American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR) saw a significant increase in short interest in the month of February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 912,552 shares, an increase of 25.8% from the February 12th total of 725,679 shares. Currently, 2.4% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 270,260 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.4 days. Based on an average daily volume of 270,260 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.4 days. Currently, 2.4% of the shares of the company are short sold.

American States Water Price Performance

American States Water stock traded down $0.35 during trading hours on Monday, hitting $75.26. The stock had a trading volume of 181,018 shares, compared to its average volume of 241,214. American States Water has a 1-year low of $69.45 and a 1-year high of $82.94. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.33, a PEG ratio of 3.73 and a beta of 0.69. The stock’s fifty day moving average is $73.76 and its two-hundred day moving average is $73.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88, a current ratio of 1.32 and a quick ratio of 1.23.

American States Water (NYSE:AWR) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 18th. The utilities provider reported $0.74 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.68 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $164.28 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $168.82 million. American States Water had a return on equity of 13.10% and a net margin of 19.82%. As a group, analysts predict that American States Water will post 3.34 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

American States Water Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 5th. Investors of record on Monday, February 23rd were given a dividend of $0.504 per share. This represents a $2.02 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, February 23rd. American States Water’s payout ratio is currently 59.64%.

Institutional Trading of American States Water

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. State of Wyoming acquired a new position in American States Water in the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd lifted its holdings in American States Water by 610.5% in the 3rd quarter. Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd now owns 540 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 464 shares in the last quarter. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its stake in shares of American States Water by 113.6% during the 4th quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 549 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 292 shares during the last quarter. Plato Investment Management Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of American States Water during the 4th quarter worth about $45,000. Finally, Motiv8 Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of American States Water during the fourth quarter worth about $45,000. 75.24% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c)” rating on shares of American States Water in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $84.00.

About American States Water

American States Water Company (NYSE: AWR), founded in 1929 and headquartered in San Dimas, California, is a publicly traded utility holding company. The company operates primarily through two regulated segments—water and electric utilities—and provides non-regulated water system services. Over its history, American States Water has expanded its footprint through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, positioning itself as a reliable provider of essential services in its core territories.

Within its regulated water utility segment, American States Water serves more than 250,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across 35 communities in six counties of California.