AWR's 72-year dividend growth streak, stronger cash flow and regulated growth opportunities support its long-term payout strategy.

Investors love dividend stocks because they provide dependable passive income streams and an excellent opportunity for solid total return.

These stocks have terrific track records for dividend growth, and they're likely to continue raising their payouts for the foreseeable future.

Investors seeking defensive companies that pay substantial dividends are drawn to the Dividend Kings, and for good reason.

American States Water NYSE: AWR reported second-quarter 2026 earnings of $1.09 per share, up from $0.87 per share a year earlier, as its water, electric and contracted services businesses each posted year-over-year gains.

AWR tops Q2 earnings estimates as water rate increases lifted profits, while revenues rise 11.2% and the dividend increases 8.2%.

American States Water Company (AWR) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Prepared Remarks Transcript

American States Water Company remains a hold due to persistent overvaluation versus sector peers and insufficient risk-adjusted upside. Recent EPS growth is largely driven by non-recurring items—primarily a CPUC rate hike and seasonal demand recovery—limiting forward earnings visibility. AWR's heavy California exposure subjects it to regulatory, environmental, and CapEx risks, undermining its premium valuation.

SAN DIMAS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American States Water Company (NYSE:AWR) today reported basic and fully diluted earnings per share of $1.10 and $1.09, respectively, for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, as compared to basic and fully diluted earnings per share of $0.87 for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $0.22 per fully diluted share or 25.3%, primarily generated from higher earnings at the water utility segment resulting largely from, among other factors, the implementation.

Amundi reduced its stake in shares of American States Water Company (NYSE: AWR) by 3.9% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 223,802 shares of the utilities provider's stock after selling 9,020 shares during the