Key Points:
- Dividend Kings are an elite group of 55 companies that have increased their dividends for at least 50 consecutive years, offering exceptional financial resilience and stability compared to dividend aristocrats, which require S&P 500 inclusion.
- Current yields range from 0.72% to 7.30%, with Altria leading the rankings at 7.30% yield, while the portfolio spans defensive sectors including utilities, consumer goods, and industrials, notably excluding technology companies.
- These companies provide stable passive income with approximately 5% annual dividend growth, though they face survivorship bias challenges and typically underperform growth-focused investments due to their concentration in mature, defensive industries.
- Top performers for 2025 include SJW Group (17.8% expected return), PPG Industries (16.4%), and California Water Service (15%), making them attractive options for income-focused investors seeking long-term wealth preservation rather than aggressive capital appreciation.
What is a dividend king?
A dividend king is a publicly traded company that has increased its dividend payments for at least 50 consecutive years. Unlike dividend aristocrats, these companies are not required to be part of the S&P 500 index. There are currently 55 dividend kings, representing companies with exceptional financial stability and management commitment to rewarding shareholders through consistent dividend growth over multiple decades.
The economic resilience of a company helps it to overcome market challenges. As a result, consecutive dividend increases over decades become possible.
An electronic spreadsheet with a complete list of dividend kings can help you select the most suitable companies. It includes key financial metrics. By downloading it, investors can quickly sort the dividend king stocks.
Table of Contents
2025 Dividend Kings List by Yield
Below is a table of dividend kings sorted by dividend yields. It also includes safety scores.
| Name | Industry | Dividend Yield |
| Altria (NYSE:MO) | Tobacco | 7.30% |
| Universal (NYSE:UVV) | Tobacco | 6.06% |
| Canadian Utilities (NYSE:CDUAF) | Multi-Utilities | 5.24% |
| Northwest Natural (NYSE:NWN) | Gas Utilities | 4.67% |
| Black Hills (NYSE:BKH) | Multi-Utilities | 4.50% |
| Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM) | Agricultural Products | 4.16% |
| United Bankshares (NASDAQ:UBSI) | Regional Banks | 4.16% |
| Federal Realty (NYSE:FRT) | Retail REITs | 4.14% |
| Hormel Foods (NYSE:HRL) | Packaged Foods and Meats | 3.92% |
| Fortis (NYSE:FTS) | Electric Utilities | 3.91% |
| Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE:SWK) | Industrial Machinery and Components | 3.74% |
| PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) | Soft Drinks and Beverages | 3.60% |
| Kimberly-Clark (NYSE:KMB) | Household Products | 3.54% |
| Target (NYSE:TGT) | General Merchandise Retail | 3.54% |
| Kenvue (NYSE:KVUE) | Personal Care Products | 3.51% |
| Consolidated Edison (NYSE:ED) | Multi-Utilities | 3.34% |
| Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC) | Distributors | 3.33% |
| AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) | Biotechnology | 3.19% |
| SJW Group (NYSE:SJW) | Water Utilities | 3.11% |
| Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) | Pharmaceuticals | 2.99% |
| Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) | Soft Drinks and Beverages | 2.85% |
| National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG) | Gas Utilities | 2.82% |
| Sysco (NYSE:SYY) | Food Distributors | 2.75% |
| Middlesex Water Company (NASDAQ:MSEX) | Water Utilities | 2.59% |
| California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT) | Water Utilities | 2.54% |
| Cincinnati Financial (NASDAQ:CINF) | Property and Casualty Insurance | 2.51% |
| Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) | Specialty Chemicals | 2.42% |
| American States Water (NYSE:AWR) | Water Utilities | 2.39% |
| PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) | Specialty Chemicals | 2.39% |
| Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) | Household Products | 2.33% |
| Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW) | Industrial Machinery and Components | 2.27% |
| Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL) | Household Products | 2.17% |
| ABM Industries Incorporated (NYSE:ABM) | Waste and Facility Services | 1.98% |
| Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ:ADP) | Human Resource Services | 1.97% |
| Lancaster (NASDAQ:LANC) | Packaged Foods and Meats | 1.94% |
