American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded water and wastewater utility company in the United States. The company primarily owns regulated utilities that provide water and wastewater services to a variety of customers, including residential, commercial, industrial, public authority, fire service, and sale for resale customers, collectively known as the "Regulated Businesses" . These services are offered across 14 states, with the Regulated Businesses segment being the largest part of the company's operations . Additionally, American Water operates businesses that provide water and wastewater services to the U.S. government on military installations and municipalities, which are not regulated by state public utility commissions (PUCs) .
- Regulated Businesses - Provides water and wastewater services to residential, commercial, industrial, public authority, fire service, and sale for resale customers across 14 states.
- Unregulated Operations - Offers water and wastewater services to the U.S. government on military installations and municipalities, operating outside the economic regulation of state public utility commissions.
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| Name | Position | External Roles | Short Bio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
M. Susan Hardwick ExecutiveBoard | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Board Member at New Jersey Resources Corporation; Board Member of NAWC | CEO since February 2022, previously CFO and Interim CEO. Extensive experience in finance and leadership roles at Vectren Corporation and Arthur Andersen & Co.. | View Report → |
Cheryl Norton Executive | Executive Vice President and COO | Board Member at Water Research Foundation | COO since March 2021, with over 35 years at AWK. Previously President of multiple subsidiaries and Chief Environmental Officer. Focus on operational excellence and environmental stewardship. | |
David Bowler Executive | Executive Vice President and CFO | None | CFO since August 2024, previously Deputy CFO and Treasurer at AWK. Expertise in financial management and capital markets. | |
John C. Griffith Executive | Executive Vice President and CFO | None | CFO since May 2022, previously Managing Director at Bank of America Securities and CEO of HighWave Energy. Expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and financial strategy. | |
Stacy A. Mitchell Executive | Executive Vice President and General Counsel | Council Treasurer for AWWA Water Utility Council | General Counsel since June 2024, previously Deputy General Counsel. Extensive experience in regulatory and legal strategy, including roles at SJI Utilities and private practice. | |
Jeffrey N. Edwards Board | Independent Director | Board Member at AAR Corp. and Raymond James Financial | Director since 2018. Former Vice Chairman and CFO at Merrill Lynch, with expertise in capital markets and financial strategy. | |
Julia L. Johnson Board | Independent Director | Board Member at MasTec, Inc. | Director since 2008. President of Net Communications, LLC, with expertise in regulatory policy and governance. | |
Karl F. Kurz Board | Board Chair | Board Member at Royal Helium Ltd., Devon Energy Corporation, Texas Pacific Land Corporation | Board Chair since 2018, director since 2015. Extensive experience in oil and gas industry and capital markets. | |
Kimberly J. Harris Board | Independent Director | Board Member at U.S. Bancorp and Ameren Corp. | Director since 2019. Former CEO of Puget Energy, with expertise in utility operations, regulatory policy, and governance. | |
Laurie P. Havanec Board | Independent Director | EVP and Chief People Officer at CVS Health Corporation | Director since December 2022. Extensive HR leadership experience, including roles at Otis Worldwide and United Technologies Corporation. | |
Martha Clark Goss Board | Independent Director | Board Member at Neuberger Berman Mutual Funds; Board Member at Museum for American Finance | Director since 2003. Extensive experience in finance, risk management, and governance, including roles at Prudential and various public companies. | |
Michael L. Marberry Board | Independent Director | Board Member at AdvanSix Inc. | Director since December 2022. Former CEO of J.M. Huber Corporation, recognized for sustainability leadership and corporate governance expertise. | |
Patricia L. Kampling Board | Independent Director | Board Member at Xcel Energy Inc.; Trustee at The Nature Conservancy (Wisconsin chapter) | Director since 2019. Former CEO of Alliant Energy, with expertise in utility operations, ESG, and workforce development. | |
Stuart M. McGuigan Board | Independent Director | Board Member at Enhabit, Inc. | Director since October 2024. Former CIO at U.S. Department of State and Johnson & Johnson, with expertise in IT strategy, cybersecurity, and innovation. |
- Does the commentary about potentially shifting capital expenditures around also apply to your interest in mergers and acquisitions in Pennsylvania, given the long and arduous road with legislative changes at the commission?
