2026 Dividend Kings List: All 56 Ranked & Analyzed
Dividend Kings are stocks that have raised their dividends for 50 or more consecutive years, putting them in an exceptionally small group of long-term dividend growers.
These companies have delivered higher payouts through multiple recessions, market crashes, and inflation cycles, reflecting resilient business models and dependable cash flows.
Dividend Kings have fewer index constraints than Dividend Aristocrats. They do not need to be in the S&P 500, which means the list includes many smaller companies with outstanding dividend track records.
Below is the latest Dividend Kings list, including updated dividend yields and Dividend Safety Scores™. You will also find detailed reviews of all 56 Dividend King stocks along with key valuation metrics.
Here's a complete list of all Dividend Kings in 2026 along with up-to-date dividend yields and Dividend Safety Scores™:
If you're looking ahead, we expect for more companies to be crowned as Dividend Kings in 2026: Pentair (PNR), McDonald's (MCD), Carlisle (CSL), and Clorox (CLX).
Dividend Kings' Performance, Sector Mix, and Dividend Growth
Over most long-term periods, the current group of Dividend King stocks has delivered similar total returns to the S&P 500 but with lower volatility.
However, in recent years the kings have not kept up with the increasingly tech-heavy S&P 500 as investors have flocked to growth stocks and AI companies.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
This shortfall doesn't come as a big surprise since the group of Dividend Kings looks nothing like the S&P 500, which is nearly half made up of tech stocks (including Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet, which are technically in other sectors).
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
No Dividend Kings are in the Information Technology or Communications sectors. Instead, most of the group is concentrated in more stable sectors like consumer staples, healthcare, and utilities.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
But what Dividend Kings lack in excitement they make up for with consistency. The group has delivered steady annual dividend growth of around 5% over the last decade.
While there is some survivorship bias since fallen kings like 3M and Leggett & Platt are excluded from the figures below, we expect a similar pace of dividend growth to continue over the long run.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Let's take a closer look at the durable companies that make up this impressive group of dividend growth stocks.
All 56 Dividend Kings Ranked
The Dividend Kings analyzed below are ranked by how many consecutive years they have raised their payouts, starting with the shortest growth streaks.
You'll learn about each company's business to get a feel for what makes these iconic dividend growers so durable. Many of them have been around since the 1800s, and a handful have raised their payouts for over 65 straight years.
We've also included valuation metrics for each king to make it quick and easy to get some timely dividend growth stock ideas for your portfolio.
Happy hunting!
Dividend King #1: MGE Energy
Sector: Utilities – Electric Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 50 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.4%
MGE Energy (MGEE), established in 2001, is a regulated utility holding company that provides electricity and natural gas service in and around Madison, Wisconsin through its main subsidiary, Madison Gas and Electric. The company earns most of its profits through state-regulated rates, which typically support steady cash flow and predictable returns.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #2: RLI
Sector: Financials – Property and Casualty Insurance
Dividend Growth Streak: 50 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.1%
RLI (RLI), established in 1965, is a specialty property and casualty insurer focused on niche lines such as commercial liability, professional liability, personal umbrella coverage, and surety. The company emphasizes underwriting discipline in categories that can be less commoditized than standard insurance, and it also earns investment income on its premium float, which is primarily invested in high-quality fixed income securities.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #3: Automatic Data Processing
Sector: Industrials – Human Resource and Employment Services
Dividend Growth Streak: 51 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.1%
Automatic Data Processing (ADP) was founded in 1949 and provides payroll processing, HR software, benefits administration, and workforce management solutions for businesses of all sizes. It generates recurring revenue from payroll and HR services and also benefits from interest earned on client funds held temporarily before payroll is remitted.