| Gorman-Rupp Company (NYSE:GRC) | Industrial Machinery and Components | 1.91% |
| Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW) | Home Improvement Retail | 1.90% |
| Becton, Dickinson and Company (BIVA:BDX) | Health Care Equipment | 1.81% |
| Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTC:FMCB) | Regional Banks | 1.81% |
| Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR) | Electrical Components and Equipment | 1.78% |
| Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) | Health Care Equipment | 1.74% |
| Commerce Bancshares (NASDAQ:CBSH) | Regional Banks | 1.70% |
| RPM International (NYSE:RPM) | Specialty Chemicals | 1.68% |
| Nucor (NYSE:NUE) | Steel | 1.63% |
| H.B. Fuller (NYSE:FUL) | Specialty Chemicals | 1.53% |
| Nordson Corporation (NASDAQ:NDSN) | Industrial Machinery and Components | 1.46% |
| Tennant Company (NYSE:TNC) | Industrial Machinery and Components | 1.34% |
| MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE:MSA) | Office Services and Supplies | 1.27% |
| Tootsie Roll (NYSE:TR) | Packaged Foods and Meats | 1.15% |
| Dover (NYSE:DOV) | Industrial Machinery and Components | 1.04% |
| Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH) | Industrial Machinery and Components | 1.00% |
| Walmart (NYSE:WMT) | General Merchandise Retail | 0.98% |
| W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW) | Trading Companies and Distributors | 0.82% |
| S&P Global (NYSE:SPGI) | Financial Exchanges and Data | 0.72% |
| RLI (NYSE:RLI) | Property and Casualty Insurance | 0.89% |
As of today, candidates for future kings dividend stocks are RLI Corp. and MGE Energy.
How To Use The Dividend Kings List to Find Dividend Stock Ideas
Below is a step-by-step guide on filtering data for dividend stocks in an Excel spreadsheet:
- Download the spreadsheet.
- Open the file using Excel.
- Highlight the column of interest, for example, dividend yield.
- Click on “Data” in the top menu and select “Filter” from the dropdown menu.
- Click on the triangle in the top cell of the selected column.
- Set the desired parameter in the “Number Filter” section. For example, choose “greater than or equal to” and specify the desired value, such as 2%
The spreadsheet can also be used for complex investment research. It allows for evaluating companies based on multiple parameters. For instance, you can select the most profitable among the dividend stock kings that have an attractive price-to-earnings ratio.
Dividend Kings’ Performance, Sector Mix, and Dividend Growth
For decades, the total returns of dividend kings have held up well in comparison to the S&P 500 and the S&P 500 dividend aristocrats, while exhibiting lower volatility. However, in recent years, market performance has changed.
The reason for this is sector distribution. Dividend kings are predominantly companies operating in defensive sectors, and the tech sector is not represented among them. The growth trends of the S&P 500 are closely tied to the development of the tech sector.
The advantage of dividend kings is their ability to provide a stable passive income. The downside is the survivorship bias. Statistics show that dividend kings deliver an annual dividend growth of about 5%, but this does not account for companies that once held this status but subsequently lost it.
Another issue is that, unlike dividend aristocrats, dividend kings do not constitute an official index. There is no Dividend Kings ETF (dividend king etf), making it difficult to track the dividend kings performance as a group.
Sector & Market Capitalization Overview
A sector analysis of the dividend king list shows that companies that have paid dividends for over 50 years have uneven sector distribution. With a complete absence of the tech sector, consumer goods and industrials dominate.
Due to this industry concentration, it is not possible to create a well-diversified portfolio solely from dividend kings. The likely consequences of focusing on this asset class are slow capital growth and unsatisfactory total returns.
Below is the sector distribution of dividend kings and a market cap breakdown.
| Sector Overview | Market Capitalization Overview | ||
| Consumer Staples | 14 | Mega caps | 6 |
| Industrials | 12 | Large caps | 26 |
| Utilities | 9 | Mid caps | 14 |
| Health Care | 5 | Small caps | 8 |
| Financials | 5 | ||
| Materials | 5 | ||
| Consumer Discretionary | 2 | ||
| Real Estate | 1 | ||
| Energy | 1 | ||
Dividend kings can belong to small-cap companies, indicating that a stable business model does not require enormous size.