- With the Pennsylvania PUC's unprecedented ROE finding of 9.45% being significantly lower than your requested 10.95%, how will this impact your future capital investments and allocation of capital among your various states?
- Regarding the Butler Area Sewer Authority acquisition, which is approved but under appeal, how is the delay affecting your growth strategy in Pennsylvania, and what contingency plans do you have if the court decision is unfavorable?
- Can you elaborate on the water quality issues raised by the Pennsylvania commission and how you are addressing customer concerns about aesthetic disturbances associated with system improvements in the Northeast service area?
- In the Kentucky rate case, you've mentioned a significant mathematical error affecting your authorized revenues; could you provide more details on this error and its potential impact on your financial results once corrected?
Research analysts who have asked questions during American Water Works Company earnings calls.
Richard Sunderland
JPMorgan Securities LLC
5 questions for AWK
Paul Zimbardo
Jefferies Financial Group Inc.
4 questions for AWK
Jonathan Reeder
Wells Fargo Securities
3 questions for AWK
Agnieszka Storozynski
BofA Securities
2 questions for AWK
Angie Storozynski
Seaport Research Partners
2 questions for AWK
Anthony Crowdell
Mizuho Financial Group
2 questions for AWK
Durgesh Chopra
Evercore ISI
2 questions for AWK
Gregg Orrill
UBS Group AG
2 questions for AWK
Competitors mentioned in the company's latest 10K filing.
| Company | Description |
|---|---|
The company's largest investor-owned competitors, based on a comparison of operating revenues and population served, include this competitor when pursuing acquisitions. | |
The company's largest investor-owned competitors, based on a comparison of operating revenues and population served, include this competitor when pursuing acquisitions. | |
The company's largest investor-owned competitors, based on a comparison of operating revenues and population served, include this competitor when pursuing acquisitions. | |
From time to time, the company faces competition from infrastructure funds, multi-utility companies and others, such as this competitor. | |
From time to time, the company faces competition from infrastructure funds, multi-utility companies and others, such as this competitor. | |
SouthWest Water Company | From time to time, the company faces competition from infrastructure funds, multi-utility companies and others, such as this competitor. |
Corix Infrastructure, Inc. | From time to time, the company faces competition from infrastructure funds, multi-utility companies and others, such as this competitor. |
Veolia Environnement S.A. | MSG faces competition from a number of service providers, including this competitor. |
Notable M&A activity and strategic investments in the past 3 years.
| Company | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
Butler Area Sewer Authority | 2024 | Pennsylvania-American Water Company acquired this system for $230 million in cash, serving approximately 15,000 customer connections across multiple townships; the deal was approved by the PaPUC and completed on October 29, 2024. |
Four Regulated Water and Wastewater Systems | 2024 | The acquisition was executed for an aggregate purchase price of $33 million and added roughly 7,400 water and wastewater customers, with the assets (principally utility plant) accounted for as business combinations and preliminary purchase price allocation pending completion. |
Granite City Wastewater Treatment Plant | 2024 | Illinois-American Water Company acquired the treatment plant for $86 million, adding about 26,000 wastewater customers while assuming $5 million in liabilities against $91 million of assets; the deal received regulatory approval from the Illinois Commerce Commission and closed on March 11, 2024. |
Egg Harbor City | 2023 | The New Jersey subsidiary acquired Egg Harbor City’s water and wastewater assets for $22 million (with a $2 million deposit) to serve a combined 3,000 customers, with the transaction closing on June 1, 2023 and accounted for as a business combination. |
14 Regulated Water and Wastewater Systems | 2022 | Acquired for an aggregate purchase price of $73 million, these systems—primarily consisting of utility plant—were partly accounted for as business combinations and contributed to expanding the company's Regulated Businesses segment. |
8 Regulated Water and Wastewater Systems | 2022 | The company acquired these systems for a total of $25 million, with assets consisting principally of utility plant; the pro forma impact on the Consolidated Statements of Operations was not material. |
York City Sewer Authority and City of York Wastewater System | 2022 | The acquisition, finalized for $235 million (plus an additional revenue adjustment component and a $20 million deposit), expanded regulated operations to serve over 45,000 customers and received PaPUC approval before closing on May 27, 2022; it was structured and accounted for as a business combination. |
4 Regulated Water and Wastewater Systems | 2022 | Completed during the three months ended March 31, 2022, this acquisition was executed for an aggregate purchase price of $5 million, with assets acquired consisting principally of utility plant. |
Recent press releases and 8-K filings for AWK.
