Why Artesian Resources (ARTNA) is a Great Dividend Stock Right Now

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 6.8% [3] Dividend Information - The company currently pays a dividend of $0.31 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.64%, which is significantly higher than the Utility - Water Supply industry's yield of 2.57% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.52% [3] - Artesian Resources has an annualized dividend of $1.23, reflecting a 4.1% increase from the previous year, and has increased its dividend five times over the last five years, averaging an annual increase of 4.17% [4] Earnings Growth and Future Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 projects earnings of $2.16 per share, indicating a 9.09% increase from the previous year [5] - Future dividend growth will depend on earnings growth and the company's payout ratio, which currently stands at 58%, meaning 58% of its trailing 12-month EPS is paid out as dividends [4] Investment Appeal - Artesian Resources is characterized as an attractive dividend play and a compelling investment opportunity, holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [6]