Dividend Kings 2026 — 28 Source-Checked Examples
Explore 28 companies with a primary source documenting at least 50 annual dividend increases. Unlike Aristocrats, Kings are not required to be in the S&P 500. Browse available yields, filter by sector, and compare dated recorded histories.
A curated set of 28 examples, not an exhaustive current list. “≥” means at least that many annual increases were recorded in the linked source. Dates and fiscal/calendar-year methods differ; check the issuer for later changes.
2026 Dividend Kings List
28 source-checked examples with sector classifications and dated recorded-year lower bounds. Stocks tracked by MerryDiv include live dividend yields and link to detailed profiles.
| Ticker | Company | Sector | Dividend Yield | Recorded Years ▼ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWR | American States Water | Utilities | ≥72 2026 issuer release | |
| DOV | Dover Corporation | Industrials | ≥71 2026 issuer release | |
| NWN | Northwest Natural Holding | Utilities | ≥71 2026 issuer release | |
| PG | Procter & Gamble | Consumer Staples | ≥70 2026 issuer release | |
| PH | Parker-Hannifin | Industrials | ≥70 2026 issuer release | |
| CINF | Cincinnati Financial | Financials | ≥66 2026 issuer release | |
| KO | Coca-Cola | Consumer Staples | ≥64 2026 issuer release | |
| JNJ | Johnson & Johnson | Healthcare | ≥64 2026 issuer release | |
| GPC | Genuine Parts Company | Consumer Discretionary | ≥63 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| EMR | Emerson Electric | Industrials | ≥63 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| CL | Colgate-Palmolive | Consumer Staples | ≥63 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| NDSN | Nordson Corporation | Industrials | ≥60 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| SWK | Stanley Black & Decker | Industrials | ≥58 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| ITW | Illinois Tool Works | Industrials | ≥54 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| TGT | Target Corporation | Consumer Staples | ≥54 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| PPG | PPG Industries | Materials | ≥54 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| BDX | Becton Dickinson | Healthcare | ≥54 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| GWW | W.W. Grainger | Industrials | ≥54 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| FRT | Federal Realty Investment Trust | Real Estate | ≥53 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| PEP | PepsiCo | Consumer Staples | ≥53 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| ABBV | AbbVie | Healthcare | ≥53 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| ABT | Abbott Laboratories | Healthcare | ≥53 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| KMB | Kimberly-Clark | Consumer Staples | ≥53 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| SPGI | S&P Global | Financials | ≥52 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| NUE | Nucor Corporation | Materials | ≥52 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| LOW | Lowe's Companies | Consumer Discretionary | ≥51 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| ADM | Archer-Daniels-Midland | Consumer Staples | ≥51 Feb. 2026 snapshot | |
| ED | Consolidated Edison | Utilities | ≥51 Feb. 2026 snapshot |
Methodology: Every example has a linked primary source supporting at least 50 annual dividend increases: either a dated 2026 issuer release or the February 1, 2026 ProShares index snapshot. The snapshot has limited historical coverage and reports calendar-year payments; issuer streaks may use fiscal years or announced increases. Counts are lower bounds as of those sources, not a synchronized ranking of current streaks. We exclude entries whose record we have not source-checked. Live yields are loaded separately and may be delayed. A historic record does not guarantee future dividends.
Kings vs Aristocrats vs Champions
These three lists track companies with long dividend growth streaks, but they have different requirements.
| Kings | Aristocrats | Champions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum consecutive years | 50+ | 25+ | 25+ |
| Must Be in S&P 500? | No | Yes | No |
| Maintained By | Community-maintained | S&P Dow Jones Indices | Community-maintained |
| Typical Count | Varies by source | 69 (Feb. 2026) | Varies by source |
| Popular ETF | None | NOBL | None |
| Examples | AWR, DOV, PG | JNJ, KO, XOM | Broader list |
Why Dividend Kings Matter for Income Investors
Half a Century of Proof
Raising dividends for 50+ years means a company has weathered multiple recessions, market crashes, wars, and technological disruptions, and still managed to pay shareholders more every single year. That kind of track record is nearly impossible to fake. A stock with a reliable 3% dividend yield that grows its dividend at 6% per year effectively yields over 5% on your original investment within a decade. Add dividend reinvestment (DRIP) and the compounding accelerates further.
Durable Competitive Advantages
Companies don't pay increasing dividends for half a century by accident. Kings tend to have wide economic moats: dominant brands like Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola, essential services like American States Water, or entrenched industrial positions like Dover and Emerson Electric. Many Kings also rank well on ESG screens; see our guide to sustainable dividend stocks.
Beyond the S&P 500
Because Kings are not restricted to the S&P 500, the list includes excellent smaller and mid-cap companies that Aristocrats miss: water utilities like SJW Group and California Water Service, specialty manufacturers like Nordson, and niche players like Weyco Group. This broader universe gives income investors more choices and potentially better diversification for their portfolios. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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Disclaimer: This page is for informational and educational purposes only. The information presented does not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Dividend payments are not guaranteed and can be reduced or eliminated at any time. Past dividend performance does not guarantee future results. The Dividend Kings list is community-maintained and changes as companies report their annual dividend actions. Always verify through official company filings. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
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