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U.S. Water Utilities Industry Analysis

UpdatedJun 20, 2026
DataAggregated Company Financials
Companies18
  • 7D-1.2%
  • 3M-5.6%
  • 1Y-6.8%
  • YTD-2.5%

Over the last 7 days, the Water Utilities industry has dropped 1.2%, driven by pullbacks in American Water Works Company and Essential Utilities of 1.0% and 2.2%, respectively. The industry has fallen 6.8% in the last year. Earnings are forecast to grow by 10% annually.

Industry Valuation and Performance

Has the U.S. Water Utilities Industry valuation changed over the past few years?

DateMarket CapRevenueEarningsPEAbsolute PEPS
Sat, 20 Jun 2026US$46.1bUS$10.9bUS$2.1b22.5x21.9x4.2x
Mon, 18 May 2026US$45.6bUS$10.9bUS$2.1b22x21.7x4.2x
Wed, 15 Apr 2026US$48.8bUS$10.7bUS$2.2b22.7x22.5x4.6x
Fri, 13 Mar 2026US$48.5bUS$10.7bUS$2.2b22.5x22.4x4.5x
Sun, 08 Feb 2026US$45.4bUS$10.5bUS$2.2b21x20.3x4.3x
Tue, 06 Jan 2026US$46.0bUS$10.5bUS$2.2b21.4x20.5x4.4x
Thu, 04 Dec 2025US$47.0bUS$10.5bUS$2.2b21.8x21x4.5x
Sat, 01 Nov 2025US$48.9bUS$11.1bUS$2.1b22.1x23x4.4x
Mon, 29 Sep 2025US$51.9bUS$10.9bUS$2.1b22.3x24.7x4.8x
Wed, 27 Aug 2025US$50.7bUS$10.3bUS$2.2b22.2x23.3x4.9x
Fri, 25 Jul 2025US$48.6bUS$10.0bUS$2.1b21.9x22.9x4.9x
Sun, 22 Jun 2025US$48.7bUS$10.0bUS$2.1b23.3x22.9x4.9x
Tue, 20 May 2025US$49.5bUS$10.0bUS$2.1b24.5x23.4x4.9x
Thu, 17 Apr 2025US$50.7bUS$9.8bUS$2.1b21.2x23.8x5.2x
Sat, 15 Mar 2025US$49.4bUS$9.8bUS$2.1b19.4x23x5.1x
Mon, 10 Feb 2025US$43.6bUS$9.4bUS$2.0b20.8x21.5x4.6x
Wed, 08 Jan 2025US$43.6bUS$9.4bUS$2.0b21.2x21.5x4.6x
Fri, 06 Dec 2024US$47.4bUS$9.4bUS$2.0b23.6x23.4x5x
Sun, 03 Nov 2024US$48.0bUS$9.4bUS$2.0b22.1x23.7x5.1x
Tue, 01 Oct 2024US$50.1bUS$9.2bUS$2.0b23.5x25.5x5.5x
Thu, 29 Aug 2024US$49.3bUS$9.2bUS$2.0b24.2x25.1x5.4x
Sat, 27 Jul 2024US$49.9bUS$9.1bUS$2.0b24.2x25.4x5.5x
Mon, 24 Jun 2024US$45.7bUS$9.0bUS$2.0b21.1x23.2x5.1x
Wed, 22 May 2024US$47.9bUS$9.0bUS$2.0b23.6x24.3x5.3x
Fri, 19 Apr 2024US$42.1bUS$8.9bUS$1.8b21.2x23.6x4.7x
Sun, 17 Mar 2024US$42.8bUS$8.9bUS$1.8b22.5x24.1x4.8x
Tue, 13 Feb 2024US$44.6bUS$9.0bUS$1.7b24.6x25.8x4.9x
Thu, 11 Jan 2024US$47.9bUS$9.0bUS$1.7b26.9x27.7x5.3x
Sat, 09 Dec 2023US$48.1bUS$9.0bUS$1.7b28.4x27.8x5.3x
Mon, 06 Nov 2023US$46.9bUS$9.0bUS$1.7b26.9x27.3x5.2x
Wed, 04 Oct 2023US$43.6bUS$13.9bUS$2.6b25.5x17x3.1x
Fri, 01 Sep 2023US$49.0bUS$8.9bUS$1.7b28.6x28.9x5.5x
Sun, 30 Jul 2023US$52.7bUS$8.9bUS$1.7b32x31.8x5.9x
Tue, 27 Jun 2023US$50.2bUS$8.7bUS$1.6b35x31.3x5.8x
Price to Earnings Ratio

31.3x


Total Market Cap: US$50.2bTotal Earnings: US$1.6bTotal Revenue: US$8.7bTotal Market Cap vs Earnings and Revenue0%0%0%
U.S. Water Utilities Industry Price to Earnings3Y Average 24.2x202420252026
Current Industry PE
  • Investors are relatively neutral on the American Water Utilities industry at the moment, indicating that they anticipate long term growth rates to remain steady.
  • The industry is trading close to its 3-year average PE ratio of 24.2x.
  • The 3-year average PS ratio of 5.0x is higher than the industry's current PS ratio of 4.2x.
Past Earnings Growth
  • The earnings for companies in the Water Utilities industry have grown 9.4% per year over the last three years.
  • Revenues for these companies have grown 7.7% per year.
  • This means that more sales are being generated by these companies overall, and subsequently their profits are increasing too.

