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GWRS vs YORW
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Global Water Resources (GWRS) vs. The York Water Company (YORW) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- GWRS is a growth-oriented water utility in Arizona, while YORW is a mature, dividend-focused Pennsylvania utility.
- GWRS has posted revenue growth but swung to a quarterly loss as depreciation and operating costs rose ahead of rate recovery.
- YORW is benefiting from a March 2026 rate increase, delivering higher revenue, net income, and earnings per share.
- GWRS carries higher growth potential tied to Arizona's expanding housing market, but also greater earnings and regulatory uncertainty.
- YORW offers a steadier, income-oriented profile with a long dividend track record and a more defensive market positioning.
- Relative performance has diverged, with GWRS underperforming the broader market while YORW has held relatively stable.
Introduction
Both GWRS and YORW operate in the regulated water utility sector, yet they represent two very different investment profiles. This stock comparison examines how a fast-growing water resource management company in the U.S. Southwest contrasts with one of the nation's oldest and most established water utilities. For income-seeking investors, the appeal of stable dividends and predictable rate-based earnings is central; for growth-oriented traders, customer expansion and infrastructure investment matter more. By comparing business models, recent momentum, risk factors, and market sentiment, this analysis helps investors understand the trade-offs between these two water stocks in the current market environment.
GWRS Overview and Recent Performance
GWRS, or Global Water Resources, Inc., is a pure-play water resource management company that owns and operates regulated water, wastewater, and recycled water systems serving the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas in Arizona. The company focuses on organic connection growth and regionalization through its "Total Water Management" approach, which emphasizes water conservation and recycling.
Recent market activity has been challenging. The company reported higher first-quarter revenue of approximately $13.3 million, up 6.7% year over year, but swung to a net loss as higher depreciation, operating costs, and interest expense outpaced revenue growth. Management has emphasized that recent infrastructure investments, including the recommissioning of the Southwest Plant water reclamation facility, have grown the rate base but temporarily pressured earnings ahead of rate recovery. The company also secured a rate case settlement that contemplates a notable water revenue increase for its largest utility, GW Santa Cruz, with an estimated effective date of November 2026. Customer connections continue to expand, though Arizona building permit activity has cooled in recent quarters. These factors have contributed to weaker relative performance, with the stock underperforming the broader market over recent months.
YORW Overview and Recent Performance
YORW, or The York Water Company, is the oldest investor-owned water utility in the United States, operating continuously since 1816. It provides water and wastewater services across portions of four counties in south-central Pennsylvania and is regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).
Recent performance has been steadier. A rate increase effective March 2026 has driven higher revenue and earnings, with second-quarter operating revenues rising to roughly $23.5 million and net income climbing to about $7.6 million, while earnings per share advanced to $0.49 from $0.35 a year earlier. Customer-base growth and lower income taxes further supported results, partially offset by a reset of the Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC), a mechanism that lets utilities recover infrastructure replacement costs between rate cases. The company continues to invest heavily in pipes, a wastewater treatment plant, and small system acquisitions. Its long, uninterrupted dividend history and income-oriented profile have helped it maintain a relatively stable market positioning compared with more growth-levered peers.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two stocks is growth versus stability. GWRS operates in a high-growth region, with customer connections and acquisitions driving revenue higher, but its earnings are currently depressed by the cost of infrastructure investment ahead of rate recovery. This creates a wider range of outcomes and higher sensitivity to regulatory timing. In contrast, YORW operates in a slower-growth, established market where rate increases and modest customer gains produce more predictable, incremental earnings improvement.
Dividend profiles also differ. GWRS pays a monthly dividend, offering more frequent income, while YORW pays a traditional quarterly dividend backed by one of the longest dividend streaks in the sector. On valuation, YORW trades at a lower forward price-to-earnings multiple, reflecting its slower growth, while GWRS commands a higher multiple tied to its expansion potential. Risk factors diverge as well: GWRS faces exposure to Arizona housing-market cycles and regulatory timing on rate cases, whereas YORW faces the steady capital intensity of aging infrastructure and a resetting DSIC charge. Market sentiment has favored the steadier, income-oriented utility in recent weeks, even as GWRS retains stronger long-term growth catalysts.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward YORW in the current environment. The company's improving earnings trajectory, recently implemented rate increase, defensive business model, and consistent dividend record present a steadier technical and fundamental profile. While GWRS offers greater long-term upside from customer growth and pending rate recovery, its near-term earnings pressure and regulatory uncertainty introduce more variability. The AI's preference would therefore tilt probabilistically toward the more stable, income-generating utility, while still recognizing GWRS as a higher-beta growth candidate that could warrant attention as catalysts materialize.
