American States Water Co (AWR), Aqua America Inc (WTR): Four Investments Distributing More Than Just Dividends

This laser-like focus has obviously paid off, and investors may want to give Aqua America Inc (NYSE:WTR) preference among the group because of it.

Dividends keep flowing
Since their businesses are virtually assured, each of these companies is able to provide their shareholders with a flowing stream of dividends. American States Water Company is no stranger to providing its investors with healthy dividend raises. The company represents the gold standard among dividend payers. American States Water Co (NYSE:AWR) recently increased its distribution by a very healthy 14%. The company has provided investors with dividend payments every year since 1931, and has increased its payout each year since 1954.

Earlier this year, American Water Works increased its dividend by 12%. Although the company is new to the universe of dividend-paying stocks, having gone public in 2008, it has increased its payout five times since its IPO. Meanwhile, Aqua America Inc (NYSE:WTR) recently declared its 23^rd dividend increase in the last 22 years. The company upped its payout by 9%, and yields 3.1% at recent prices.   And, for its part, California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT) has paid consecutive dividends for 274 quarters in a row, a streak amounting to nearly 69 years.

Enjoy a tall glass of profits and dividends
Water is a finite resource and one that we need to survive. As a result, water utilities provide an excellent alternative within the utility sector. Like electric utilities, water is something that consumers will utilize in a good economy or bad. And, also like electric utilities, water utilities are able to pass on gradual rate increases to their customers. If you’re weary of the same old electric utilities, water utilities could be a great way to diversify your holdings, while still enjoying the reliable results that utility investors count on.

Each of these stocks has demonstrated a commitment to paying and raising their dividends over time, meaning income investors will see a lot to like from this group. If you’re interested in water utilities, let American States Water Co (NYSE:AWR), American Water Works Company Inc (NYSE:AWK), Aqua America Inc (NYSE:WTR), and California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT) be the foundation of your research.

The article 4 Investments Distributing More Than Just Dividends originally appeared on Fool.com is written by Robert Ciura.

Robert Ciura has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Aqua America and California Water Service Group. 

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