Meet Wall Street's Safest Dividend Stock: A Small-Cap Company Few Investors Know Exists

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the long-term benefits of investing in dividend-paying stocks, highlighting their consistent performance and lower volatility compared to non-dividend stocks over the past decades [3][4]. Dividend Stocks Performance - Dividend stocks have averaged a 9.17% annual return from 1973 to 2023, with 6% less volatility than the S&P 500, while non-dividend stocks only achieved a 4.27% annualized return and were 18% more volatile [4]. Characteristics of Successful Dividend Stocks - Companies that regularly distribute dividends tend to be profitable and provide transparent long-term growth outlooks, making them attractive investments [5]. - Examples of strong dividend stocks include Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson, both of which have increased their dividends for 62 consecutive years [6][7]. York Water Company Overview - York Water, a small-cap utility company, has paid continuous dividends since its founding in 1816, boasting a 208-year streak, which is significantly longer than other public companies [11][13]. - The company operates in a regulated environment, ensuring predictable cash flow and stability in its operations [16]. Financial Performance and Growth - In January 2023, York Water received approval to increase rates for 75,000 customers, leading to an 18% revenue increase last year [17]. - Despite a modest yield of 2.2%, York Water's quarterly payout has grown by 164% since 2000, with its share price increasing by 573% during the same period [19].