How Is American Water Works' Stock Performance Compared to Other Utility Stocks

Camden, New Jersey-based American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) provides water and wastewater services in the United States and offers water and wastewater services on military installations, undertakes contracts with municipal customers to operate and manage water and wastewater facilities, and offers other related services. The company has a market cap of $27.6 billion and operates approximately 80 surface water treatment plants; 520 groundwater treatment plants; 170 wastewater treatment plants; and 55,000 miles of transmission, distribution, and collection. 

Companies with a market cap of $10 billion or more are typically referred to as “large-cap stocks.” AWK fits squarely into that category, with its market cap exceeding this threshold and reflecting its substantial size and influence in the regulated water utilities industry.   

However, the stock currently trades 5.1% below its 52-week high of $145.64 recorded on Oct. 21, 2025. AWK has grown 9% over the past three months, outperforming the State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF’s (XLU) 6.8% decline during the same time frame.  

In the longer term, AWK has delivered a similar performance. The stock has grown marginally over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the 2.7% decline of XLU over the same period. AWK has been trading above its 200-day moving average since July and also above its 50-day moving average since June. 

AWK has an impressive history of dividend payments. The company pays an annual dividend of $3.58, with a dividend yield of 2.58%, coming in on top of SPY and its sector ETF, XLU, as well. Additionally, the company has been paying dividends to shareholders for 17 consecutive years. For income-focused investors, AWK has been a go-to for a long time.

When stacked against its rival, Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG) has grown 10% over the past year, outperforming AWK.      

Wall Street has an unsure view of the stock currently. Among the 13 analysts tracking AWK, the overall consensus stands at a “Hold.” Its mean price target of $143.50 suggests 3.3% upside potential from current price levels. 

On the date of publication, Aritra Gangopadhyay did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.