2026 List Of All 49 Utilities Sector Stocks

Updated on May 28th, 2026 by Bob Ciura

Spreadsheet data updated daily

Utility stocks can make excellent investments for long-term dividend growth investors.

Durable, regulatory-based competitive advantages allow these companies to consistently raise their rates over time. In turn, this allows them to raise their dividend payments year in and year out.

Even better, many utility stocks have above-average dividend yields, providing a compelling combination of income now and growth later for long-term investors.

Because of these favorable industry characteristics, we’ve compiled a list of utility stocks. The list is derived from the major utility sector exchange-traded funds JXI and XLU.

You can download the list of all utility stocks (along with important financial ratios such as dividend yields and payout ratios) by clicking on the link below:

2026 List Of All 49 Utilities Sector Stocks

Keep reading this article to learn more about the benefits of investing in utility stocks.

The following table of contents provides for easy navigation:

How To Use The Utility Dividend Stocks List To Find Investment Ideas

Having an Excel database of all the dividend-paying utility stocks combined with important investing metrics and ratios is very useful.

This tool becomes even more powerful when combined with knowledge of how to use Microsoft Excel to find the best investment opportunities.

With that in mind, this section will provide a quick explanation of how you can instantly search for utility stocks with particular characteristics, using two screens as an example.

The first screen that we will implement is for utility stocks with price-to-earnings ratios below 15.

Screen 1: Low P/E Ratios

Step 1: Download the Utility Dividend Stocks Excel Spreadsheet List at the link above.

Step 2: Click the filter icon at the top of the price-to-earnings ratio column, as shown below.

Step 3: Change the filter field to “Less Than” and input “15” into the field beside it.

The remaining list of stocks contains dividend-paying utility stocks with price-to-earnings ratios less than 15. As you can see, there are relatively few securities (at the time of this writing) that meet this strict valuation cutoff.

The next section demonstrates how to screen for large-cap stocks with high dividend yields.

Screen 2: Large-Cap Stocks With High Dividend Yields

Businesses are often categorized based on their market capitalization. Market capitalization is calculated as stock price multiplied by the number of shares outstanding and gives a marked-to-market perception of what people think a business is worth on average.

Large-cap stocks are loosely defined as businesses with a market capitalization above $10 billion and are perceived as lower risk than their smaller counterparts. Accordingly, screening for large-cap stocks with high dividend yields could provide interesting investment opportunities for conservative, income-oriented investors.

Here’s how to use the Utility Dividend Stocks Excel Spreadsheet List to find such investment opportunities.

Step 1: Download the Utility Dividend Stocks Excel Spreadsheet List at the link above.

Step 2: Click the filter icon at the top of the Market Cap column, as shown below.

Step 3: Change the filter setting to “Greater Than”, and input 10000 into the field beside it. Note that since market capitalization is measured in millions of dollars in this Excel sheet, filtering for stocks with market capitalizations greater than “$10,000 millions” is equivalent for screening for those with market capitalizations exceeding $10 billion.

Step 4: Close that filter window (by exiting it, not by clicking ‘clear filter’) and click on the filter icon for the “dividend yield” column, as shown below.

Step 5: Change the filter setting to “Greater Than” and input 0.03 into the column beside it. Note that 0.03 is equivalent to 3%.

The remaining stocks in this list are those with market capitalizations above $10 billion and dividend yields above 3%. This narrowed investment universe is suitable for investors looking for low-risk, high-yield securities.

You now have a solid fundamental understanding of how to use the Utility Dividend Stocks Excel Spreadsheet List to its fullest potential.

The remainder of this article will discuss the characteristics that make the utility sector attractive for dividend growth investors.

Why Utility Dividend Stocks Make Attractive Investments

The word “utility” describes a wide variety of business models but is usually used as a reference to electric utilities — companies that engage in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.

Other types of utilities include propane utilities and water utilities.

So why do these businesses make for attractive investments?

Utilities usually conduct business in highly regulated markets, complying with rules set by federal, state, and municipal governments.

While this sounds highly unattractive on the surface, what it means in practice is that utilities are basically legal monopolies.

The strict regulatory environment that utility businesses operate in creates a strong and durable competitive advantage for existing industry participants.

For this reason, electric utilities are among the most popular stocks for long-term dividend growth investors — especially because they tend to offer above-average dividend yields.

Indeed, the regulatory-based competitive advantages available to utility stocks give them the consistency to raise their dividends regularly.

Simply put, utility stocks are some of the most dependable dividend stocks around.

To provide a few examples, the following utility stocks have exceptionally long streaks of consecutive dividend increases:

The long streak of consecutive dividend increases is possible only because of their unique industry-specific competitive advantages.

