Wall Street's Greatest Dividend Stock Makes for a Screaming Buy in September -- and It's a Company 99% of Investors Have Likely Never Heard of Before

Core Insights - The article highlights the significance of dividend stocks in long-term investing, emphasizing that they have historically outperformed non-dividend stocks and provided stability during market fluctuations [2][3][5]. Company Insights - York Water has paid a continuous dividend since 1816, making it the longest-running dividend-paying public company in the U.S., surpassing other notable companies like Stanley Black & Decker by 60 years [12]. - The company operates as a water and wastewater utility, servicing 57 municipalities in South-Central Pennsylvania, which contributes to its low trading volume and limited public awareness [11]. - York Water's business model benefits from predictable operating cash flow due to its monopoly status in its service areas, allowing for stable revenue projections [13][15]. - The company has a strong track record of securing rate increases from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, with a recent request that could increase annual revenue by $24.2 million, or 32% [16]. Industry Insights - Approximately 80% of S&P 500 companies pay dividends, but only 56 qualify as Dividend Kings, having increased their payouts for at least 50 years [7][8]. - The rarity of companies like York Water, which have paid dividends for over a century, positions them as unique investment opportunities within the broader dividend stock market [9]. - York Water's current valuation is historically low, trading at less than 20 times forward-year earnings, which is a 33% discount compared to its average over the past five years, combined with a 2.8% dividend yield [17].