Dividend Champions, Contenders, and Challengers: July 13 Highlights

The Dividend Champions list highlights companies that consistently increase their annual dividend payouts. The list is updated monthly, but its data can quickly become outdated. Around 120 US companies have raised their dividend for at least 25 consecutive years. This week's highlights include companies such as Abbott Laboratories, Avery Dennison, and FedEx, which have increased their dividend for over 50 years.

The Dividend Champions list, updated monthly, highlights companies that consistently increase their annual dividend payouts. This week's highlights include Abbott Laboratories, Avery Dennison, and FedEx, which have increased their dividends for over 50 consecutive years. These companies exemplify reliability and consistency, which are highly valued by income investors. This article explores the significance of the Dividend Champions list and provides insights into the financial performance of some of its notable members.

The Significance of the Dividend Champions List

The Dividend Champions list is a valuable resource for income investors seeking reliable and consistent dividend growth. These companies have proven their ability to manage through economic downturns while continuing to pay and raise their dividends annually. This consistency is a testament to their strong financial health and commitment to shareholder returns.

Emerson Electric (EMR)

Emerson Electric, a diversified global leader in technology and engineering, has increased its dividend for 68 consecutive years. The company's strong performance in the second quarter of 2025 was highlighted by better-than-expected earnings and a significant acquisition, AspenTech. Emerson's competitive advantage lies in its decades of experience in building customer relationships and engineering excellence, with a global customer base experiencing strong economic growth [1].

Sherwin-Williams (SHW)

Sherwin-Williams, North America's largest manufacturer of paints and coatings, has increased its dividend for 52 consecutive years. The company reported solid first-quarter results in 2025, with earnings-per-share growth and an expanded gross margin. Despite a dip in sales due to weak construction activity, Sherwin-Williams reiterated its positive guidance for the year, expecting sales to grow by a low-single-digit percentage and earnings per share to range between $11.65 and $12.05 [1].

Sonoco Products (SON)

Sonoco Products, a provider of packaging, industrial products, and supply chain services, has extended its dividend growth streak to 49 consecutive years with a 1.9% increase in its quarterly dividend. The company's first-quarter results in 2025 showed revenue growth of 30.5%, driven by the addition of Eviosys. Sonoco Products' dividend payout ratio is projected to be lower than its average of 47% over the past decade, indicating a safe and sustainable dividend [1].

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

Johnson & Johnson, a Dividend King with 63 consecutive years of dividend increases, has seen strong growth in its innovative medicines and medtech businesses. The company reported double-digit growth across 11 major brands and a 14% growth in Abiomed products. J&J's commitment to innovation and capital return to shareholders is evident in its 15% of sales invested in research and development and a dividend yield of 3.4% [2].

Coca-Cola (KO)

Coca-Cola, another Dividend King, has increased its dividend for 63 consecutive years. The company's 6% organic revenue growth in the latest quarter, despite economic uncertainty, highlights its resilience and brand strength. Coca-Cola's bottling network and strong brand portfolio make it a reliable investment choice with a dividend yield of 2.8% [2].

Conclusion

The Dividend Champions list offers a unique opportunity for investors seeking reliable and consistent dividend growth. Companies like Emerson Electric, Sherwin-Williams, Sonoco Products, Johnson & Johnson, and Coca-Cola demonstrate their commitment to shareholder returns through their long histories of dividend increases. These companies have proven their ability to navigate economic downturns and continue to deliver strong financial performance.

References

[1] https://www.investing.com/analysis/3-champion-dividend-stocks-raising-dividends-for-over-25-years-200663379

[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-dividend-stocks-double-now-071000366.html