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ARTNA vs YORW
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Artesian Resources Corporation (ARTNA) vs. The York Water Company (YORW) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both ARTNA and YORW are regulated water utilities, giving them recession-resistant, rate-regulated revenue profiles but also similar sensitivity to operating costs and interest rates.
- Artesian Resources delivered stronger recent earnings momentum, with 2025 net income up roughly 11.9% and diluted EPS up 11.6% year over year.
- The York Water Company grew revenue in 2025 but saw net income and EPS edge lower, reflecting higher operating, depreciation, and interest expenses.
- York Water stands out for its exceptionally long dividend history, while Artesian currently offers a comparatively higher dividend yield.
- Both names carry low beta and utility-style stability, so the key trade-off is Artesian's improving earnings versus York Water's dividend heritage and larger market capitalization.
Introduction
Investors evaluating small-cap water utilities often weigh steady, regulated cash flows against the pace of earnings growth and dividend reliability. This stock comparison examines ARTNA (Artesian Resources Corporation) and YORW (The York Water Company), two long-established water and wastewater providers on the U.S. East Coast. Although they operate in the same defensive sector, their recent financial trajectories, dividend profiles, and market positioning differ in ways that matter to income-focused and value-oriented investors. Understanding these contrasts can help traders and long-term holders assess relative performance and decide which profile better aligns with their objectives.
ARTNA Overview and Recent Performance
ARTNA, Artesian Resources Corporation, is a holding company that provides regulated water and wastewater services across the Delmarva Peninsula, principally in Delaware, with additional operations in Maryland and Pennsylvania. It also generates non-utility revenue through service line protection plans and contract operations.
In recent weeks, the company has demonstrated consistent earnings improvement. For the full year 2025, Artesian reported net income of approximately $22.8 million, an increase of 11.9% over the prior year, while diluted earnings per share rose 11.6% to $2.21. Revenues grew 4.6% to roughly $112.9 million, supported by temporary rate increases, customer growth, and distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) revenue. Management has emphasized sustained capital investment, directing about $58.8 million toward water and wastewater infrastructure in 2025. The stock carries a relatively low beta and a dividend yield near 3.9%, positioning it as a defensive, income-oriented holding. Sentiment has been supported by the firm's improving profitability and disciplined cost management, even as rate-case timing in Delaware remains a factor investors monitor.
YORW Overview and Recent Performance
YORW, The York Water Company, is an investor-owned water utility based in York, Pennsylvania, serving dozens of communities across south-central Pennsylvania. Its primary business is impounding, purifying, and distributing drinking water, along with wastewater collection and treatment.
The company's recent results reflect a mixed picture. For 2025, operating revenues rose to approximately $77.5 million, an increase of $2.5 million, driven by customer growth and DSIC revenue. However, net income declined modestly to about $20.1 million, with diluted EPS easing to $1.39, as higher operation and maintenance costs, increased depreciation, and elevated interest expense offset revenue gains and lower income taxes. York Water continued significant infrastructure investment, committing about $48.7 million in 2025 and guiding to roughly $48 million annually in both 2026 and 2027. A defining feature is its dividend record, which spans more than two centuries of uninterrupted payments and includes a recent 4% quarterly increase. This heritage underpins the stock's appeal to long-term income investors, even as near-term earnings face cost pressure.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most striking contrast between these two utilities lies in earnings trajectory. ARTNA has translated revenue growth into double-digit net income and EPS expansion, signaling improving operating leverage. YORW, by contrast, grew its top line but absorbed higher costs that eroded net income, highlighting the sensitivity of regulated utilities to expense inflation and financing costs.
Their business models are broadly similar, but scale and geography differ. York Water operates a larger market capitalization and a more concentrated Pennsylvania footprint, while Artesian spans multiple states on the Delmarva Peninsula. In terms of market positioning, York Water's extraordinary dividend longevity is its hallmark, whereas Artesian currently offers a higher dividend yield and stronger recent earnings growth. On risk factors, both face regulatory timing, infrastructure capital requirements, and interest-rate exposure; York Water's elevated interest and depreciation burdens are a more immediate near-term headwind. From a momentum standpoint, Artesian's improving profitability provides a modestly more constructive setup, while York Water's valuation and dividend heritage appeal to patience-oriented, income-first investors.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings momentum, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward ARTNA in the current environment. Artesian's combination of rising net income, double-digit EPS growth, and a competitive dividend yield presents a more balanced risk-reward profile for systematic models that weight profitability trends. York Water's stable revenue growth and unmatched dividend record keep it a high-quality defensive candidate, but its softer recent earnings momentum and cost pressures reduce its near-term appeal from a trend-following perspective. This assessment reflects probabilistic analysis of current data rather than a guaranteed outcome, and relative positioning could shift as regulatory developments and interest-rate conditions evolve.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ARTNA is a StrongBuy and YORW is a Hold.
ARTNA in upward trend: price may jump up because it broke its lower Bollinger Band on October 21, 2026
ARTNA may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 27 of 34 cases where ARTNA's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 79%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where ARTNA's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 14 of 21 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 36 of 64 cases where ARTNA's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ARTNA as a result. In 50 of 94 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ARTNA just turned positive on October 09, 2026. Looking at past instances where ARTNA's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 27 of 55 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 49%.
