DG vs AWK Comparison

Since its beginning in 1939, Dollar General has grown to become the largest dollar store operator in the United States, with more than 20,000 small-box discount stores across 48 states. The firm generated over $42 billion in fiscal 2025 sales. The retailer maintains a heavy concentration of stores in rural and low-income markets underserved by big-box retailers. It's 11,000 stock-keeping units, including 2,000 priced at $1 or less, span consumables (82% of sales), seasonal items (10%), home products (5%), and apparel (3%). More than 20% of sales are derived from private label.

American Water Works is the largest investor-owned US water and wastewater utility, serving nearly 4 million customers in 14 states. It provides water and wastewater services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers and operates predominantly in regulated markets. The company's nonregulated business is water services for military bases, which operates under long-term contracts with regulated-like returns. The proposed Essential Utilities acquisition would add regulated water and wastewater utilities in Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas while increasing its presence in Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia.