Utility company Artesian is demonstrating remarkable financial resilience, backed by impressive quarterly results and another boost to shareholder returns. The firm has now distributed dividends for 132 consecutive quarters, underscoring its stable operational foundation.

Artesian delivered a robust third-quarter performance, surpassing market expectations across key financial metrics. Revenue reached $30.49 million, notably exceeding analyst forecasts of $30 million. Net income advanced 2.2% to $7.0 million, while earnings per share climbed 3.0% to $0.68.

The company's performance throughout the first nine months reveals even stronger momentum:

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Artesian?

Demonstrating continued confidence in its financial health, Artesian's board has approved a 2% hike in the quarterly dividend, raising it to $0.3136 per share. This marks the company's second dividend increase this year, bringing the total growth in shareholder distributions to 4% for 2025. The upcoming payment will be distributed on November 24 to shareholders of record as of November 14.

To secure its long-term operational capacity and efficiency, Artesian has committed significant capital to infrastructure development. During the first three quarters, the company allocated $40.5 million toward enhancing its water and wastewater systems. These strategic expenditures are designed to expand service capabilities, improve operational performance, and meet evolving regulatory standards.

While the S&P 500 index has surged 17.2% year-to-date, Artesian shares have delivered a more modest 2.7% return. The stock has actually declined 1.55% over the past three months, currently trading at $32.23. This performance pattern raises questions about whether this defensive utility stock is positioned for a potential reversal, though its solid fundamentals and dependable dividend history present a compelling case for income-focused investors.