The 5 Best Dividend Kings Today
Below is a ranking of the top 5 dividend kings. The companies are ranked by expected annual returns, taking into account business performance and recent quarterly results.
1. H2O America (NASDAQ:HTO)
- Sector: Utilities – Water Utilities
- Dividend Growth Streak: 56 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 3.1%
- Annual Yield: -2.05%
H2O America (formerly known as SJW) owns the infrastructure for water storage, treatment, and distribution. In 2024, the company demonstrated strong operating metrics. HTO provides regulated services and benefits from rate increases, like all water utilities.
The expected return over the next 5 years is 17.8%, with a dividend yield of 3.1%. The duration of consecutive dividend increases is 56 years.
2. PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG)
- Sector: Materials – Specialty Chemicals
- Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.4%
- Annual Yield: -6.27%
PPG Industries manufactures paints, coatings, and specialty materials for industrial applications. Its plants are located in 70 countries worldwide.
The company’s net income in 2024 was $1.377 billion. The expected total return is 16.4%, with dividends yielding 2.21%. The size of the payouts has been growing for 52 consecutive years.
3. California Water Service (NYSE:CWT)
- Sector: Utilities – Water Utilities
- Dividend Growth Streak: 56 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.6%
- Annual Yield: -6.50%
CWT operates in the water utilities sector and provides regulated water supply services. Its infrastructure serves approximately 2 million people. In 2024, the company showed revenue growth due to increased rates.
The revenue (TTM) for California Water Service is $1.029 billion. The expected stock return over the next 5 years is 15%, with a dividend yield of 2.43%. Dividends have been increasing for 56 consecutive years.
4. PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:CWT)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Soft Drinks and Non-alcoholic Beverages
- Dividend Growth Streak: 51 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 4.4%
- Annual Yield: -16.59%
PEP produces essential consumer staples, including snacks and beverages marketed under global brands (Fritos, Gatorade, and Mountain Dew). The annual sales volume approaches 90 billion with the business distributed worldwide.
Net income grew over 1 trillion over the year. The expected return in the coming years is 15%, with current dividends yielding 3.55%.
5. Hormel Foods (NYSE:HRL)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Packaged Foods and Meats
- Dividend Growth Streak: 59 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 3.8%
- Annual Yield: 3.53%
HRL is a giant in the food processing, producing meat products. It owns over 30 well-known branded food products. The business continues to grow through global distribution and acquisitions of new production facilities. In 2024, the company demonstrated an increase in net income.
The expected return over the next 5 years is 14.3%, with dividends yielding 3.65%.
6. Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ:ADP)
- Sector: Industrials – Human Resource and Employment Services
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.0%
- Annual Yield – 2,1%.
- Dividends Growth Streak – 50 years.
ADP is a global leader in HR services. Its products are used by approximately 80 companies from the Fortune 100 companies list. The business is built on providing clients with:
- cloud software;
- payroll processing services;
- personnel outsourcing.
Automatic Data Processing demonstrates annual growth in revenue and net income.
7. United Bankshares (NASDAQ:UBSI)
- Sector: Financials – Regional Banks
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 3.9%
- Annual Yield – 3,9%.
- Dividends Growth Streak – 50 years.
UBSI is the parent company of United Bank, which is the largest community banking in the D.C. Metropolitan region. The company operates in the financial sector, specifically regional banking.
United Bankshares provides financial services such as lending, digital banking, and more.
8. Consolidated Edison (NYSE:ED)
- Sector: Utilities – Multi-Utilities
- Dividend Growth Streak: 50 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 3.6%
- Annual Yield – 3,69%
ED earns revenue through regulated activities related to energy transmission and energy distribution. Its infrastructure supplies energy to approximately 10 million residents of New York City. Like all the providers of utilities, Consolidated Edison benefits from rising rates. However, in 2024, its net income decreased by $555 million.
9. Fortis (TO:FTS)
- Sector: Utilities – Electric Utilities
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 4.1%
- Annual Yield – 4,11%.
