Compare American States Water Company (AWR) vs Paychex, Inc. (PAYX) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
American States Water Company vs Paychex, Inc. — how do they compare? American States Water Company trades at $87.85 (market cap $3.47B), while Paychex, Inc. trades at $121.38 (market cap $43.14B). The key difference: Paychex, Inc. is far larger — about 12.4× American States Water Company's market cap, and Paychex, Inc. pays the higher dividend (3.92%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AWR | PAYX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.47B | $43.14B |
Sector | Utilities | Industrials |
52-Week High | $89.28 | $140.81 |
52-Week Low | $70.10 | $85.57 |
Enterprise Value | $4.37B | $46.63B |
Dividend Yield | 2.49% | 3.92% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
AWR trades at $87.95, up 1.59% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The company reported a Q2 2026 EPS beat of $1.09 versus $0.915 expected, driven by water rate increases and revenue growth. Recent news highlights its 71-year dividend growth streak and an 8.2% dividend hike announced in July 2026. Financials show solid profitability with a 20.52% net income margin and ROE of 13.62%, though valuation ratios like P/E of 23.92 are above sector averages.
Outlook is mixed: strong dividend history and earnings growth support income investors, but elevated valuation and mixed analyst consensus (20% buy, 50% hold, 30% sell) suggest limited near-term upside. Key risks include regulatory dependence on rate approvals and potential overvaluation relative to peers.
Paychex (PAYX) trades at $120.34, down 0.69% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI readings. The company shows strong profitability with a 27.03% net income margin and consistent earnings beats, though valuation ratios like a P/E of 24.81 are elevated. Recent news highlights steady small business employment data and product expansion, supporting its core HR services business.
The outlook is mixed: solid fundamentals and dividend payments offer stability, but high valuation and analyst caution (63.33% hold rating) suggest limited near-term upside. Risks include economic sensitivity and debt levels, yet long-term growth in HR outsourcing remains a tailwind for patient investors.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
Top news
Latest headlines on both assets
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 Paychex, Inc.
Paychex is a leading provider of payroll, human capital management, and insurance solutions servicing small and midsize clients primarily in the United States. The company, established in 1979, services over 730,000 clients and pays over 1 in 12 U.S. private-sector workers. Alongside its traditional payroll services, Paychex offers HCM solutions such as benefits administration and time and attendance software, as well as human resources outsourcing and insurance agency services.
Read more on PAYX →