Following a +0.86% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ARTNA advanced for three days, in 163 of 303 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
ARTNA moved below its 50-day moving average on September 18, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for ARTNA crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 24, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 5 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 31%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ARTNA declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 51%.
The Aroon Indicator for ARTNA entered a downward trend on October 07, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. ARTNA’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 73 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 91 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.371) is normal, around the industry mean (1.813). P/E Ratio (14.917) is within average values for comparable stocks, (23.646). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (5.740) is also within normal values, averaging (3.694). Dividend Yield (0.038) settles around the average of (0.031) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.097) is also within normal values, averaging (4.350).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 96 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ARTNA’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 85, placing this stock worse than average.
YORW in downward trend: price may drop because broke its higher Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026
YORW broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 39 similar instances where the stock broke above the upper band. In 30 of the 39 cases the stock fell afterwards. This puts the odds of success at 77%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 39 of 62 cases where YORW's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
YORW moved below its 50-day moving average on September 21, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for YORW crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 24, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 8 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 53%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where YORW declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 52%.
The Aroon Indicator for YORW entered a downward trend on October 12, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where YORW's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 23 of 30 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 77%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on YORW as a result. In 52 of 93 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for YORW just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where YORW's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 55 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 44%.
Following a +1.36% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where YORW advanced for three days, in 126 of 280 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 45%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. YORW’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 61 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 97 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.748) is normal, around the industry mean (1.813). P/E Ratio (19.683) is within average values for comparable stocks, (23.646). YORW's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (11.960) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (3.694). Dividend Yield (0.029) settles around the average of (0.031) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (5.851) is also within normal values, averaging (4.350).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. YORW’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 85, placing this stock worse than average.
ARTNA | YORW | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 57 | 43 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 91 Overvalued | 97 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 96 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 73 | 75 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 56 | 57 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 45 | 61 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
ARTNA's Valuation (91) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as YORW (97). This means that ARTNA’s stock grew similarly to YORW’s over the last 12 months.
ARTNA's Profit vs Risk Rating (96) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as YORW (100). This means that ARTNA’s stock grew similarly to YORW’s over the last 12 months.
ARTNA's SMR Rating (73) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as YORW (75). This means that ARTNA’s stock grew similarly to YORW’s over the last 12 months.
ARTNA's Price Growth Rating (56) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as YORW (57). This means that ARTNA’s stock grew similarly to YORW’s over the last 12 months.
ARTNA's P/E Growth Rating (45) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as YORW (61). This means that ARTNA’s stock grew similarly to YORW’s over the last 12 months.
| ARTNA | YORW | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 77% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 56% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 49% | 1 day ago 44% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 55% | 1 day ago 47% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 48% | 1 day ago 50% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 11 days ago 54% | 11 days ago 45% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 51% | 8 days ago 52% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 79% | 1 day ago 77% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 44% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ARTNA’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while YORW’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- ARTNA’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- YORW’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ARTNA’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while YORW’s TA Score has 3 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ARTNA’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- YORW’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 7 bearish.
Price Growth
ARTNA (@Water Utilities) experienced а -1.82% price change this week, while YORW (@Water Utilities) price change was -1.64% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Water Utilities industry was +2.04%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.50%, and the average quarterly price growth was +2.45%.
Reported Earning Dates
ARTNA is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
YORW is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Water Utilities (+2.04% weekly)Water utilities operate water treatment plants, and/or distribute water to residential and commercial customers. Companies operating in this industry are largely responsible for the safe and timely distribution of water. While most water systems are local or regional, some of the companies might have operations across several states. The industry is expected to be closely monitored by regulators for quality checks on the water being distributed. Investing in upgrading infrastructure is a major factor in bolstering the supply of clean/safe-to-use water. Given the absolute necessity of water in our lives, the industry is largely non-cyclical. American Water Works Company, Inc., Aqua America, Inc., American States Water Co. and California Water Service Group are some of the major water utilities companies in the U.S.
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ARTNA and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ARTNA has been closely correlated with YORW. These tickers have moved in lockstep 70% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ARTNA jumps, then YORW could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ARTNA | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARTNA | 100% | +3.19% | ||
| YORW - ARTNA | 70% Closely correlated | +3.70% | ||
| MSEX - ARTNA | 58% Loosely correlated | +4.05% | ||
| HTO - ARTNA | 56% Loosely correlated | +4.41% | ||
| WTRG - ARTNA | 55% Loosely correlated | +6.28% | ||
| CWCO - ARTNA | 36% Loosely correlated | +3.31% | ||
More | ||||
YORW and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, YORW has been closely correlated with AWR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 78% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if YORW jumps, then AWR could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To YORW | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YORW | 100% | +3.70% | ||
| AWR - YORW | 78% Closely correlated | +3.54% | ||
| ARTNA - YORW | 71% Closely correlated | +3.19% | ||
| MSEX - YORW | 69% Closely correlated | +4.05% | ||
| CWT - YORW | 68% Closely correlated | +3.55% | ||
| HTO - YORW | 66% Closely correlated | +4.41% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| TrueShares Quarterly Bear Hedge ETF (QBER) | |||
| PRTO | 27.23 | N/A | N/A |
| RCN Pareto Strategic Allocation ETF (PRTO) | |||
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| Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - January (UJAN) | |||
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