American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) vs WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC)

A side-by-side comparison of American Water Works Company, Inc. and WEC Energy Group, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 20, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAWK vs WEC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AWK +121.7% (+8.3%/yr)WEC +151.7% (+9.7%/yr)WEC compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$222$252
AWK WEC

AWK vs WEC: by the numbers

  • WEC is the larger company ($35.61B vs $27.57B market cap).
  • WEC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (21.19 vs 24.00 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AWK converts more revenue to profit (21.35% vs 16.69% net margin).
  • AWK grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.32% vs 4.98% CAGR).
  • WEC pays the higher dividend yield (3.43% vs 2.43%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAWKWEC
P/E ratio24.0021.19
Forward P/E22.8219.53
P/S ratio5.153.55
P/B ratio2.332.54
EV / EBITDA14.9214.87

Profitability

MetricAWKWEC
Gross margin47.20%50.55%
Operating margin36.94%24.12%
Net margin21.35%16.69%
ROE9.67%11.97%
ROIC4.35%4.49%

Dividends

MetricAWKWEC
Dividend yield2.43%3.43%
Payout ratio59.25%77.16%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAWKWEC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.32%4.98%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.78%5.04%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-3.20%5.97%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AWK or WEC?
WEC has the lower trailing P/E: AWK trades at 24.00 and WEC at 21.19. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AWK or WEC?
Over the past five years, AWK grew revenue faster — AWK at a 6.32% CAGR versus WEC at 4.98%.
Does AWK or WEC pay a bigger dividend?
AWK yields 2.43% and WEC yields 3.43% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AWK or WEC more profitable?
AWK runs the higher net margin — AWK at 21.35% versus WEC at 16.69%.
How have AWK and WEC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AWK delivered 8.27% and WEC delivered 9.44% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 20, 2026.