- Dividends Growth Streak – 51 years.
FTS operates in the electric utilities and gas distribution sectors. Its infrastructure serves over 3 million consumers. The company has North America operations and Canada.
In 2024, FTS’s revenue fell by 1 trillion CAD, while its net income showed growth.
10. S&P Global (NYSE:SPGI)
- Sector: Financials – Financial Exchanges and Data
- Dividend Growth Streak: 51 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 0.7%
- Annual Yield – 0,74%.
SPGI is the largest provider of stock market analytics. The company publishes financial data, assesses credit ratings, and calculates market indices. Additionally, S&P Global provides information for the commodities, energy, and other market sectors. In 2024, the company’s net income increased by more than 1.5 times.
11. Walmart (NYSE:WMT)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Consumer Staples Merchandise Retail
- Dividend Growth Streak: 51 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 0.9%
- Annual Yield – 0,99%.
WMT is known as a retail giant. In its stores, customers can purchase groceries, consumer staples, and more. The company also has an e-commerce platform for conducting global operations and money transfers. In 2024, the net income was $3.9 trillion higher than in 2023.
12. Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE:ADM)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Agricultural Products and Services
- Dividend Growth Streak: 51 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 3.9%
- Annual Yield – 3,79%.
Archer Daniels Midland produces nutrition and ethanol from various crops. ADM has been involved in food production since 1902. The company operates not only in the United States but also in global markets. With its own agricultural processing facilities, it holds a strategic position in the food security of the U.S.
13. Kimberly-Clark (NYSE:KMB)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Household Products
- Dividend Growth Streak: 51 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 3.9%
- Annual Yield – 3,72%.
KMB was founded as a paper mill. Today, it is a leader in the consumer goods industry, owning global brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, and Kotex. Approximately 25% of the world’s population uses personal care products and tissue products from Kimberly-Clark.
14. Nucor (NYSE:NUE)
- Sector: Materials – Steel
- Dividend Growth Streak: 51 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.7%
- Annual Yield – 1,89%.
Nucor owns the largest steel manufacturing facility in the United States. Its products are in high demand for the production of construction materials and in the automotive markets. Additionally, Nucor is involved in recycling, particularly of ferrous and non-ferrous metal scrap. Key elements of the company’s business model include vertical integration and the use of mini mills.
15. RPM (NYSE:RPM)
- Sector: Materials – Specialty Chemicals
- Dividend Growth Streak: 51 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.6%
- Annual Yield – 1,63%
The foundation of RPM’s growth is strategic acquisitions of new manufacturing facilities. Since 1947, the company has acquired approximately 150 enterprises. Today, its brands are represented in global markets for building materials. RPM has a widely diversified product line, with key offerings including specialty coatings and sealants.
16. AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV)
Sector: Healthcare – Biotechnology
Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.5%
- Annual Yield – 3,74%.
- Dividends Growth Streak – 52 years.
ABBV was established in 2013 as a spin-off from Abbott Laboratories. Its field of activity is pharmaceuticals, focusing on the production of branded drugs. Key areas of expertise include immunology and oncology. For many years, Humira was the most important product. However, sales of Humira declined in 2023-2024. The company is working to compensate for this by launching new anti-inflammatory medications.
17. Abbott (NYSE:)
- Sector: Healthcare – Biotechnology
- Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 3.5%
- Annual Yield – 3,74%.
Abbott has a 135-year history. Today, ABT is a leader in the production of medical devices and diagnostic systems. Additionally, its product range includes a wide array of healthcare solutions, such as pacemakers, diabetes treatments, as well as nutritional products, dietary supplements, and meal replacements.
18. Becton Dickinson (NYSE:BDX)
- Sector: Healthcare – Health care Equipment
- Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.7%
- Annual Yield – 1,75%.
BDX primarily manufactures medical supplies and healthcare equipment, including syringes, catheters, and more. The product range also includes diagnostic tools and laboratory systems. Becton Dickinson & Co’s clients are major hospitals and laboratories. The company holds a strategic position in the healthcare infrastructure of the United States.
