The article highlights three Dividend Kings—stocks with 50+ consecutive years of dividend increases—as attractive options for 2026. Becton, Dickinson & Co. (BDX) is a medical supply leader with strong earnings growth. H2O America (HTO) is a water utility benefiting from population growth in high-demand regions. Stepan Company (SCL) manufactures specialty chemicals but recently missed earnings estimates.

H2O America (NASDAQ: HTO) announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.44 per share, representing a 4.8% increase over the previous quarter. The company's 2026 annualized dividend is expected to be $1.76 per share compared to $1.68 in 2025. H2O America has maintained 58 consecutive years of annual dividend increases and over 80 consecutive years of dividend payments, demonstrating the board's confidence in the company's long-term growth strategy.

H2O America's Texas Water Company (TWC) has received fair market value appraisals from PUCT-appointed appraisers for Quadvest LP assets, with a purchase price of $483.6 million set as the ratemaking rate base. TWC plans to file the Sale-Transfer-Merger application by mid-January and expects to close the acquisition by mid-2026.

H2O America announced the appointment of Nicholas Whitley as vice president of business development, effective December 22, 2025. Whitley brings over 20 years of experience in M&A and infrastructure investing, most recently serving as managing director at NW Natural Holdings where he led over 30 acquisitions. The appointment supports H2O America's strategic growth initiatives across its water and wastewater utilities serving approximately 1.6 million people.

H2O America reported strong Q3 2025 financial performance with a 17% increase in net income, raised full-year EPS guidance, and continued progress on strategic acquisitions in Texas, including Quadvest and Cibolo Valley wastewater system.

Gabelli Funds will host a symposium exploring PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), bringing together experts to discuss environmental and public health challenges related to these persistent 'forever chemicals'.

H2O America's Texas subsidiary, The Texas Water Company, is acquiring Cibolo Valley wastewater assets from South Central Water Company, adding over 1,500 new wastewater connections and expanding its service footprint in Texas.

H2O America plans to report Q2 2025 financial results on July 28, with a conference call on July 29. The company is expanding its Texas operations by acquiring Quadvest, significantly increasing its service connections in the Houston region.

H2O America's Texas Water Company (TWC) will acquire Quadvest for $540 million, expanding its presence in the Houston metro area and increasing its Texas utility connections from 7% to a projected 26% by 2029.

H2O America, a leading water and wastewater utility, has appointed Megan Mattern as its new Chief Accounting Officer, Principal Accounting Officer, and Controller. Mattern brings extensive experience in the utilities and energy sectors, and her appointment coincides with a broader leadership transition at the company.

H2O America, a national investor-owned network of local water and wastewater utilities, has appointed Willie Brown, its vice president and general counsel, to the CalChamber board. Brown will bring his expertise in addressing the challenges faced by businesses in California.