Vanguard Group Reduces $43M in American Water Works Company, Inc. ($AWK)
Vanguard Group reduced its holdings in American Water Works by 323,056 shares.
Key Points
- Vanguard Group reduced its stake in American Water Works by 323,056 shares, holding 25.9 million shares valued at $3.27 billion as of its latest SEC filing.
- American Water Works trades at $126.31 with a market cap of $24.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.36, and a dividend yield of 2.83%.
- Analysts have mixed views, with UBS upgrading to 'buy' and Truist Securities maintaining a 'hold' with a target price of $130.
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Vanguard Group has trimmed its position in American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE: AWK). According to its latest SEC filing, Vanguard reduced its holdings by 323,056 shares, bringing its total to approximately 25.9 million shares. The value of this stake is about $3.27 billion as of the filing.
What Changed in Vanguard Group's American Water Works Position
Vanguard Group's recent filing shows a reduction of 323,056 shares in American Water Works, decreasing its stake by 1.23%. This adjustment leaves Vanguard with around 25.9 million shares in the company, valued at approximately $3.27 billion.
Other Institutional Activity in American Water Works
Several other institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in American Water Works. BlackRock, Inc. slightly reduced its holdings by 15,018 shares, now holding about 19.5 million shares worth $2.66 billion. Vanguard Capital Management LLC and Vanguard Portfolio Management LLC both initiated new positions, each ending with around 12.7 million and 11.3 million shares, valued at $1.73 billion and $1.54 billion, respectively. Wellington Management Group LLP significantly boosted its stake by 3,936,149 shares, bringing its total to 11 million shares valued at $1.5 billion.
American Water Works Company, Inc. Stock Down 4.2%
Shares of American Water Works (NYSE: AWK) are currently trading at $126.31. The company has a market capitalization of approximately $24.67 billion and a P/E ratio of 22.36. Its forward P/E ratio stands at 19.26, with a beta of 0.613, indicating lower volatility compared to the market. The stock's 52-week range is between $120.57 and $147.87. It has a 50-day moving average of $128.33 and a 200-day moving average of $132.49. The company's current ratio is 0.37, with a quick ratio of 0.275 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 142.33.
$AWK stock price
Daily closing prices, year to date. Not investment advice.
Recent Earnings
American Water Works reported revenue of $5.21 billion with a growth rate of 5.7%. The company's net margin is 21.17%, and it has a return on equity of 10.22%. The next earnings report is expected on July 29, 2026.
Earnings drift grade
Outlook vs expectations on the last report — not price action.
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Forward outlook
3 target cuts vs 0 raises.
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EPS & revenue
EPS missed estimates by 9.3%. Revenue met estimates.
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Profit surprise
EBITDA missed by 3 percent. Operating income missed by 5 percent.
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Pre-earnings setup
Expectations were about average.
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Analyst signal
1 upgrade, 3 target cuts.
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Earnings quality
Positive free cash flow.
Earnings Call Summary
The company delivered first quarter earnings of $1.01 per share, in line with expectations despite a slight miss versus the consensus estimate of $1.10. Revenue of $1.207 billion matched consensus exactly. Management highlighted successful execution on regulatory and capital plans, including secured $185 million in PFAS manufacturer settlements and completion of rate cases in two states. The Essential Utilities merger received Kentucky regulatory approval and is on track to close by the end of the first quarter 2027.
Guidance American Water expects to deliver 8 percent earnings per share growth in 2026, reaching $6.02 to $6.12 per share. The company plans most revenue increases in the second half of the year from new rates in key states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They continue pursuing dividend growth of 7 to 9 percent yearly.
Severe negative reset. The report materially damaged the forward outlook and likely forces major downward revisions.
Dividend
The company offers an annual dividend rate of $3.58, yielding 2.83%. Its dividend payout ratio is 58.69%, with an upcoming ex-dividend date not specified.
Insider Buying and Selling at American Water Works Company, Inc.
On May 13, 2026, several insiders, including Michael Marberry, Karl Kurz, Stuart McGuigan, Jeffrey Edwards, Lisa Grow, and Laurie Havanec, each acquired 1,374 shares. These transactions were not planned under Rule 10b5-1.
Analysts Set New Price Targets
Analysts have varied opinions on American Water Works. On May 29, 2026, UBS upgraded the stock to a 'buy' with a price target of $140. Truist Securities maintained a 'hold' rating with a target of $130 on the same day. B of A Securities kept a 'hold' rating with a $134 target on May 21, 2026. Overall, the consensus recommendation is 'hold', with a mean target price of $135.55 based on 11 analyst opinions.
About American Water Works Company, Inc.
American Water Works Company, Inc., headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, is a leading provider of water and wastewater services in the United States. The company operates numerous treatment plants and maintains a vast network of transmission and distribution systems. Serving approximately 3.6 million customers across 14 states, American Water Works caters to residential, commercial, industrial, and public sector clients. The company was founded in 1886 and is led by CEO John C. Griffith.
Bottom Line
Vanguard Group's reduction in its stake in American Water Works is a notable move in the utility sector. Investors often track these 13F filings to gauge institutional sentiment, though they reflect past positions and might not indicate current holdings. With analysts providing mixed ratings, the stock remains a point of interest for investors watching the utilities space.
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