5 Dividend Kings Stocks to Load Up on Now Northwest Natural Gas (NYSE:NWN) said first-quarter 2026 results were strong and in line with management’s expectations, driven by new rates, customer growth and performance across its regulated utility businesses.
President and CEO Justin Palfreyman said the company’s gas utility systems “performed very well over the heating season,” while the broader Northwest Natural Holdings platform benefited from having three regulated utility businesses
He said the company remains focused on “disciplined execution, steady earnings growth, and attractive overall shareholder returns.” – It’s a Good Time To Buy High-Yield Dogs of the Dividend Kings Senior Vice President and CFO Ray Kaszuba said adjusted earnings per share rose to $2.33 from $2.28 in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted net income increased by $5.7 million. Kaszuba said the EPS increase was driven by new rates, particularly at Northwest Natural, and customer growth, partially offset by higher depreciation expense and financing needs tied to system investments.
The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 earnings guidance of $2.95 to $3.15 per share and maintained its long-term EPS growth target of 4% to 6%. Management said the SiEnergy and water businesses are still expected to contribute approximately 25% of consolidated EPS in 2026. Regulatory Filings Remain Central to 2026 Strategy – Dividend Kings With the Highest Yield: 6 High Yields in 5 Minutes Palfreyman highlighted several regulatory initiatives intended to reduce regulatory lag and produce a more balanced earnings profile.