Clearly, the utility sector is very stable. People are going to need electricity and water in ever-increasing amounts for the foreseeable future.

One characteristic that does not describe utility stocks is high growth. One of the regulatory constraints imposed upon utility companies is the pace at which they can increase the fees paid by their customers.

These rate increases are usually in the low-single-digits, which provides a cap on the revenue growth experienced by these companies.

Utility stocks typically don’t offer strong total returns, but there are exceptions.

The Top 10 Utility Stocks Now

Taking all of the above into consideration, the following section discusses our top 10 list of North American utility stocks today, based on their expected annual returns over the next five years.

The rankings in this article are derived from our expected total return estimates from the Sure Analysis Research Database.

The 10 utility stocks with the highest projected five-year total returns are ranked in this article, from lowest to highest.

Related: Watch the video below to learn how to calculate expected total return for any stock.

Expected returns are calculated based upon the combination of current dividend yield, expected change in valuation, as well as expected annual earnings-per-share growth.

This determines which utility stocks offer the best total return potential for shareholders.

The top 10 list below includes the 10 utility stocks with the highest annual expected returns.

Further, only utility stocks with a Dividend Risk Score of ‘C’ or higher were included, to focus on the utility stocks with a high level of dividend safety.

Top Utility Stock #10: Chesapeake Utilities Corp. (CPK)

5-year expected annual returns: 12.1%

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (CPK) is a diversified energy delivery company operating primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania), North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Ohio.

The company is engaged in the distribution of natural gas, propane, and electricity, as well as the generation of electricity and steam, and the provision of mobile compressed natural gas.

CPK operates the two reportable segments. Regulated Energy is made up of natural gas transmission services businesses, as well as natural gas and electric distribution businesses.

The Unregulated Energy segment sells propane to residential, commercial, industrial, and wholesale customers. This is through its Sharp Energy, Inc., SharpGas, Inc., Diversified Energy, FPU, Marlin Gas Services, and Flo-gas subsidiaries. It also includes CHP, CNG, and Ohio transmission.

On May 6, CPK shared its earnings report for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. The company’s operating revenue rose by 18.2% over the year-ago period to $353.1 million during the quarter.

That was powered by a mix of transmission projects placed into service in recent quarters, constructive rate case outcomes in Maryland, Delaware, and Florida, and colder weather in the quarter.

CPK’s adjusted diluted EPS surged 11.3% higher year-over-year to $2.47 for the quarter. This topped the analyst consensus during the quarter by $0.09.

On the same day, CPK also upped its quarterly dividend per share by 7.3% to $0.735.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on CPK (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

Top Utility Stock #9: Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG)

5-year expected annual returns: 12.1%

Essential Utilities is the second largest publicly traded water utility in the U.S., serving approximately 5.5 million customers across 10 states.

The company has raised its dividend for 34 consecutive years, which qualifies it to be a member of the Dividend Champions, and has paid a quarterly dividend for 80 consecutive years.

On October 27th, 2025, Essential Utilities agreed to merge with American Water Works (AWK) in an all-stock deal. As per the terms of the deal, which is expected to close in Q1-2027.

The shareholders of Essential Utilities will own ~31% of the new company and the shareholders of American Water Works will own the remaining 69%. Management expects the new company to grow its earnings-per-share and its dividend by 7%-9% per year.

On May 6th, 2026, Essential Utilities reported results for the first quarter of 2026. Revenue grew 10% over last year’s quarter, mostly thanks to rate hikes in both segments.

Earnings-per-share fell -19%, from $1.03 to $0.83, due to higher taxes and operating costs. Management reiterates its guidance for adjusted earnings-per-share of $2.17-$2.26 in 2026.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on WTRG (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

Top Utility Stock #8: American Water Works (AWK)

5-year expected annual returns: 12.1%

American Water Works is the largest and most geographically diverse, publicly traded water and wastewater utility company in the United States, as measured by both operating revenues and population served.

The company provides drinking water, wastewater, and other related services to approximately 14 million people across 24 states, including regulated operations in 14 states.

Its regulated business includes approximately 3.6 million active customer connections, consisting of 3,242 thousand water customers and 330 thousand wastewater customers.

The company also provides water and wastewater services to the U.S. government and military through 18 installations. American Water Works generated $5.14 billion in revenue last year.

On April 29th, 2026, American Water Works raised its dividend by 8.2% to a quarterly rate of $0.895.

On the same day, American Water Works posted its Q1 results for the period ending March 31st, 2026. Operating revenue rose by 5.7% year-over-year to $1.21 billion from $1.14 billion in 2025.

