Investors seeking defensive companies that pay substantial dividends are drawn to the Dividend Kings, and for good reason. The 58 companies that made the cut for the 2026 Dividend Kings list have increased their dividends (not just maintained them) for 50 consecutive years. Companies that have raised dividends for 50 or more consecutive years are exactly the kinds of investments passive income investors need to own. Dependability is crucial for individuals seeking to increase their annual income through dividend stock investments.
With the second-quarter earnings season winding down, we wanted to see which companies in the legendary group posted the best results, and we were not disappointed. Some of the top companies, including a Warren Buffett favorite, posted stellar results and some outstanding forward-looking guidance. These are companies that make sense for growth and income investors seeking timely ideas in an overbought, frothy stock market.
Why We Recommend the Dividend Kings
Companies that have paid and raised dividends for 50 years or more are the kinds of stocks growth and income investors want to buy and hold in stock portfolios forever. These stocks are mostly conservative, and should we see a dramatic market correction, they will likely hold their ground much better than volatile technology names.
American States Water
When you have products that everyone depends on and pays a very reliable 2.35% dividend that has been raised for 70 years, your investors will likely do well. American States Water (NYSE: AWR) is a holding company with segments in water, electric, and contracted services. The company reported strong Q2 EPS of $1.09 (up from $0.87 year over year) and raised its quarterly dividend by 8.2% following strong execution in utility and contracted services.
Within the segments, the company has three principal business units: water and electric service utility operations conducted through its regulated utilities, Golden State Water Company (GSWC) and Bear Valley Electric Service (BVES), respectively, and contracted services conducted through American States Utility Services (ASUS) and its subsidiaries.
GSWC is a public water utility that purchases, produces, distributes, and sells water in 11 counties in the state of California. It provides wastewater collection and treatment services.
BVES is a public electric utility that distributes electricity in several San Bernardino County Mountain communities in California.
ASUS operates, maintains, and performs construction activities (including renewal and replacement capital work) on water and/or wastewater systems at various United States military bases.
California Water Service
This company has raised its dividend for an impressive 77 years, yielding 2.57%. California Water Service (NYSE: CWT) is a holding company that provides water utility and other related services in California, Washington, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Texas. The company reported that net income rose to $56.5 million ($0.93 per share), up from $42 million in the prior year, backed by new rate case recognitions and infrastructure investments.
Its business is conducted through its operating subsidiaries and provides utility services. The business consists of the production, purchase, storage, treatment, testing, distribution, and sale of water for domestic, industrial, public, and irrigation uses, as well as domestic and municipal fire protection services.
The company provides wastewater collection and treatment services, including treatment that allows water recycling. It also provides non-regulated water-related services under agreements with municipalities and other private companies.
The non-regulated services include full water system operation, meter reading, and billing services. Non-regulated operations also include the lease of communication antenna sites, lab services, and promotion of other non-regulated services.
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO | KO Price Prediction) is an American multinational corporation founded in 1892. This company remains a long-time top holding of Warren Buffett, who owns a massive 400 million shares, or 9.3% of the float and 9.3% of the portfolio. The stock comes with a dependable 2.39% dividend, which was raised to $0.53 per share in May 2026, marking the 64th straight year of dividend increases. The company reported second-quarter revenue of $13.37 billion and comparable EPS of $0.97, beating expectations, and raised its full-year earnings growth forecast.
Coca-Cola is the world’s largest beverage company, offering consumers more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world’s most valuable and recognizable brands, the company’s portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands, including:
- Diet Coke
- Coca-Cola Light
- Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
- Caffeine-free Diet Coke
- Cherry Coke
- Fanta Orange
- Fanta Zero Orange
- Fanta Zero Sugar
- Fanta Apple
- Sprite
- Sprite Zero Sugar
- Simply Orange
- Simply Apple
- Simply Grapefruit
- Fresca
- Schweppes
- Dasani
- Fuze Tea
- Glacéau Smartwater
- Glacéau Vitaminwater
- Gold Peak
- Ice Dew
- Powerade
- Topo Chico
- Minute Maid
Globally, it is the top provider of sparkling beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, juices, and juice drinks. Through the world’s most extensive beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the company’s beverages at a rate of over 1.9 billion servings per day. Plus, the company owns 19.5% of Monster Beverage (NASDAQ: MNST), which continues to deliver strong financial results.
Federal Realty Investment Trust
Founded in 1962, Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE: FRT) continues to deliver long-term, sustainable growth by investing in densely populated, affluent communities and pays a strong 3.83% dividend. Real estate demand is still growing, and hard assets are generally considered prudent investments during periods of inflation. Federal Realty is a recognized leader in the ownership, operation, and redevelopment of high-quality retail-based properties in major coastal markets from the District of Columbia and Boston to San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The company posted Q2 funds from operations of $1.88 per share (beating mid-guidance expectations), alongside strong 96% occupancy and its 59th consecutive annual dividend increase.
Federal Realty’s mission is to deliver long-term, sustainable growth through investing in densely populated, affluent communities where retail demand exceeds supply. Its expertise includes creating urban, mixed-use neighborhoods like:
- Santana Row in San Jose, California
- Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, Maryland
- Assembly Row in Somerville, Massachusetts
Federal Realty’s portfolio comprises approximately 3,500 tenants across 27 million square feet of space and 3,100 residential units. Federal Realty has increased its quarterly dividend for 57 consecutive years, the longest streak in the REIT industry.
Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) was founded more than 185 years ago as a soap-and-candle company, and it currently pays a 2.92% dividend. The company is focused on providing branded consumer packaged goods to consumers worldwide.
The consumer staples giant posted earnings per share of $1.43, beating estimates of $1.41, on steady revenue, and it continued its 70-year streak of dividend increases, raising it 3% in April.
The company’s segments include:
- Beauty
- Grooming
- Health Care
- Fabric & Home Care
- Baby
- Feminine & Family Care
Its products are sold in approximately 180 countries and territories primarily through mass merchandisers, e-commerce, including social commerce channels, grocery stores, membership club stores, drug stores, department stores, distributors, wholesalers, specialty beauty stores, including airport duty-free stores, high-frequency stores, pharmacies, electronics stores, and professional channels. It also sells directly to individual consumers. It has operations in approximately 70 countries.
Procter & Gamble offers products under such brands as:
- Head & Shoulders
- Herbal Essences
- Pantene
- Rejoice
- Olay
- Old Spice
- Safeguard
- Secret
- SK-II
- Braun
- Gillette
- Venus
- Crest
- Oral-B
- Ariel
- Downy
- Gain
- Tide
- Always
- Always Discreet
- Tampax
- Bounty
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