19. Canadian Utilities (OTCQX:CDUAF)
- Sector: Utilities – Multi-Utilities
- Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 5.5%
- Annual Yield – 5,27%.
CDUAF is engaged in energy distribution in Alberta, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories of Canada. The company provides regulated utilities, which allows it to benefit from rate increases.
A strong point of Canadian Utilities is its significant investments in infrastructure. Equally important is the development of clean fuels.
20. Gorman-Rupp (NYSE:GRC)
- Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
- Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.9%
- Annual Yield – 1,89%.
GRC offers products for water management. The main advantage is the versatility of the industrial equipment produced. In addition to pump systems for water supply and wastewater, Gorman-Rupp manufactures products for fire protection, oil pumping, and more. The company also supplies a wide range of spare parts to markets in over 150 countries.
21. W.W.Grainger (NYSE:GWW)
- Sector: Industrials – Trading Companies and Distributors
- Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 0.8%
- Annual Yield – 0,75%.
GWW serves over 4 million customers. The company primarily engages in industrial distribution of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products in North America, the United Kingdom, and Japan. W.W. Grainger has more than 300 branches selling maintenance supplies. Among its products are safety equipment, plumbing supplies, and more.
22. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW)
- Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
- Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.3%
- Annual Yield – 2,32%.
ITW is engaged in the manufacturing of industrial equipment, automotive components, as well as welding tools, fasteners, and sealants. Additionally, the company offers material testing systems and product coding solutions.
The advantage of Illinois Tool Works lies in its decentralized business model. The company is focused on innovation, which allows it to maintain and expand its market share.
23. Middlesex Water (NASDAQ:MSEX)
- Sector: Utilities – Water Utilities
- Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.7%
- Annual Yield – 2,48%.
MSEX is engaged in the infrastructure management for wastewater services. As part of its regulated business, the company collects, treats, and distributes water. The majority of its customers are residents of New Jersey and Delaware, totaling around half a million people. Middlesex Water invests several million dollars annually in the development of its water utilities.
24. Target (NYSE:TGT)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Consumer Staples Merchandise Retail
- Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 3.3%
- Annual Yield – 2,87%.
TGT was established in 1902. Today, the company is a leader in retail and e-commerce. Target offers a wide range of consumer goods, including 45 private label brands. As part of its merchandising system, the company employs an omnichannel strategy for customer engagement, utilizing advertising billboards, social media, and more.
25. Tennant (NYSE:TNC)
- Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
- Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.4%
- Annual Yield – 1,47%.
TNC is a leader in the production of cleaning equipment. The company offers industrial solutions for non-residential spaces. Its product range includes scrubbers, sweepers, and pressure washers. Sales of equipment account for 60% of its revenue. The remaining income is generated through maintenance services and the sale of spare parts.
26. Black Hills (NYSE:BKH)
- Sector: Utilities – Multi-Utilities
- Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 4.6%
- Annual Yield – 4,49%.
BKH has been providing utilities since 1883. The company is engaged in energy distribution and natural gas services. Black Hills’ infrastructure primarily covers the Western states. The number of consumers exceeds 1 million people. The company has announced the construction of a new gas power plant and plans to utilize solar panels.
27. H.B.Fuller (NYSE:FUL)
- Sector: Materials – Specialty Chemicals
- Dividend Growth Streak: 54 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.4%
- Annual Yield – 1,31%.
FUL has been operating since 1887. The company holds a significant niche in global markets across three key areas:
- hygiene and health;
- adhesives for electronics;
- sealants and specialty chemicals for construction.
Additionally, the company’s products are in demand in woodworking, footwear manufacturing, and printing.
28. Altria (NYSE:MO)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Tobacco
- Dividend Growth Streak: 54 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
- Dividend Yield: 7.8%
- Annual Yield – 7,58%.
MO gained its reputation through Marlboro cigarettes, which generate the majority of the company’s income. In addition to this, Altria owns the production of smoke-free products, including vapes and heated tobacco. However, in this area, the company currently lags behind its competitors.
29. National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG)
- Sector: Utilities – Gas Utilities
- Dividend Growth Streak: 54 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.9%
- Annual Yield – 3,44%.