The increase in revenues was driven by authorized revenue increases from completed general rate cases, and incremental revenue from closed acquisitions.

First quarter GAAP EPS came in at $1.00, compared to $1.05 in 2025, while adjusted EPS was $1.01 compared to $1.02 in the prior-year period.

Revenue growth in the Regulated Businesses was offset by higher operating costs, depreciation, and financing costs to support the company’s capital investment plan.

For FY2026, management reaffirmed its adjusted EPS guidance range of $6.02 to $6.12, and reaffirmed its long-term EPS and dividend growth targets of 7% to 9%.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on AWK (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

Top Utility Stock #7: Eversource Energy (ES)

5-year expected annual returns: 12.3%

Eversource Energy is a diversified holding company with subsidiaries that provide regulated electric, gas, and water distribution services in the Northeast U.S.

ES serves more than four million utility customers.

These businesses serve nearly 250,000 customers in 73 towns and cities. The company anticipates that its Aquarion water businesses will be divested sometime in 2026 (if approved by PURA).

On February 12th, ES released its financial results for the fourth quarter. Total operating revenue rose by 13.4% over the year-ago period to $3.37 billion in the quarter.

Base distribution rate increases (in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Connecticut) and continued system investments fueled this top-line growth during the quarter.

ES logged $1.12 in non-GAP EPS for the quarter, which was a 10.9% year-over-year growth rate. This exceeded the analyst consensus in the quarter by $0.02.

The company’s non-GAAP net profit margin held steady at 12.5% during the quarter.

ES announced a 4.7% raise to its quarterly dividend per share to $0.7875. That represents its 28th consecutive year of dividend growth.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on ES (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

Top Utility Stock #6: Edison International (EIX)

5-year expected annual returns: 12.3%

Edison International is a utility holding company that serves as the primary architect for California’s clean energy transition.

It builds and operates the massive electric grid infrastructure required to deliver that power to millions. The company primarily operates through the two following business segments.

Southern California Edison serves a 50,000-square-mile territory and 15 million people. It is a pure-play wires company, which means it has largely divested from fossil-fuel generation to focus on the transmission and distribution of carbon-free electricity.

Trio is the company’s non-regulated arm. It is a global sustainability and energy advisory firm that consults Fortune 500 companies.

It helps large-scale energy users navigate global energy markets, manage their carbon footprints, and implement large scale renewable energy procurement.

On April 28th, EIX released its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31st, 2026. The company’s operating revenue rose by 7.7% over the year-ago period to $4.10 billion during the quarter.

The final decision on the 2025 General Rate Case (adopted in Q3 2025), rate base growth through its outsized capital expenditures, and higher pass-through costs (operating and maintenance costs and property taxes) were key top-line growth catalysts in the quarter.

EIX’s core EPS grew by 3.6% year-over-year to $1.42 for the quarter. That came in $0.09 above the analyst consensus during the quarter.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on EIX (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

Top Utility Stock #5: Artesian Resources (ARTNA)

5-year expected annual returns: 12.5%

Artesian Resources provides water, wastewater, and other services, primarily in the Delaware region. Artesian Resources sells and distributes water to residential, commercial, industrial, governmental, and utility customers throughout the state.

In addition, Artesian Resources provides water for public and private fire protection in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The company produces 9.7 billion gallons of water annually through over 1,500 miles of water main, serving approximately 301,000 people.

On May 5, 2026, ARTNA released its earnings report for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. Total operating revenue rose by 7.3% over the year-ago period to $27.77 million in the quarter.

The driving force behind this top line growth in absolute dollars during the quarter was the implementation of temporary rate increases in Delaware.

These are allowed while the company awaits a decision on its 10.75% net incremental increase in revenue on its rate case filed in April 2025 with Delaware’s Public Service Commission.

ARTNA’s other utility operating revenue grew by 6.2% year-over-year to $3.57 million for the quarter. Expanding volume and revenue associated with industrial wastewater services were the primary factors contributing to this topline growth in the quarter.

Finally, non-utility operating revenue climbed 9.5% higher over the year-ago period to $2.02 million during the quarter. ARTNA’s diluted EPS jumped 7.5% higher year-over-year to $0.57 in the quarter.

On the same day, the regulated utility raised its quarterly dividend per share by 2% to $0.3199. This represented the 33rd consecutive year of dividend growth.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on ARTNA (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

Top Utility Stock #4: Portland General Electric (POR)

5-year expected annual returns: 12.5%

Portland General Electric is an electric utility based in Portland, Oregon, providing electricity to more than 950,000 customers in 51 cities.

