American States Water Company vs Waste Management, Inc. — how do they compare? American States Water Company trades at $84.92 (market cap $3.33B), while Waste Management, Inc. trades at $233.33 (market cap $94.08B). The key difference: Waste Management, Inc. is far larger — about 28.3× 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 | WM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $3.33B | $94.08B |
Sector | Utilities | Industrials |
52-Week High | $85.05 | $246.51 |
52-Week Low | $70.10 | $196.77 |
Enterprise Value | $4.24B | $116.81B |
Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 1.51% |
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.
WM trades at $236.71, up 1.45% today, near its 52-week high. The stock shows bullish technical signals with strong moving averages and a consensus analyst price target of $263.57. Recent earnings beat expectations in Q1 2026, with revenue growth to $25.20 billion in 2025. The company maintains solid profitability with a 10.99% net margin and offers a dividend, with the next payment scheduled for June 18, 2026.
Outlook remains positive due to pricing discipline and renewable energy initiatives, but high valuation multiples (P/E 34.26) and recent earnings misses pose risks. Institutional sentiment is bullish with no sell ratings, though debt levels have increased. Key near-term catalyst is Q2 2026 earnings release on July 28, 2026.
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 →Waste Management ranks as the largest integrated provider of traditional solid waste services in the United States, operating approximately 260 active landfills and about 340 transfer stations. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial end markets and is also a leading recycler in North America.
Read more on WM →