NFG is a vertically integrated company operating in the natural gas communications sector. It conducts its activities in two main areas. National Fuel Gas provides services in utilities, with its energy infrastructure spanning Pennsylvania and New York. However, a significant portion of the business involves the exploration and production of natural gas.
30. Universal (NYSE:UVV)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Tobacco
- Dividend Growth Streak: 54 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
- Dividend Yield: 6.1%
- Annual Yield – 5,9%.
UVV is a global leader in the processing and tobacco leaf supply. Its global distribution network includes world-renowned cigarette manufacturers, such as Philip Morris International. The company has its own agricultural network, comprising approximately 500,000 farmers.
31. Sysco (NYSE:SYY)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Food Distributors
- Dividend Growth Streak: 55 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.8%
- Annual Yield – 2,65%.
SYY is a leader in global food distribution. The company acts as an intermediary between producers and retail consumers. It also engages in wholesale trade with foodservice businesses, hotels, and others. In addition to food products, the supply chains include related non-food items, such as disposable tableware.
32. ABM (NYSE:ABM)
- Sector: Industrials – Environmental and Facilities Services
- Dividend Growth Streak: 56 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.0%
- Annual Yield – 1,93%.
ABM offers facility services, including janitorial, engineering, and maintenance solutions. The company’s primary goal is to ensure the continuous operation of its clients’ buildings. ABM works with offices, data centers, sports facilities, and schools. Additionally, the company provides aircraft servicing and infrastructure for electric vehicles.
33. Commerce Bancshares (NASDAQ:CBSH)
- Sector: Financials – Regional Banks
- Dividend Growth Streak: 56 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.5%
- Annual Yield – 1,71%.
CBSH represents the regional banking sector. The company operates in Colorado, Missouri, and three other states. Commerce Bancshares offers a variety of financial services, including retail and commercial banking, mortgage lending, brokerage services, and securities management.
34. Federal Realty (NYSE:FRT)
- Sector: Real Estate – Retail REITs
- Dividend Growth Streak: 56 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 4.1%
- Annual Yield – 3,93%.
FRT is one of the oldest REITs in the world, established in 1962. The portfolio of Federal Realty Investment Trust includes over 100 properties, primarily consisting of retail properties and mixed-use developments. These are located in some of the most prestigious areas, such as Silicon Valley and New York. Among the tenants are grocery and non-food stores, pharmacies, and more.
35. Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE:SWK)
- Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
- Dividend Growth Streak: 56 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 3.7%
- Annual Yield – 4%.
SWK was founded in 1843 and is today a leader in the global tools market. The company offers retail customers a range of products, including:
- hand tools;
- hardware;
- power tools;
- lawn care equipment.
Stanley Black & Decker industrial products are in high demand in the automotive and aerospace industries.
36. MSA Safety (NYSE:MSA)
- Sector: Industrials – Office Services and Supplies
- Dividend Growth Streak: 57 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.2%
- Annual Yield – 1,23%.
MSA manufactures industrial safety equipment and personal protective gear. The company’s products are in high demand in the following areas:
- firefighting (gas detectors, firefighter helmets);
- manufacturing facilities and construction (hard hats, helmets, safety harnesses);
- utilities and energy sectors (respirators, safety goggles).
37. Stepan (NYSE:SCL)
- Sector: Materials – Specialty Chemicals
- Dividend Growth Streak: 57 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.5%
- Annual Yield – 2,29%.
SCL produces specialty chemicals. The company’s clients are manufacturers of cleaning products and other consumer goods. The majority of income generated comes from the sale of surfactants. The remaining business is managed by Stepan’s polymers, which manufactures components for industrial adhesives, coatings, and plastics.
38. Tootsie Roll (NYSE:TR)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Packaged Foods and Meats
- Dividend Growth Streak: 58 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.2%
- Annual Yield – 1,13%.
TR has been engaged in candy manufacturing and confectionery production since 1896. Its products are distributed worldwide in supermarkets, pharmacies, and more. The company owns several consumer brands, including:
- Tootsie Roll;
- Tootsie Pops;
- Dubble Bubble;
- Blow-Pop, among others.