The company owns or contracts more than 3.5 gigawatts of energy generation, between gas, coal, wind & solar, and hydro. In 2025, the corporation generated $3.6 billion in revenue.

The utility company is diversified by customer, with 34% of retail deliveries going to residential customers, 31% to commercial clients, and 35% to industrial clients.

On April 24th, 2026, Portland General Electric announced a 5% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.5513 per share.

Portland General reported Q1 2026 results on May 1st, 2026. The company reported net income of $45 million for the quarter, equal to $0.38 per diluted share on a GAAP basis, compared to $0.91 in Q1 2025. Adjusted EPS was $0.58.

During the quarter, commercial, and residential deliveries declined by 2.3% and 6.2% over the prior-year period, respectively. Meanwhile, industrial energy deliveries jumped 9.3%.

Leadership reaffirmed its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance at a midpoint of $3.43, assuming approximately 2% annual growth in energy deliveries.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on POR (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

Top Utility Stock #3: Unitil Corp. (UTL)

5-year expected annual returns: 12.6%

Unitil is made up of five wholly owned distribution utilities and can trace its corporate roots back to 1849, with the founding of Portland Gas Light Company.

Its primary electric subsidiary, Unitil Energy Systems, was organized in 1901 as the Concord Electric Company and currently provides electric service to the capital and seacoast regions of New Hampshire.

Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company serves both electric and natural gas customers in the greater Fitchburg area of north central Massachusetts.

Northern Utilities provides natural gas service to customers in southeastern New Hampshire and parts of southern and central Maine.

In total, Unitil currently serves 110,100 electric customers and 105,000 gas customers in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine.

On May 4th, Unitil released its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31st, 2026. The company’s operating revenue surged 27% higher over the year-ago period to $216.9 million during the quarter.

This was fueled by the acquisitions of Maine Natural Gas and Bangor Natural Gas, colder winter weather, and organic customer growth. Unitil’s adjusted EPS rose by 8% year-over-year to $1.88 in the quarter.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on UTL (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

Top Utility Stock #2: AES Corp. (AES)

5-year expected annual returns: 14.8%

The AES (Applied Energy Services) Corporation was founded in 1981 as an energy consulting company. The corporation now has businesses in 14 countries and a portfolio of approximately 160 generation facilities.

AES produces power through various fuel types, such as gas, renewables, coal, and oil/diesel. The company has more than 36,000 Gross MW in operation.

On March 2nd, 2026, GIP, and EQT Infrastructure VI Fund officially entered an agreement to acquire AES for $15 per share in cash.

The deal is seen as unfavorable by shareholders, especially considering AES stock was trading for $17.28 before the announcement. The acquisition is expected to close in late 2026 or early 2027, at which point AES will become private.

AES Corporation reported full-year results on March 6th, 2026, for the period ending December 31, 2025. Adjusted EPS increased 9.3% to $2.34 from $2.14.

In 2025, the company completed construction of 3.2 GW of energy storage, solar and wind, and signed or awarded new long-term PPAs for 4.0 GW of renewables.

In 2024, for comparison, the company constructed and acquired 3 GW of renewable energy, and constructed a 670 MW combined cycle gas plant in Panama.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on AES (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

Top Utility Stock #1: H2O America (HTO)

5-year expected annual returns: 17.2%

H2O America, formerly known as SJW Group, is a water utility company that produces, purchases, stores, purifies and distributes water to consumers and businesses in the Silicon Valley area of California, the area north of San Antonio, Texas, Connecticut, and Maine.

It also has a small real estate division that owns and develops properties for residential and warehouse customers in California and Tennessee. The company generates about $670 million in annual revenues.

On January 26th, 2026, H2O America raised its quarterly dividend 4.8% to $0.44, extending the company’s dividend growth streak to 58 consecutive years.

On February 25th, 2026, H2O America released fourth quarter and full year results for the period ending December 31st, 2025. For the quarter, revenue declined 1.9% to $194.1 million, which missed estimates by $23.3 million.

Earnings-per-share of $0.45 compared unfavorably to earnings-per-share of $0.74 in the prior year and was $0.07 below expectations.

For the year, revenue grew 7% to $800.6 million while earnings-per-share of $2.92 compared to $2.87 in 2024.

Growth for the year was driven by a $67.4 million increase in rates and $1.5 million from new customers offset by an $8 million headwind from regulatory mechanisms and lower by $7.2 million from lower usage.

H2O America provided an outlook for 2026 as well, with the company expecting earnings-per-share in a range of $3.08 to $3.18. At the midpoint, this would be a 7.2% increase from the prior year.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on HTO (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):