Stability is at the top of the list of traits investors look for in dividend stocks, regardless of the sector or industry. The go-to dividend plays of long-term buy-and-hold strategists are not flashy companies or those in red-hot industries, but rather "boring" firms with a proven track record of consistency, even in difficult markets or economic climates. That's not to say, though, that there aren't often-overlooked names that may fit this bill.Get Essential Utilities alerts:Investors may hesitate to pick ...

The companies under the Zacks Utility - Water Supply industry operate continuously to deliver a steady supply of clean, potable water and dependable sewer services to millions across the United States, services that are vital for maintaining public health and hygiene. Traditionally, water demand tends to dip during the winter months, as colder weather limits outdoor usage. In the spring, demand remains moderate, influenced by milder temperatures and gradually increasing outdoor activities.The aging of pipel ...

Core Viewpoint - Middlesex Water Company reported a decrease in net income and diluted EPS for Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to a one-time recovery in the previous year, despite growth in operating revenue and customer base [2][3]. Financial Performance - Net income for Q1 2025 was $9.5 million, with diluted EPS of $0.53, down from $10.7 million and $0.59 in Q1 2024 [2][9]. - Operating revenue increased to $44.3 million, up $3.8 million from $40.5 million in the same quarter last year, driven by rate increases, higher consumption, and customer growth [3][14]. - Operating expenses rose to $32.7 million, an increase of approximately $2.0 million from $30.7 million in Q1 2024, mainly due to higher variable production costs and increased weather-related main break activity [4][14]. Growth Initiatives - The company completed the acquisition of Ocean View water utility assets for approximately $4.6 million, expanding its customer base by serving around 900 customers in Sussex County, Delaware [5][9]. - Middlesex plans to invest approximately $93 million in 2025 to upgrade and enhance its water and wastewater utility infrastructure, having already invested about $19 million in Q1 2025 [7][11]. Rate Applications and Revenue - Middlesex filed a third Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) rate application expected to generate $1.9 million in annual revenues starting June 2025, in addition to existing revenues from previous DSIC filings [6][11]. Dividend Declaration - The Board of Directors declared a second quarter cash dividend of $0.34 per common share, to be paid on June 2, 2025, marking 52 consecutive years of dividend increases [10][11].

The Competition Authority approved the new price for water services in the Tallinn and Saue area at €2.10 per cubic metre for private customers and €3.33 per cubic metre for business customers, excluding VAT. The price change is due to the need to harmonize the price of water for private and business customers, as required by law, and the need for investment to improve the sustainability of the water infrastructure. According to the CEO of Tallinna Vesi, Aleksandr Timofejev, the price for water services for ...