Advertisement
AWR vs YORW
Which Stock Would AI Choose? American States Water Company (AWR) vs. The York Water Company (YORW) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Scale Contrast: AWR commands a market capitalization of approximately $3.39 billion, roughly seven times larger than YORW at around $505 million, reflecting meaningfully different operating footprints and investor bases.
- Momentum Divergence: AWR has delivered a year-to-date return of approximately 20%, while YORW has remained roughly flat over the same period, highlighting a sharp gap in recent relative performance.
- Business Model Differences: AWR operates through three distinct segments — water, electric, and contracted services — whereas YORW is a pure-play regulated water utility concentrated in south-central Pennsylvania.
- Dividend Profiles: Both companies are long-standing dividend payers, though YORW offers a higher current dividend yield of approximately 2.9%, compared to AWR's roughly 2.3% yield.
- Growth Trajectory: AWR is investing heavily — $210.9 million in infrastructure in 2025 alone — and has nearly $650 million in authorized capital projects, while YORW pursues a steady acquisition-driven expansion strategy in its regional market.
Introduction
Investors seeking exposure to the regulated water utility sector often encounter two distinctly different names: AWR (American States Water Company) and YORW (The York Water Company). While both provide essential water services and boast impressive dividend histories, their scale, geographic reach, and growth strategies differ considerably. This comparison is particularly relevant for income-oriented investors, defensive-sector allocators, and traders evaluating relative strength within the utility space. By examining each company's recent performance, business model, and market positioning side by side, readers can better understand which of these two water utilities may align more closely with their investment framework under current market conditions.
AWR Overview and Recent Performance
American States Water Company, headquartered in San Dimas, California, is a diversified regulated utility holding company operating through three segments: water services via its Golden State Water Company subsidiary (serving approximately 265,100 customers), electric distribution through Bear Valley Electric Service (approximately 24,900 customers in San Bernardino County mountain communities), and contracted services at multiple U.S. military installations through American States Utility Services. In recent weeks, AWR shares have traded near the upper end of their 52-week range, supported by a year-to-date gain of roughly 20%. The stock has benefited from investor confidence in the company's execution of its capital investment plan — $210.9 million deployed in 2025 — and the authorized rate increases granted by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which set new rates for the 2025–2027 period. Full-year 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose 10.9% year over year, with all three business segments contributing positively. The company's 8.3% quarterly dividend increase in 2025 marked the 71st consecutive year of annual dividend growth, a track record that resonates strongly with income-focused investors. With a current P/E (price-to-earnings) ratio of approximately 25 and a beta of 0.58, AWR embodies the classic defensive utility profile paired with above-average earnings growth for the sector.
YORW Overview and Recent Performance
The York Water Company, founded in 1816 and based in York, Pennsylvania, holds the distinction of being the oldest investor-owned utility in the United States. The company impounds, purifies, and distributes drinking water to customers across 58 municipalities in four south-central Pennsylvania counties, and also owns and operates wastewater collection and treatment systems. In recent market activity, YORW shares have traded in a relatively narrow range, with a year-to-date return near flat and a one-year gain of approximately 3%. The company reported encouraging Q1 2026 results, with operating revenues rising 8.8% to $20.1 million and net income increasing 32.3% to $4.8 million compared to the same period a year earlier. In April 2026, YORW raised approximately $47.7 million in net proceeds through a public stock offering, providing capital to fund ongoing infrastructure investments and potential acquisitions. Analysts currently rate the stock as Overweight with a median price target of $32.50. The company's dividend yield of approximately 2.9% is supported by a long history of uninterrupted payments. However, the stock's five-year return of roughly -27% reflects a period of valuation compression, and the three-year price decline of approximately 20% underscores the challenges faced by smaller, geographically concentrated utilities in a higher-rate environment.
Trending AI Robots
For traders and investors seeking an analytical edge in comparing stocks like AWR and YORW, Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page offers a curated selection of the platform's most effective AI-powered trading agents. Tickeron hosts hundreds of AI Trading Bots that collectively monitor thousands of tickers across every sector, yet only a select group — those demonstrating the strongest adaptability to current market conditions — earns a spot in the Trending AI Robots section. These bots employ diverse strategies spanning multiple timeframes, from rapid 5-minute and 15-minute agents to more deliberate 60-minute models, with recent top performers generating annualized returns ranging from approximately 50% to over 190%. Performance metrics such as win rates above 55% and profit factors exceeding 2.0 are commonly observed among featured bots. Each robot operates with its own trading style, risk parameters, and ticker universe — meaning there is no one-size-fits-all approach. To explore which AI-driven strategies are currently leading the pack, visit the Trending AI Robots page and discover the tools that align with your market perspective.
