Compare American States Water Company (AWR) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
American States Water Company vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? American States Water Company trades at $84.54 (market cap $3.33B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $124.1 (market cap $298.31B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 89.6× American States Water Company's market cap, and Merck & Co., Inc. pays the higher dividend (2.82%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AWR | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.33B | $298.31B |
Sector | Utilities | Health |
52-Week High | $85.05 | $129.52 |
52-Week Low | $70.10 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $4.24B | $341.72B |
Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 2.82% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
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.
Merck (MRK) trades at $120.8, down 2.6% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and strong support near $120. Recent earnings have consistently beaten expectations, including Q1 2026's smaller-than-expected loss. The company is acquiring Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline, reflecting strategic growth initiatives. Revenue reached $65.01B in 2025 with a net income margin of 28.07%, though 2026 projections show a decline to 13.58%.
The outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $137.30, implying 13.7% upside. Key opportunities include pipeline expansion via M&A and robust profitability, but risks involve rising debt, patent expirations, and competitive pressures. Institutional buying activity supports bullish sentiment, though earnings volatility and macroeconomic factors warrant caution.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
About American States Water Company
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 →About Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent hepatitis B and pediatric diseases as well as HPV and shingles. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the firm's sales are generated in the United States.
Read more on MRK →
