California Water Service Group (CWT) will raise its quarterly dividend by 5.3 percent to $0.1975 per common share in the first quarter of 2019. This marks the 52nd consecutive year of annual dividend increases by the water utility company.

The quarterly dividend of $0.1975 per common share will be payable on February 22, 2019, to stockholders of record on February 11, 2019.

A new annualized dividend rate of 79 cents per share yields 1.7% at a stock price of $49.52.

California Water Service Group is the parent company of California Water Service, Washington Water Service, New Mexico Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, CWS Utility Services, and HWS Utility Services. Together, these companies provide regulated and non-regulated water service to nearly 2 million people in California, Washington, New Mexico, and Hawaii.