenging industry backdrop.
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 →Altria comprises Philip Morris USA, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, John Middleton, Helix Innovations, and Philip Morris Capital, although the company plans to wind down Philip Morris Capital by the end of 2022. It holds a 10% interest in the world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev. Through its tobacco subsidiaries, Altria holds the leading position in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the United States and the number-two spot in machine-made cigars. The company's Marlboro brand is the leading cigarette brand in the U.S. with a 43% share in 2020. Altria holds strategic investments in JUUL Labs (35% economic interest) and Cronos (42%).
Read more on MO →