Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN)

Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.

Shrinking consumer confidence and economic uncertainty spotlight Atmos Energy, CWCO, NWE, and NWN as defensive utility picks.

Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.

The Dividend Kings list now includes 56 stocks, but only a select few offer fair value and strong yields relative to share price. Five top-yielding Dividend Kings—UVV, CDUAF, NWN, UBSI, and KVUE—currently meet my ideal of annual dividends exceeding share price. Analyst targets suggest these top-yield Kings could deliver net gains of 16% to 75% by September 2026, with lower volatility than the market.

If the goal of investing is to turn today's savings into tomorrow's reliable cash flow, Dividend Kings are about as close as the market gets to surefire.

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NWN, the leading provider of AI-powered technology solutions, today announced it has been recognized as a 2024 Partner of the Year by Juniper Networks, now part of HPE. This prestigious award celebrates partners who have demonstrated excellence in delivering innovative AI-Native networking solutions, driving exceptional customer experiences, and achieving strong business outcomes. NWN was honored in the category of AMER Automated WAN Solutions for its leadership in deli.

ATO, OGE, FTS and NWN stand out as low-beta utility stocks offering steady earnings growth and solid dividend yield.

Northwest Natural is a Dividend King with 69 years of consecutive increases, and one of the highest yields among its peers. Recent underperformance is largely due to higher interest rates, but a coming rate cut cycle could boost utility valuations. Growth prospects are improving, driven by Oregon's shift toward development and expansion in high-growth water utility markets.

Northwest Natural Holding Company is a diversified utility with a long dividend track record, offering a well-covered 4.7% yield and strong income appeal. Recent acquisitions and organic growth, especially in Texas, drive robust customer growth and support potential 5-7% annual EPS growth. It carries a strong balance sheet, A- credit rating, and ample liquidity, supporting ongoing capital investment and dividend safety.

With consumer confidence waning, ATO, FTS, NWN, INGR and CSV stand out as low-beta defensive plays with growth and dividend strength.

Northwest Natural (NWN) might move higher on growing optimism about its earnings prospects, which is reflected by its upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Rising gas usage is fueling demand for stronger pipeline networks, putting both ATO and NWN in the spotlight.

Dividend Kings underperformed SPY year-to-date but are showing stronger gains in August, with several stocks achieving double-digit returns in 2025. Fifteen Dividend Kings currently appear undervalued with expected long-term annualized returns of at least 10%, based on Dividend Yield Theory analysis. Recent dividend increases have modestly boosted the group's 2025 dividend growth rate, though it still trails last year's pace.

Quality high-yield Dividend Kings stocks are perfect for generating passive income. The Federal Reserve will likely lower interest rates in September, and dividend stocks could get a boost.

Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.