Head-to-Head Comparison
When placed side by side, AWR and YORW present a study in contrasts across multiple dimensions. From a scale and diversification standpoint, AWR operates across three business segments — water, electric, and contracted services — providing revenue streams that are not solely dependent on water rate cases. By comparison, YORW is a pure-play water and wastewater utility with geographic concentration in four Pennsylvania counties, offering operational simplicity but less revenue diversification. On growth dynamics, AWR benefits from a robust $650 million authorized capital investment pipeline across its regulated utilities and a growing contracted services backlog of $29.4 million in new construction projects, while YORW relies on a steady acquisition strategy and organic customer growth within its regional footprint. In terms of recent momentum, the gap is pronounced: AWR has posted a roughly 20% year-to-date gain versus essentially flat performance for YORW. Risk profiles also diverge — AWR faces California's complex regulatory environment and wildfire-related considerations at its electric utility, whereas YORW contends with the limitations of a concentrated service territory and the dilutive effects of its recent equity offering. From a valuation perspective, YORW trades at a lower P/E multiple and a higher dividend yield, which may appeal to pure yield seekers, while AWR commands a premium multiple that reflects its stronger earnings growth trajectory and broader business model.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable market patterns, relative momentum, and structural positioning, Tickeron's AI-driven analytical framework would likely favor AWR in the current environment. The stock has demonstrated superior trend consistency over recent months, with a clear upward trajectory supported by tangible catalysts: authorized rate increases, a growing contracted services backlog, accelerating infrastructure investment, and earnings growth across all three business segments. AWR's roughly 20% year-to-date return sharply contrasts with YORW's near-flat performance, and trend-following AI models tend to favor securities exhibiting this kind of sustained relative strength. While YORW offers a higher dividend yield and showed encouraging Q1 2026 operating momentum, the recent equity raise may weigh on near-term per-share metrics, and the stock's multi-year downtrend suggests a longer recovery path. That said, probabilistic models acknowledge that sector rotation into smaller-cap utilities or a shift in rate expectations could alter the relative picture. In the current market context, however, AWR appears to offer the more compelling combination of trend strength, business diversification, and visible growth catalysts.
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 AWR is a Hold and YORW is a Hold.
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 undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
AWR’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green whileYORW’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- AWR’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.
AWR’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while YORW’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- AWR’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- YORW’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
AWR (@Water Utilities) experienced а +2.15% price change this week, while YORW (@Water Utilities) price change was +3.57% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Water Utilities industry was +2.65%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.35%, and the average quarterly price growth was +3.29%.
Reported Earning Dates
AWR is expected to report earnings on Nov 09, 2026.
YORW is expected to report earnings on Oct 30, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Water Utilities (+2.65% 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.
| AWR | YORW | AWR / YORW | |
| Capitalization | 3.43B | 518M | 662% |
| EBITDA | 271M | 44M | 616% |
| Gain YTD | 21.077 | 1.671 | 1,261% |
| P/E Ratio | 23.65 | 19.81 | 119% |
| Revenue | 679M | 79.1M | 858% |
| Total Cash | 22.2M | 3.32M | 668% |
| Total Debt | 931M | 237M | 393% |
AWR | YORW | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 75 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 82 Overvalued | 90 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 76 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 62 | 76 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 44 | 50 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 49 | 66 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 45 |
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.
AWR's Valuation (82) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as YORW (90). This means that AWR’s stock grew similarly to YORW’s over the last 12 months.
AWR's Profit vs Risk Rating (76) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as YORW (100). This means that AWR’s stock grew similarly to YORW’s over the last 12 months.
AWR's SMR Rating (62) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as YORW (76). This means that AWR’s stock grew similarly to YORW’s over the last 12 months.
AWR's Price Growth Rating (44) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as YORW (50). This means that AWR’s stock grew similarly to YORW’s over the last 12 months.
AWR's P/E Growth Rating (49) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as YORW (66). This means that AWR’s stock grew similarly to YORW’s over the last 12 months.
| AWR | YORW | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 38% | 7 days ago 50% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 45% | 5 days ago 48% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 51% | 5 days ago 53% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 58% | 5 days ago 65% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 49% | 5 days ago 47% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 49% | 5 days ago 49% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 50% | 5 days ago 45% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 49% | 13 days ago 52% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 45% | 5 days ago 64% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 45% | 5 days ago 53% |
Advertisement
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| DCMT | 34.20 | 1.05 | +3.17% |
| DoubleLine Commodity Strategy ETF | |||
| PCQ | 8.85 | 0.07 | +0.80% |
| Pimco California Municipal Income Fund | |||
| PMOC | 26.30 | 0.07 | +0.27% |
| PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - October | |||
| PZA | 23.04 | -0.03 | -0.13% |
| Invesco National AMT-Free Muni Bd ETF | |||
| STXG | 56.87 | -0.13 | -0.22% |
| Strive 1000 Growth ETF | |||
AWR and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, AWR has been closely correlated with CWT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 86% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if AWR jumps, then CWT could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To AWR | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWR | 100% | -0.94% | ||
| CWT - AWR | 86% Closely correlated | -1.42% | ||
| HTO - AWR | 78% Closely correlated | -1.57% | ||
| YORW - AWR | 77% Closely correlated | +0.66% | ||
| WTRG - AWR | 73% Closely correlated | -0.65% | ||
| AWK - AWR | 71% Closely correlated | +0.10% | ||
More | ||||
YORW and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, YORW has been closely correlated with ARTNA. These tickers have moved in lockstep 69% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if YORW jumps, then ARTNA could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To YORW | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YORW | 100% | +0.66% | ||
| ARTNA - YORW | 69% Closely correlated | -0.20% | ||
| MSEX - YORW | 68% Closely correlated | -0.82% | ||
| HTO - YORW | 65% Loosely correlated | -1.57% | ||
| CWCO - YORW | 47% Loosely correlated | -0.82% | ||
| GWRS - YORW | 38% Loosely correlated | -3.03% | ||
More | ||||