American Water Works misses quarterly profit and revenue estimates as expenses climb
The utility company reported lower than expected fourth-quarter results amid rising costs. It plans to invest billions in system upgrades over the next decade.
Insights:
American Water Works Company, Inc. reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.24 per share and total operating revenue of $1.27 billion, both of which fell below Wall Street estimates. The results for the US 
US utility provider were impacted by rising expenses during the period, according to figures released on February 18, 2026. Data from LSEG confirmed that both the adjusted profit and the total revenue missed the consensus expectations of analysts.
US utility provider were impacted by rising expenses during the period, according to figures released on February 18, 2026. Data from LSEG confirmed that both the adjusted profit and the total revenue missed the consensus expectations of analysts.Alongside the financial results, the company announced a comprehensive water and wastewater systems upgrade ($46–$48 billion 10-year investment plan). This decade-long initiative is closely tied to the company’s expense profile and its affirmed 2026 adjusted earnings forecast. The scale of the project highlights the significant capital requirements currently facing the water and wastewater utility sector.