- Pennsylvania American Water filed for new water and wastewater rates to fund $1.2 billion in capital investments through mid-2027, targeting $169 million in incremental annual revenue plus $19 million in infrastructure surcharges; the proposal uses a 10.95% return on equity and a 55.33% equity ratio, with rates effective August 2026 if approved.
- The requested funding supports replacing 117 miles of aging water main, continued lead service line removal, PFAS mitigation and 32 miles of wastewater main upgrades.
- Estimated customer impacts include a $14 monthly bump for typical water service, $10 for wastewater and $20 for combined stormwater/wastewater systems.
- Proposals also feature a Deduct Adjustment to calculate summer wastewater bills using average winter water use and a Renter Assistance Pilot Program offering quarterly stipends to low-income renters in master-metered buildings.
- Virginia American Water filed with the Virginia SCC for a $21.9 million annual revenue increase to support over $115 million in water and wastewater system investments.
- The company’s proposed interim rates, effective on or about May 1, 2026, would raise monthly bills by approximately $11 for an average residential customer using 4,000 gallons per month.
- Investments encompass treatment-plant updates, pipeline replacements, and upgrades to storage tanks, pumping stations and meters; the last general rate case was filed in November 2023.
- Final rates remain subject to SCC approval, with any difference between interim and final rates refunded to customers.
- Q3 EPS of $2.53 (vs. $2.37 YoY) and YTD EPS of $4.47, up 9.0% on a weather-normalized basis; 2025 EPS guidance reaffirmed at $5.70–$5.75.
- 2026 EPS guidance initiated at $6.02–$6.12, implying ~8% growth at midpoint on a weather-normalized basis.
- Completed financing: $900 M 30-year senior notes at 5.70% in August and $800 M 10-year senior notes at 5.25% in February; entered into $1 B equity forward agreements for mid-2026 settlement.
- Advanced regulatory and M&A execution: $600 M+ of acquisitions under agreement (~107,000 customer connections) and announced merger with Essential Utilities; completed rate cases in TN, VA, MO, IA, HI and filed cases in KY, WV, CA, MD.
- Q3 2025 EPS were $1.94 vs $1.80 in Q3 2024; YTD EPS were $4.47 vs $4.17 in 2024.
- Affirmed 2025 weather-normalized EPS guidance of $5.70–$5.75, including $0.10 per share incremental interest from the amended HOS note.
- Initiated 2026 EPS guidance of $6.02–$6.12, implying ~8% EPS growth at the midpoint versus 2025.
- Announced all-stock merger with Essential Utilities, expected to close in Q1 2027.
- Affirmed long-term targets: EPS and dividend per share CAGR of 7–9%, rate base growth of 8–9%, and capital plans of $19–$20 B for 2026–2030 and $46–$48 B for 2026–2035.
- The companies agreed to an all-stock merger in which American Water Works shareholders will own 69% and Essential Utilities shareholders 31% of the combined entity, with closing expected by end of Q1 2027 subject to customary approvals.
- The combined company will have a $34 billion rate base as of end-2024, serve 5.4 million water, wastewater and gas connections across 17 states (including ~750,000 gas customers), operate under the American Water name and be headquartered in Camden, NJ.
- Leadership will include John Griffith as President & CEO and Chris Franklin as Executive Vice Chair, supported by a 15-member board (10 American Water and 5 Essential directors) chaired by Carl Kerse.