With roots tracing back to 1839, United Bankshares (UBSI) is a regional bank offering commercial and retail banking services. It is the parent company of United Bank, which is the largest community bank in the D.C. Metropolitan region and has a presence in several surrounding states. The bank's products include checking and savings accounts, loans for businesses and individuals, mortgages, and credit cards. United Bankshares also offers wealth management, trust, and other fee-based financial services.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #5: Consolidated Edison
Sector: Utilities – Multi-Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 51 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.2%
Consolidated Edison (ED) was formed in 1823 as the New York Gas Light Company, providing gas rather than whale oil to power New York's street lamps. The utility now provides energy for the 10 million people who live in and around New York City. Almost all of Con Ed's earnings are generated from regulated activities involving the transmission and distribution of electric, gas, and steam power.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #6: Fortis
Sector: Utilities – Electric Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.4%
Founded in 1885, Fortis (FTS) is a leading electric and gas utility company serving customers primarily in Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Newfoundland) and the United States (numerous Midwest states, New York, and Arizona). With operations spanning electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, Fortis supplies power to over 3 million customers and operates thousands of miles of distribution lines and gas pipelines.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #7: S&P Global
Sector: Financials – Financial Exchanges and Data
Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 0.9%
Founded in 1860, S&P Global (SPGI) provides credit ratings, market indices, financial data, and analytics used widely across capital markets. Its businesses include ratings, index licensing, commodity and energy data, and other information services that benefit from recurring subscriptions and long-term customer relationships.
With roots tracing back to 1945, Walmart (WMT) is the world's largest retailer, anchored by groceries and everyday essentials sold through supercenters, neighborhood stores, and e-commerce. It also operates Sam’s Club and has expanded higher-margin businesses such as advertising, delivery, and membership services.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #9: Archer Daniels Midland
Sector: Consumer Staples – Agricultural Products and Services
Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.1%
Established in 1902, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) processes agricultural commodities such as corn, wheat, and oilseeds into ingredients used in food, animal feed, and industrial products. The company earns money through a mix of merchandising, processing margins, and value-added nutrition offerings.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #10: Kimberly-Clark
Sector: Consumer Staples – Household Products
Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 4.7%
Kimberly-Clark (KMB), founded in 1872 as a paper mill in Wisconsin, is now a leading maker of tissue and hygiene products. About 25% of the global population uses its brands daily, including Huggies, Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott, and Kotex. Half of its sales come from personal care items like diapers and wipes, while the rest includes tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, and workplace hygiene products. Kimberly-Clark sells primarily to supermarkets, mass merchandisers, and drugstores.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #11: Nucor
Sector: Materials – Steel
Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.2%
Founded in 1940, Nucor (NUE) is the largest manufacturer of steel products in North America and America's largest steel recycler. It produces steel products used in construction, manufacturing, and automotive markets, and its flexible mill-based model can help it respond to changing demand.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #12: PepsiCo (PEP)
Sector: Consumer Staples – Soft Drinks and Non-alcoholic Beverages
Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.6%
The first Pepsi soda was created in 1898 by a pharmacist in North Carolina, inspired by Coca-Cola's recent success. The drink quickly gained popularity, and in 1902, the Pepsi-Cola Company was officially incorporated. Today, PepsiCo (PEP) is a global leader in various snack and beverage categories and boasts more than 20 brands that each generate over a billion dollars in sales, including Frito's, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Quaker, Lay's, Cheetos, Bubly, Aquafina, and Rockstar.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #13: RPM
Sector: Materials – Specialty Chemicals
Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.9%
Established in 1947, RPM (RPM) sells specialty coatings, sealants, and building materials used in construction, maintenance, and industrial applications. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Rust-Oleum, DAP, Tremco, and Varathane, and the company has historically expanded through acquisitions of niche product leaders.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #14: AbbVie
Sector: Healthcare – Biotechnology
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.0%
AbbVie (ABBV) was formed in 2013 when healthcare giant Abbott Laboratories spun off its branded biopharma business. AbbVie has remained focused on branded prescription drugs across immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and other categories. Growth has increasingly been supported by newer therapies beyond Humira, including key immunology products.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #15: Abbott