The payout ratio is only 27.21%.
39. Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Household Products
- Dividend Growth Streak: 61 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.3%
- Annual Yield – 2,17%.
CL has been producing consumer products since 1806. The company owns global brands in personal care. Its product line also includes household goods and pet food. A significant portion of Colgate-Palmolive’s profits comes from outside the United States.
40. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCQX:FMCB)
- Sector: Financials – Regional Banks
- Dividend Growth Streak: 61 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.8%
- Annual Yield – 1,79%.
FMCB is – community banking that offers financial services in the California market. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp works with individuals and businesses, providing options to open checking and savings accounts. The company is involved in business lending, including agricultural financing.
41. Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Soft Drinks and Non-alcoholic Beverages
- Dividend Growth Streak: 61 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 3.1%
- Annual Yield – 3,1%.
The products of KO are available in over 200 countries. The company owns global beverage brands such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta. The distribution system is structured so that Coca-Cola sells only the syrup concentrate, while licensed bottlers produce and package the finished beverages.
42. Lancaster (NASDAQ:LANC)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Packaged Foods and Meats
- Dividend Growth Streak: 61 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.3%
- Annual Yield – 2,1%.
LANC sells its branded foods and semi-finished food products to retail consumers and foodservice companies.
The company’s key specialty foods include:
- New York Bakery frozen bread;
- Sister Schubert’s rolls;
- Marzetti salad dressings.
Additionally, Lancaster generates profit from producing products for other brands.
43. Nordson (NASDAQ:NDSN)
- Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
- Dividend Growth Streak: 61 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.4%
- Annual Yield – 1,25%.
The products of NDSN have industrial applications in areas such as healthcare, electronics manufacturing, and packaging materials. The company offers precision equipment for applying adhesives and various coatings. Additional areas of focus include microscopy systems for conductors and medical consumables, such as syringes and catheters.
44. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)
- Sector: Healthcare – Pharmaceuticals
- Dividend Growth Streak: 62 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 3.3%
- Annual Yield – 3,43%.
The global presence of JNJ in the international healthcare market has been made possible by its numerous developments. The company offers medical devices for surgery and orthopedics. It also produces prescription pharmaceuticals, including those used in cancer treatment.
45. Kenvue (NYSE:KVUE)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Personal Care Products
- Dividend Growth Streak: 62 years *
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 3.8%
- Annual Yield – 3,72%.
KVUE spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2022. The company made it onto the kings list due to JNJ’s long history of dividend payments. However, analysts believe that Kenvue’s management will continue this tradition. The company produces over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and has a large brand portfolio in consumer health and personal care.
46. Cincinnati Financial (NASDAQ:CINF)
- Sector: Financials – Property and Casualty Insurance
- Dividend Growth Streak: 64 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.4%
- Annual Yield – 2,24%.
Cincinnati Financial (CINF) primarily generates its income from financial services, specifically insurance. The company offers a wide range of policies, from property and casualty insurance to business insurance. Additionally, Cincinnati Financial earns income from investments in securities.
47. Lowe’s (NYSE:Low)
- Sector: Consumer Discretionary – Home Improvement Retail
- Dividend Growth Streak: 64 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.8%
- Annual Yield – 1,69%.
Lowe’s is a retail giant that specializes in home improvement. The company offers a wide range of construction supplies and home goods. In its stores, customers can find everything needed for home enhancement, from wallpaper to appliances. Additionally, Lowe’s provides installation services, which are carried out by independent contractors.
48. Genuine Parts (NYSE:GPC)
- Sector: Consumer Discretionary – Distributors
- Dividend Growth Streak: 68 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 3.5%
- Annual Yield – 3,46%.
GPC plays a leading role in the auto parts automotive aftermarket. The company operates a network of stores under the NAPA brand. It also engages in industrial distribution through distribution centers. Its customers include repair shops and manufacturers. The Genuine Parts business is resilient to economic downturns, as auto parts are in demand regardless of the economic cycle.
49. Dover (NYSE:DOV)
- Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
- Dividend Growth Streak: 68 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.0%
- Annual Yield – 1,09%.
