Why Artesian Resources (ARTNA) is a Top Dividend Stock for Your Portfolio

Company Overview - Artesian Resources (ARTNA) is a water resource management company based in Newark, operating in the Utilities sector with a year-to-date share price change of 5.72% [3]. Dividend Information - Artesian Resources currently pays a dividend of $0.31 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.68%, which is higher than the Utility - Water Supply industry's yield of 2.5% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.59% [3]. - The company's annualized dividend of $1.23 has increased by 4.1% from the previous year, with a total of five dividend increases over the last five years, averaging an annual increase of 4.17% [4]. - The current payout ratio for Artesian Resources is 58%, indicating that it pays out 58% of its trailing 12-month earnings per share as dividends [4]. Earnings Growth - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Artesian Resources' earnings per share for 2025 is projected at $2.16, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 9.09% [5]. Investment Appeal - Artesian Resources is viewed as an attractive dividend investment, supported by its strong dividend yield and consistent growth, alongside a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [7].