Sector: Healthcare – Health Care Equipment
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.2%
Founded in 1888, Abbott (ABT) sells medical devices, diagnostics, nutritional products, and branded generic pharmaceuticals around the world. Major franchises include diabetes monitoring, cardiovascular devices, lab diagnostics, and nutrition brands such as Ensure and Similac.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #16: Becton Dickinson
Sector: Healthcare – Health Care Equipment
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.3%
Founded in 1897, Becton Dickinson (BDX) supplies a wide range of medical devices and consumables used in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. Its portfolio includes syringes, needles, infusion systems, specimen collection tools, and diagnostic products, many of which are recurring-use items.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #17: Canadian Utilities
Sector: Utilities – Multi-Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.9%
Incorporated in 1927, Canadian Utilities (CDUAF) is a utility company majority owned by ATCO with regulated operations focused mainly in Alberta. The business includes electric transmission and distribution and natural gas distribution and pipelines, and most earnings are generated from regulated rate frameworks that support stable cash flow.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #18: Gorman-Rupp
Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.2%
Gorman-Rupp (GRC), founded in 1933, designs and manufactures pumps and pumping systems used in water and wastewater, industrial fluid handling, construction dewatering, agriculture, and other niche applications. The company benefits from a large installed base of mission-critical equipment, which can support recurring aftermarket parts and replacement demand.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #19: W.W. Grainger
Sector: Industrials – Trading Companies and Distributors
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 0.8%
Established in 1927, W.W. Grainger (GWW) distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products to businesses and institutions. It benefits from broad product availability, reliable fulfillment, and a strong mix of online and branch distribution serving diverse end markets.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #20: Illinois Tool Works
Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.2%
Formed in 1912, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) is a diversified industrial manufacturer selling specialized products into categories such as automotive components, food equipment, welding, adhesives, and construction products. The company focuses on high-margin niche positions and operational discipline across its portfolio.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #21: Middlesex Water
Sector: Utilities – Water Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.7%
With roots tracing to 1897, Middlesex Water (MSEX) provides regulated water and wastewater services, primarily in New Jersey and Delaware. The company owns and operates water distribution infrastructure and also performs contracted water and wastewater operations for certain municipal and other customers.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #22: PPG
Sector: Materials – Specialty Chemicals
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.2%
PPG (PPG), founded in 1883, manufactures paints and coatings used in industrial, automotive, aerospace, packaging, and architectural applications. Its products protect surfaces, improve durability, and enhance appearance, with demand tied to manufacturing activity and renovation cycles.
Established in 1902, Target (TGT) is a major U.S. retailer selling general merchandise and essentials, including apparel, home goods, beauty, and groceries. It operates a national store footprint and a large digital platform, with a brand identity centered on value and style.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #24: Tennant
Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.5%
Established in 1870, Tennant (TNC) designs and manufactures floor cleaning equipment such as scrubbers and sweepers for commercial and industrial customers. The company also generates meaningful recurring revenue from aftermarket parts, service, and consumables tied to its installed base of machines.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #25: Black Hills
Sector: Utilities – Multi-Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 54 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.8%
With roots tracing to 1883, Black Hills (BKH) is a regulated utility that provides electric and natural gas service to customers across several states, primarily in the Midwest and Mountain West. Most earnings come from regulated utility operations supported by ongoing infrastructure investment and rate-based returns.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #26: H.B. Fuller
Sector: Materials – Specialty Chemicals
Dividend Growth Streak: 55 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.4%
Established in 1887, H.B. Fuller (FUL) makes adhesives and sealants used in packaging, hygiene products, construction, and various industrial applications. The company sells specialized formulations to manufacturers and builders, and demand is tied to end markets such as consumer packaging, building products, and durable goods.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #27: Altria
Sector: Consumer Staples – Tobacco
Dividend Growth Streak: 55 years
Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
Dividend Yield: 6.3%
