Dividend Growth Stocks with 10+ Years of Consistent Performance: Why These 3 REITs and Consumer Staples Are Buy-and-Hold Gems

In an era of economic uncertainty and market volatility, dividend growth stocks remain a cornerstone of resilient long-term portfolios. Investors seeking stability and compounding returns often turn to companies with decades of consecutive dividend increases, a testament to their operational strength and commitment to shareholder returns. Among these, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and consumer staples stand out for their ability to generate consistent cash flows and adapt to shifting economic conditions. This analysis highlights three REITs and select consumer staples that exemplify the buy-and-hold ethos, offering both income resilience and embedded growth potential.

REITs: The Power of Compounding in Real Estate

REITs are uniquely positioned to deliver dividend growth due to their legal requirement to distribute at least 90% of taxable income to shareholders according to Sure Dividend. This structure, combined with their focus on income-generating properties, creates a compelling case for long-term investors.

1. Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT): A Dividend King with 58 Consecutive Years of Growth
Federal Realty (FRT) is a rare jewel in the dividend growth universe, having increased its dividend for 58 consecutive years according to Fool's analysis. As a Dividend King, FRT's track record spans multiple economic cycles, demonstrating its ability to adapt and thrive. The company specializes in high-barrier retail properties, including luxury shopping centers and mixed-use developments, which provide stable cash flows and pricing power. According to a report by Simply Safe Dividends, FRT's long-term focus on value creation and tenant diversification has enabled it to maintain a robust balance sheet and consistent growth as documented in their 2025 list.

2. Realty Income Corporation (O): The Dividend Aristocrat with 30+ Years of Reliability
Realty Income (O), often dubbed the "Monthly Dividend Company," has delivered uninterrupted dividend growth for over 30 years according to Yahoo Finance. As a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, O's strategy of acquiring and managing a diversified portfolio of commercial properties ensures steady income streams. Data from Yahoo Finance indicates that O raised its monthly dividend in December 2025, continuing its streak of annual increases as reported by Yahoo Finance. Its focus on triple-net leases, where tenants handle property maintenance and insurance, further insulates it from operational risks.

3. Whitestone REIT (WSR): A Rising Star in the REIT Space
While Whitestone REIT (WSR) does not yet qualify for the Dividend Kings or Aristocrats lists, its recent performance signals strong potential. In December 2025, WSR announced a 5.6% dividend increase for Q1 2026, reflecting confidence in its core FFO (funds from operations) growth targets as reported by Yahoo Finance. The company's portfolio of industrial and retail properties benefits from the e-commerce boom, a trend that is expected to persist. Although WSR's dividend history is shorter than FRT or O, its 5.9% CAGR in dividends since 2021 according to Yahoo Finance suggests a trajectory toward long-term reliability.

Consumer Staples: The Bedrock of Resilient Portfolios

Consumer staples are the ultimate "defensive" sector, offering predictable demand and pricing power. Companies like Procter & Gamble (PG), Coca-Cola (KO), and Clorox (CLX) have not only survived but thrived through decades of economic shifts.

Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola: Dividend Kings with Global Reach
Procter & Gamble (PG) and Coca-Cola (KO) are quintessential Dividend Kings, with 50+ years of consecutive increases according to Fool's analysis. PG's dominance in household and personal care products, coupled with its innovation-driven strategy, ensures sustained demand. Similarly, KO's global beverage empire benefits from its brand strength and recurring consumption patterns. A 2025 analysis by Sure Dividend notes that these companies have consistently reinvested in their businesses while maintaining generous shareholder returns as reported in their analysis.

Clorox and Colgate-Palmolive: 40+ Years of Steady Growth
Clorox (CLX) and Colgate-Palmolive (CL) have extended their dividend growth streaks to over 40 years according to Kiplinger's analysis. Clorox's portfolio of household cleaning and personal care brands remains resilient, while Colgate's global presence in oral care and household products provides a stable foundation. These companies exemplify how consumer staples can balance innovation with operational efficiency to sustain growth.

Why These Stocks Are Buy-and-Hold Gems

The combination of REITs and consumer staples creates a powerful portfolio dynamic. REITs offer inflation protection and compounding through property appreciation, while consumer staples provide downside protection during economic downturns. For instance, FRT's 58-year streak and O's 30+ years of growth underscore the compounding magic of reinvested dividends, a critical factor for long-term wealth creation. Meanwhile, consumer staples like PG and KO offer the reassurance of consistent cash flows, even in volatile markets.

Investors should also consider the macroeconomic context. With interest rates stabilizing and inflation moderating, REITs are poised to benefit from improved financing conditions and rental growth. Similarly, consumer staples are well-positioned to capitalize on shifting consumer preferences, such as the demand for premium and sustainable products.

Conclusion

Dividend growth investing is not about chasing short-term gains but building a portfolio of companies that can weather storms and deliver compounding returns over decades. Federal Realty, