American States Water Company vs Prospect Capital Corporation — how do they compare? American States Water Company trades at $87.53 (market cap $3.47B), while Prospect Capital Corporation trades at $2.29 (market cap $1.14B). The key difference: American States Water Company is far larger — about 3× Prospect Capital Corporation's market cap, and Prospect Capital Corporation pays the higher dividend (21.93%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AWR | PSEC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.47B | $1.14B |
Sector | Utilities | Financials |
52-Week High | $89.28 | $3.05 |
52-Week Low | $70.10 | $2.11 |
Enterprise Value | $4.37B | — |
Dividend Yield | 2.49% | 21.93% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
American States Water (AWR) trades at $87.83, up 1.46% today, with strong technical momentum as moving averages signal bullish alignment. The company maintains robust fundamentals with 20.52% net income margin and consistent dividend growth, recently increasing its quarterly payout by 8.2%. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat expectations at $1.09 per share, driven by water rate increases and operational gains across business segments.
Outlook remains stable with revenue growth and dividend reliability, though valuation multiples appear elevated versus utilities peers. Key risks include regulatory dependence on rate approvals and competitive pressures. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 20% buy ratings amid concerns about current price levels relative to earnings potential.
PSEC trades at $2.29, down 1.72% on the day, with a mixed technical picture showing a bullish moving average signal but neutral oscillators. The stock carries a low P/B of 0.39 and has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, though it reported a net loss of $469.92 million in 2025. Recent news includes a dividend increase announcement and the sale of portfolio company Valley Electric for $328 million.
The outlook is cautious; while the deep discount to book value and consistent dividend payments offer income appeal, significant negative revenue and net income margins, alongside a divided analyst consensus, highlight substantial business and market risks. The primary opportunity lies in a potential valuation recovery if operational performance improves.
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 →Prospect Capital Corp is a closed-end investment company based in the United States. Its investment objective is to generate both current income and long-term capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. The company invests primarily in senior and subordinated debt and equity of private companies for acquisitions, divestitures, growth, development, recapitalizations, and other purposes. It makes investments, including lending in private equity, sponsored transactions, directly to companies, investments in structured credit, real estate, and syndicated debt.
Read more on PSEC →