Altria's (MO) history stretches back to 1854 when British tobacconist Philip Morris made his first cigarette. Altria is now America's largest tobacco company and derives most of its income from traditional cigarettes, led by the Marlboro brand. The firm has also made smaller ventures into vaping, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco, though these smoke-free nicotine products face much more dynamic competitive environments than Altria's core cigarette business.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #28: National Fuel Gas
Sector: Utilities – Gas Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 55 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.5%
The National Fuel Gas company (NFG) dates back to 1821, when America's first natural gas well was drilled and used to fuel street lights in a small town in western New York. Today, NFG is a diversified natural gas company with businesses spanning regulated utility distribution and midstream pipelines and storage, plus an upstream exploration and production operation. Because a meaningful portion of earnings comes from unregulated gas production and gathering, results are more commodity-sensitive than a typical regulated utility.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #29: Universal
Sector: Consumer Staples – Tobacco
Dividend Growth Streak: 55 years
Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
Dividend Yield: 6.2%
Universal (UVV), founded in 1918, is a global tobacco leaf merchant that sources, processes, and sells tobacco leaf to major cigarette manufacturers. It works with a large network of farmers and customers worldwide, and most revenue is generated outside the United States.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #30: Sysco
Sector: Consumer Staples – Food Distributors
Dividend Growth Streak: 56 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.4%
Founded in 1969, Sysco (SYY) is the largest foodservice distributor, supplying restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, and other institutions. It earns profits through scale purchasing, logistics efficiency, and service levels, with demand tied to food-away-from-home activity.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #31: ABM
Sector: Industrials – Environmental and Facilities Services
Dividend Growth Streak: 57 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.6%
Founded in 1909, ABM (ABM) provides outsourced facility services such as janitorial, engineering, and maintenance work for offices, airports, hospitals, schools, and industrial sites. The business is labor-intensive and relationship-driven, with recurring contracts that can produce steady revenue across economic cycles.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #32: Commerce Bancshares
Sector: Financials – Regional Banks
Dividend Growth Streak: 57 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.1%
Founded in 1865, Commerce Bancshares (CBSH) is a regional bank holding company operating across Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Colorado. The company offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including retail and commercial banking, mortgage banking, investment management, securities brokerage, and private banking.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #33: California Water Service
Sector: Utilities – Water Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 57 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.9%
Founded in 1926, California Water Service (CWT) provides regulated water and wastewater services primarily in California but also has smaller operations in Washington, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Texas. Serving over 500,000 customer connections, the company focuses on water production, treatment, storage, and distribution for residential, industrial, and fire protection needs.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #34: Federal Realty
Sector: Real Estate – Retail REITs
Dividend Growth Streak: 57 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 4.3%
Founded in 1962, Federal Realty (FRT) is one of the oldest REITs in the world. The company owns over 100 shopping centers and mixed-use properties located primarily in coastal markets such as Silicon Valley, New York, and Washington, D.C. Most of the firm's centers have a grocery component that drives consistent foot traffic for Federal Realty's retail tenants, which include drugstores, restaurants, apparel retailers, gyms, banks, and home furnishings stores. The firm also owns some apartments and offices.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #35: H2O America
Sector: Utilities – Water Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 57 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.2%
Incorporated in 1985 and formerly known as SJW, H2O America(HTO) is a regulated water utility serving parts of California, Connecticut, and Texas. The company focuses on water sourcing, treatment, storage, and distribution, and it also has smaller non-regulated activities such as contracted services and certain real estate and lease income tied to its infrastructure footprint.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #36: Stanley Black & Decker
Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
Dividend Growth Streak: 57 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.7%
Founded in 1843, Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) sells power tools, hand tools, and outdoor products under brands such as DeWalt, Craftsman, and Black+Decker. Demand is influenced by construction activity and consumer DIY spending, while the company also has a smaller industrial-focused business.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #37: MSA Safety
Sector: Industrials – Office Services and Supplies
Dividend Growth Streak: 58 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.1%