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 GWRS is a Hold and YORW is a Hold.
Momentum Indicator for GWRS turns negative, indicating new downward trend
GWRS saw its Momentum Indicator move below the 0 level on October 16, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new downward move. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 100 similar instances where the indicator turned negative. In 71 of the 100 cases, the stock moved further down in the following days. The odds of a decline are at 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for GWRS turned negative on October 19, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 42 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 26 of the 42 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 62%.
GWRS moved below its 50-day moving average on September 23, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for GWRS crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 30, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 10 of 20 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 50%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where GWRS 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 59%.
The Aroon Indicator for GWRS entered a downward trend on October 05, 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 Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where GWRS's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 19 of 35 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 3 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +0.86% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where GWRS advanced for three days, in 144 of 259 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
GWRS may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 8 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding 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 Seasonality Score of 40 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. GWRS’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 85 (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 100 (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: GWRS's P/B Ratio (2.681) is slightly higher than the industry average of (1.813). GWRS's P/E Ratio (71.818) is considerably higher than the industry average of (23.646). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.749) is also within normal values, averaging (3.694). Dividend Yield (0.013) settles around the average of (0.031) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.127) 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. GWRS’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's RSI Indicator ascends from oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for YORW moved out of oversold territory on October 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 30 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 23 of the 30 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 77%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
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%.
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%.
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 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.
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.
GWRS | YORW | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 76 | 43 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 100 Overvalued | 97 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 85 | 75 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 59 | 57 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 8 | 61 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 40 | 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.
YORW's Valuation (97) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as GWRS (100). This means that YORW’s stock grew similarly to GWRS’s over the last 12 months.
YORW's Profit vs Risk Rating (100) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as GWRS (100). This means that YORW’s stock grew similarly to GWRS’s over the last 12 months.
YORW's SMR Rating (75) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as GWRS (85). This means that YORW’s stock grew similarly to GWRS’s over the last 12 months.
YORW's Price Growth Rating (57) in the Water Utilities industry is in the same range as GWRS (59). This means that YORW’s stock grew similarly to GWRS’s over the last 12 months.
GWRS's P/E Growth Rating (8) in the Water Utilities industry is somewhat better than the same rating for YORW (61). This means that GWRS’s stock grew somewhat faster than YORW’s over the last 12 months.
| GWRS | YORW | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 77% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 56% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 2 days ago 44% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 47% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 57% | 2 days ago 50% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 16 days ago 56% | 12 days ago 45% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 59% | 9 days ago 52% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 77% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days 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).
GWRS’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while YORW’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- GWRS’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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.
GWRS’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while YORW’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- GWRS’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
- YORW’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 6 bearish.
Price Growth
GWRS (@Water Utilities) experienced а -2.04% price change this week, while YORW (@Water Utilities) price change was +2.56% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Water Utilities industry was +2.07%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +3.74%, and the average quarterly price growth was +2.79%.
Reported Earning Dates
GWRS is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
YORW is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Water Utilities (+2.07% 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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GWRS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, GWRS has been loosely correlated with YORW. These tickers have moved in lockstep 35% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if GWRS jumps, then YORW could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To GWRS | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GWRS | 100% | +3.27% | ||
| YORW - GWRS | 35% Loosely correlated | +3.70% | ||
| CWCO - GWRS | 35% Loosely correlated | +3.31% | ||
| ARTNA - GWRS | 35% Loosely correlated | +3.19% | ||
| AWR - GWRS | 32% Poorly correlated | +3.54% | ||
| HTO - GWRS | 29% Poorly correlated | +4.41% | ||
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 | ||||
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