American Water Works stock falls 1.69 percent as earnings beat estimates
Published on 09/22/2026 at 14:20 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
American Water Works stock (ISIN US0304201033) closed at USD 135.90 on the NYSE on September 21, 2026, down 1.69 percent from the prior session. The decline came despite quarterly earnings of USD 1.61 per share in the latest reported quarter, which exceeded the USD 1.53 consensus estimate.
Quarterly revenue rises 6.2 percent
American Water Works Company, Inc. reported revenue of USD 1.35 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared with analyst expectations of USD 1.33 billion. According to MarketBeat on September 22, 2026, revenue increased 6.2 percent from the same quarter of the prior year, while earnings per share rose from USD 1.48 to USD 1.61.
The comparison matters because the earnings beat was USD 0.08 per share, while the revenue beat was USD 0.02 billion. American Water Works also maintained fiscal 2026 earnings guidance of USD 6.02 to USD 6.12 per share for the year ending December 31, 2026, according to MarketBeat.
Analysts remain cautious
The stock price sits below the analyst consensus target. According to MarketBeat on September 22, 2026, the average rating was Hold and the average price target was USD 140.11. The same report said UBS lifted its target from USD 156.00 to USD 162.00 and maintained a Buy rating on September 10, 2026.
That view is balanced by Barclays, which raised its price objective from USD 124.00 to USD 130.00 but retained an Underweight rating on July 15, 2026, according to MarketBeat. The split between Buy, Hold and Sell views highlights valuation and regulatory sensitivity alongside the utility's earnings growth.
Stock remains below yearly high
American Water Works stock last closed at USD 135.90 on September 21, 2026, on the NYSE. A recent market overview placed the 52-week range at USD 120.57 to USD 145.64 and market capitalization at approximately USD 27.05 billion as of September 21, 2026.
The closing level was USD 4.21 below the average analyst target of USD 140.11 and USD 9.74 below the cited 52-week high of USD 145.64. For investors, the key comparison is therefore between fiscal 2026 earnings guidance of USD 6.02 to USD 6.12 per share and a share price that remains below the upper end of its recent trading range.
American Water Works stock facts
- Company: American Water Works Company, Inc.
- ISIN: US0304201033
- Ticker: AWK
- Trading venue: NYSE
- Price as of September 21, 2026: USD 135.90
- Market capitalization: Approximately USD 27.05 billion as of September 21, 2026
- Sector / Industry: Utilities / Water Utilities