Founded in 1914, MSA Safety (MSA) makes safety equipment used by firefighters and industrial workers, including gas detection systems, breathing apparatus, head protection, and fall protection. The company benefits from recurring demand for replacement gear, service, and consumables tied to safety standards and compliance requirements.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #38: Stepan
Sector: Materials – Specialty Chemicals
Dividend Growth Streak: 58 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.4%
Founded in 1932, Stepan (SCL) produces specialty chemicals, with surfactants used in cleaning and personal care products as its largest business. It also makes polymers used in rigid foam insulation and other industrial applications, giving the company exposure to both consumer and construction-related demand.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #39: Tootsie Roll
Sector: Consumer Staples – Packaged Foods and Meats
Dividend Growth Streak: 59 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 0.9%
Founded in 1896, Tootsie Roll (TR) makes and sells branded confectionery products such as Tootsie Rolls, Tootsie Pops, Dots, Junior Mints, and Charleston Chew. The company distributes mainly through grocery, convenience, and dollar channels and benefits from long-lived brands and a relatively simple product set.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #40: Hormel Foods
Sector: Consumer Staples – Packaged Foods and Meats
Dividend Growth Streak: 60 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 4.8%
Hormel Foods (HRL) was founded in 1891 and is a branded food company focused on packaged meats, refrigerated foods, and convenient meal solutions. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Spam, Applegate, Jennie-O, and Skippy, with distribution across retail and foodservice.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #41: Colgate-Palmolive
Sector: Consumer Staples – Household Products
Dividend Growth Streak: 62 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.2%
Founded in 1806, Colgate-Palmolive (CL) sells oral care, personal care, home care, and pet nutrition products globally, led by Colgate toothpaste and Hill’s pet food. A large share of revenue comes from international markets, including many emerging economies.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #42: Farmers & Merchants Bancorp
Sector: Financials – Regional Banks
Dividend Growth Streak: 62 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.7%
Founded in 1916, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (FMCB) is a California community bank that takes deposits and makes loans to consumers and small and mid-sized businesses, including real estate and agricultural lending. It also offers standard banking services such as online banking, cash management, and certain wealth and investment products.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #43: Coca-Cola
Sector: Consumer Staples – Soft Drinks and Non-alcoholic Beverages
Dividend Growth Streak: 62 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.6%
Coca-Cola (KO), founded in 1892, is a leading global beverage corporation. It offers a diverse portfolio of over 200 drink brands, including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta, Dasani, and Minute Maid, available in more than 200 countries. The firm operates on a franchised distribution system, producing syrup concentrate sold to licensed bottlers worldwide, who then manufacture, package, and distribute the finished beverages.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #44: Marzetti
Sector: Consumer Staples – Packaged Foods and Meats
Dividend Growth Streak: 62 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.5%
Founded in 1961 and formerly known as Lancaster, Marzetti (MZTI) sells specialty food products to retailers and restaurants in the United States. The firm's key brands include New York Bakery frozen garlic breads, Sister Schubert’s dinner rolls, and Marzetti salad dressings, croutons, dips, and pasta. The company also produces dressings and sauces under brand licenses for Olive Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Chik-fil-A.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #45: Nordson
Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
Dividend Growth Streak: 62 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.1%
Incorporated in 1954, Nordson (NDSN) makes precision dispensing and processing equipment used to apply adhesives, coatings, and other materials in manufacturing. It serves end markets like packaging, electronics, and medical devices, and it also sells certain inspection and test systems.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #46: Johnson & Johnson
Sector: Healthcare – Pharmaceuticals
Dividend Growth Streak: 63 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.1%
Established in 1886, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is a global healthcare company focused on pharmaceuticals and medical technology. It develops branded drugs in areas such as oncology and immunology and sells medical devices used in surgery, orthopedics, and vision care.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #47: Kenvue
Sector: Consumer Staples – Personal Care Products
Dividend Growth Streak: 63 years *
Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
Dividend Yield: 4.4%
Kenvue (KVUE) was separated from Johnson & Johnson in 2022 and sells consumer health products, including Tylenol, Listerine, Band-Aid, and Neutrogena. The firm is in the process of being acquired by Kimberly Clark.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
* Note: S&P added Kenvue to the dividend aristocrats index in August 2023 after the consumer healthcare firm was spun off by Johnson & Johnson. Kenvue was given credit for J&J's dividend growth streak.
