This Company Has Raised Its Dividend for 72 Straight Years. Almost Nobody Talks About It.
American States Water (AWR) raised its dividend by 8.2%, extending its streak to 72 years. The company, with 1 million customers, operates water and electric utilities in California and maintains facilities at military bases. It plans to invest $185M-$220M this year and recently acquired a water system for $5.3M. AWR has grown its dividend at an 8.7% annual rate over the past decade, with a current yield of 2.5%.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The dividend hike reinforces AWR's appeal to income investors and may trigger modest buying pressure, though the impact is likely limited to the dividend‑focused segment.
Market read
AWR's dividend increase underscores the strength of dividend‑paying utilities and could spur modest inflows into similar high‑yield stocks.
What to watch
Potential rate‑increase pressures and capital‑intensive projects could constrain future cash flow.
Background
American States Water (AWR) is a regulated water and electric utility with a 72‑year dividend streak, recently raising its payout by 8.2%.
Ticker impact
American States Water raised its dividend 8.2% last month, extending its 72‑year dividend growth streak.
Modest upside as dividend‑seeking buyers add to the stock, likely 2‑4% over the next few weeks.
Dividend hikes in utility stocks historically lead to short‑term price support, especially with a long‑standing track record.
Market effects
Highlights the resilience of regulated utility sector and may boost sentiment toward other Dividend Kings.
Positive for U.S. utility stocks, especially those with strong dividend histories.
Limited; primarily a U.S. income‑investor story.
Counterpoint
The modest dividend bump may be priced in already, limiting upside.
Key entities
- companyAmerican States Water
U.S. regulated water and electric utility (ticker AWR).