Industry Trends

Which industries have driven the changes within the U.S. Utilities industry?

US Market1.40%
Utilities0.57%
Water Utilities-1.18%
Water-1.18%
Industry PEThere are no additional sub-industries under this industry.
Forecasted GrowthThere are no additional sub-industries under this industry.

Top Stock Gainers and Losers

Which companies have driven the market over the last 7 days?

CompanyLast Price7D1YValuation
PCYO Pure CycleUS$11.073.2%
+US$8.2m		10.0%PE19x
CDZI CadizUS$4.072.0%
+US$6.7m		33.4%PS22.8x
GWRS Global Water ResourcesUS$7.090.9%
+US$1.7m		-31.4%PE102x

Latest News

AWK
US$125.07
American Water Works Company
7D
-1.0%
1Y
-11.5%
Narrative Update • Jun 16

AWK: Regulatory Settlements And Nexus Acquisition Will Shape A Steady Forward Outlook

Analysts have nudged their blended price target on American Water Works Company slightly lower, reflecting modest trims to revenue assumptions in several regulated states and a mixed set of recent target moves that include reductions from BofA and Truist, along with an upgrade and higher $140 target from UBS. Analyst Commentary Recent research on American Water Works Company reflects a mix of caution around rate case outcomes and deal related uncertainty, alongside some constructive views on regulatory progress and valuation.
GWRS
US$7.09
Global Water Resources
7D
0.9%
1Y
-31.4%
Narrative Update • Jun 15

GWRS: Future Rate Resolution Will Unlock Upside From Discounted Utility Profile

Analysts have maintained their $12.50 price target on Global Water Resources, citing only minor adjustments to long-term revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E assumptions that did not materially change their view of the stock's valuation. What's in the News No recent news items, periodical coverage, or key developments were provided for Global Water Resources, so there are currently no specific events to highlight.
HTO
US$56.69
H2O America
7D
-0.6%
1Y
8.4%
WTRG
US$36.70
Essential Utilities
7D
-2.2%
1Y
-1.7%
Seeking Alpha • Jun 12

Essential Utilities: More Attractive Ahead Of Merger (Rating Upgrade)

Summary American Water Works is acquiring Essential Utilities in an all-stock deal slated to close by early 2027. Essential Utilities' Q1 revenue grew 10% YoY, but non-GAAP EPS fell due to higher costs. However, it's the upcoming merger, not earnings, that is driving Essential's stock price. I upgrade Essential to a buy thanks to its defensive sector appeal, increasing clarity on the merger timeline, and a potential rate-driven rotation into income stocks. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
CWT
US$45.20
California Water Service Group
7D
-0.8%
1Y
-2.7%
Narrative Update • Jun 07

CWT: Future Rate Mechanisms And Nexus Acquisition Will Support Regulated Revenue

Narrative Update on California Water Service Group Analysts have kept their price target for California Water Service Group steady at about $51.67, reflecting unchanged views on fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margins, and future P/E assumptions. What's in the News California Water Service Group reported first quarter 2026 earnings that missed analyst estimates, with higher costs cited as a key factor.
AWR
US$77.11
American States Water
7D
-0.8%
1Y
-0.8%
Narrative Update • Jun 06

AWR: Fair Outlook Will Balance Leaner Margins With Higher Future P/E

Analysts have trimmed their price target on American States Water from $76 to $76.0. This reflects updated assumptions for slightly lower revenue growth, a modestly lower profit margin, and a marginally higher future P/E multiple and discount rate. What's in the News American States Water has scheduled a Board meeting for February 10, 2026.
CDZI
US$4.07
Cadiz
7D
2.0%
1Y
33.4%
PCYO
US$11.07
Pure Cycle
7D
3.2%
1Y
10.0%
MSEX
US$52.06
Middlesex Water
7D
-1.7%
1Y
-7.2%
Seeking Alpha • May 27

Middlesex Water: Not My Favorite Utility, Though Valuation Has Improved (Rating Upgrade)

Summary Middlesex Water has corrected sharply from a period of prior overvaluation. MSEX remains a slow-growing, defensive utility, though its operational results have improved a bit lately. Interest rate environment and rising bond yields continue to pressure Middlesex and peers, limiting upside despite improved fundamentals. I upgrade Middlesex Water to a hold, but I prefer larger water utilities or other defensive stocks at the present time. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
YORW
US$29.53
York Water
7D
-1.4%
1Y
-6.9%
Analysis Article • May 18

York Water's (NASDAQ:YORW) Profits May Not Reveal Underlying Issues

The York Water Company's ( NASDAQ:YORW ) robust recent earnings didn't do much to move the stock. We think this is due...
ARTN.A
US$32.28
Artesian Resources
7D
-1.5%
1Y
-2.9%