Dividend King #48: Cincinnati Financial
Sector: Financials – Property and Casualty Insurance
Dividend Growth Streak: 64 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.3%
Established in 1950, Cincinnati Financial (CINF) is a property and casualty insurer selling commercial and personal coverage, plus surety and life insurance products. Earnings come from underwriting results and investment income, with performance influenced by catastrophe losses and market conditions.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #49: Lowe's
Sector: Consumer Discretionary – Home Improvement Retail
Dividend Growth Streak: 65 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.7%
Founded in 1921, Lowe's (LOW) is a leading home improvement retailer selling building materials, tools, appliances, and home goods to homeowners and professionals. It generates revenue through a large store base and digital channels, with demand tied to home repair, remodeling, and construction activity.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #50: Genuine Parts
Sector: Consumer Discretionary – Distributors
Dividend Growth Streak: 69 years
Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.6%
Founded in 1928, Genuine Parts (GPC) distributes automotive and industrial replacement parts through brands such as NAPA and other international operations. Its business benefits from ongoing maintenance needs, since vehicles and equipment require parts regardless of the economic cycle. Note that the firm is separating its auto and industrial businesses into two companies, with the split expected to take place in early 2027.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #51: Dover
Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
Dividend Growth Streak: 69 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 0.9%
Dover (DOV), established in 1947, is a diversified industrial company selling equipment and components across areas such as fueling and convenience retail systems, fluid handling, refrigeration, identification and coding, and engineered products. It operates through multiple specialized platforms that serve a wide range of industrial end markets.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #52: Procter & Gamble
Sector: Consumer Staples – Household Products
Dividend Growth Streak: 69 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.7%
With roots tracing back to 1837, Procter & Gamble (PG) is among the oldest dividend aristocrats. The company is one of the world's largest manufacturers of laundry detergents, baby wipes, diapers, paper towels, cleaning products, shampoos, deodorants, toothpaste, and other consumer goods. Some of the firm's top brands include Luvs, Pampers, Tampax, Charmin, Downy, Tide, Cascade, Dawn, Febreze, Head & Shoulders, Old Spice, Pantene, Gillette, Braun, Crest, and Oral-B. Around half of P&G's sales occur outside of North America.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #53: Parker-Hannifin
Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
Dividend Growth Streak: 69 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 0.7%
Founded in 1917, Parker-Hannifin (PH) makes motion and control technologies such as hydraulics, pneumatics, filtration, and fluid connectors used in industrial and aerospace applications. The company benefits from a large installed base that can generate recurring aftermarket parts and service demand.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #54: Emerson Electric
Sector: Industrials – Electrical Components and Equipment
Dividend Growth Streak: 69 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.5%
Incorporated in 1890, Emerson Electric (EMR) provides industrial automation and control solutions, including measurement instruments, valves, software, and systems that help factories and process industries operate more efficiently. Its customers include energy, chemicals, refining, pharmaceuticals, and other process-oriented industries.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #55: Northwest Natural
Sector: Utilities – Gas Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 70 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 4.0%
Northwest Natural (NWN), founded in 1859, is a regulated natural gas utility serving customers primarily in Oregon and southwest Washington. The company has also expanded into regulated water and wastewater utilities, which adds a second steady, infrastructure-oriented revenue stream.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend King #56: American States Water
Sector: Utilities – Water Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 71 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.7%
Founded in 1929, American States Water (AWR) is a regulated water utility serving communities in California, and it also operates a small regulated electric utility in the state. In addition, the company provides water and wastewater services on U.S. military bases under long-term contracts, which can add stability to cash flow.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Many of these business generate consistent cash flow, maintain conservative balance sheets, and have shareholder-friendly management teams.
Investors considering dividend kings just have to be confident that the future remains as bright as the past for these time-tested dividend growth stocks.