DOV has a diversified business and offers industrial equipment for various global manufacturing sectors. Its product lines include:
- engineered products (waste management systems);
- clean energy and fuel handling (equipment for working with gas and other fuels);
- visualization and identification (labeling equipment);
- fluid pumping (pumps);
- climate control (refrigeration systems).
50. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG)
- Sector: Consumer Staples – Household Products
- Dividend Growth Streak: 68 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.68%
- Annual Yield: -4.69%
PG is a leading manufacturer of consumer goods. Its product range includes personal care items, cleaning and washing products, and baby care products. Procter & Gamble generates half of its profits from the United States and Canada, while the other half comes from sales worldwide.
51. Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH)
- Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
- Dividend Growth Streak: 68 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.02%
- Annual Yield: 38.97%.
PH manufactures hydraulic equipment, including pumps, valves, filters, and more. Its products are in demand in processing and transportation, including the aerospace industry. A strong point of the company is generating income not only from sales but also from equipment servicing.
52. Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR)
- Sector: Industrials – Electrical Components and Equipment
- Dividend Growth Streak: 69 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 1.52%
- Annual Yield: 26.59%.
EMR manufactures automation and control systems, as well as software solutions. Its products are in high demand across various sectors, from water treatment to pharmaceuticals and the oil and gas industry. More than half of Emerson Electric’s operations are located outside the United States.
53. Northwest Natural (NYSE:NWN)
- Sector: Utilities – Gas Utilities
- Dividend Growth Streak: 69 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Safe
- Dividend Yield: 4.78%
- Annual Yield: 15.64%.
NWN provides natural gas and water to over 2 million people in various parts of the United States, including Southwest Washington. Northwest Natural serves residential, commercial, and industrial customers. A significant drawback for the company is its high payout ratio of 92.07%, which indicates a low potential for dividend growth and a risk of dividend reductions.
54. American States Water (NYSE:AWR)
- Sector: Utilities – Water Utilities
- Dividend Growth Streak: 70 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 2.45%
- Annual Yield: 4.4%.
AWR’s primary business is providing water to residents of California. Additionally, the company is involved in energy distribution. An important aspect of its operations is managing water supply systems on military bases under a contract with the U.S. government.
55. RLI (NYSE:RLI)
- Sector: Financials – Property and Casualty Insurance
- Dividend Growth Streak: 50 years
- Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
- Dividend Yield: 0.89%
- Annual Yield: 4.37%.
RLI earned its Dividend King status in 2025. The company operates in the insurance space, focusing on sectors like commercial real estate and professional liability. Its primary source of income comes from insurance premiums, with an additional revenue stream from investments — mainly fixed-income securities like bonds.
Final Thoughts on Dividend Kings
Dividend kings are an important component of an investment strategy aimed at cash flow generation. They provide balance sheet strength and dividend growth, making them suitable assets for retirement income. However, it is essential to note that there are no dividend kings that pay monthly dividends.
For long-term investing focused on capital appreciation, dividend kings may not be the best option, as their growth rates tend to lag behind those of companies in the technology sector.
For investment screening against your strategy, stock databases can be utilized. One such system is provided by BeatMarket, which assesses the safety of securities and their potential for future growth.
FAQ
Are Dividend Kings a good investment?
Dividend kings are a good investment for individuals seeking a stable source of income. Many investors aim to multiply their capital significantly in a short period, and dividend kings may not be suitable for them. It is also important to remember that a company can cease dividend payments despite having a long track record.
What is considered a Dividend King?
Dividend kings are an exclusive group of dividend-paying stocks that meet two criteria. First, the stocks must belong to publicly traded companies. Second, they must have a record of increasing dividends for at least 50 consecutive years. These companies have management teams that are shareholder-friendly, focusing on increasing minority shareholders’ income rather than expanding the business.
What is the highest-yielding Dividend King in 2025?
As of February 25, 2025, the dividend king with the highest payouts is Altria. The projected dividend yield is 7.58% (according to BeatMarket).
What is the highest-paying Dividend King?
For several years, Altria has held the top position in the dividend kings ranking for the highest payout yield.