- Financial targets remain unchanged: 7–9% EPS growth, 8–9% rate base growth, 7–9% dividend per share growth with a 55–60% payout ratio, and the merger is expected to be accretive in year one post-close.
- American Water and Essential Utilities boards have approved an all-stock merger under which American Water shareholders will own 69% and Essential Utilities shareholders 31% of the combined company; the deal is expected to close by end of 2027, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
- The pro forma combined utility will have a rate base of ~$34 billion, serve >5.4 million water, wastewater and gas connections across 17 states, and include ~750,000 natural gas customers in Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
- Post-close leadership will feature John Griffith as President & CEO and Chris Franklin as Executive Vice Chair; the Board will comprise 10 American Water and 5 Essential Utilities directors, and the company will be headquartered in Camden, NJ, maintaining strong regional offices in Bryn Mawr and Pittsburgh.
- The transaction supports maintaining American Water’s long-term targets: 8–9% rate base growth, 7–9% EPS growth, 7–9% dividend per share growth, a 55–60% payout ratio, and 2% acquired customer growth on a combined basis.
- Under a board-approved all-stock merger, American Water Works shareholders will own ~69% and Essential Utilities shareholders ~31% of the combined company; the deal is expected to close by end of Q1 2027.
- The combined company will have a pro forma rate base of $34 billion and serve 5.4 million connections across 17 states (including ~750 000 gas customers) and 18 military installations.
- Post-close leadership will include John Griffith as CEO, Chris Franklin as Executive Vice Chair of the Board, and a 15-member board (10 AW and 5 EU directors); headquarters will be in Camden, NJ.
- Financial targets remain unchanged with 7%–9% EPS growth, 8%–9% rate base growth, and a 55%–60% dividend payout ratio; the transaction is accretive in year one.
- The companies agreed to an all-stock merger, with American Water shareholders owning 69% and Essential Utilities shareholders owning 31% of the combined entity.
- Post-close leadership will include John Griffith as President & CEO and Chris Franklin as Executive Vice Chair, supported by a 15-member board (10 American Water directors, 5 Essential Utilities directors).
- The combined company will be headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, while maintaining major operations in Bryn Mawr and Pittsburgh.
- The merger preserves American Water’s long-term targets: 7%–9% EPS growth, 8%–9% rate base growth, 7%–9% dividend growth, and a 55%–60% dividend payout ratio.
- Expected to close by end of Q1 2027, the transaction is EPS-accretive in year one post-close, with a pro forma 2024 rate base of $34 billion and an estimated $41 billion in 2026.
- American Water (AWK) and Essential Utilities (WTRG) will combine in an all-stock, tax-free merger to form a pro forma $40 billion market cap (enterprise value ~$63 billion) regulated water and wastewater utility serving 4.7 million connections across 17 states with a combined rate base of $29.3 billion.
- Under the agreement, Essential shareholders will receive 0.305 AWK shares per WTRG share, resulting in a 69% ownership for AWK shareholders and 31% for WTRG shareholders on a fully diluted basis.
- The transaction is expected to be EPS-accretive in the first year post-close, and the combined company will sustain AWK’s long-term 7–9% EPS and dividend per share growth targets.
- The merger entails no debt issuance, preserving a strong investment-grade credit profile within current S&P (A/A-) and Moody’s (Baa1/Baa2) ratings bands.
- The deal is anticipated to close by end of Q1 2027, subject to customary regulatory approvals (including PA, NJ, TX, VA) and shareholder votes.
- American Water Works and Essential Utilities to merge in an all-stock, tax-free deal creating a leading U.S. water utility with a combined market capitalization of $40 billion and enterprise value of $63 billion.
- Essential shareholders will receive 0.305 shares of American Water per share, reflecting a 10% premium, resulting in a pro-forma ownership split of 69% for American Water and 31% for Essential.
- The combined company will serve 4.7 million connections across 17 states with a water and wastewater rate base of $29.3 billion.
- The merger is expected to close by end of Q1 2027, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals, and to be accretive to EPS in the first year after closing.
- Essential Utilities has a record of 32 consecutive years of dividend increases and a current yield of approximately 3%.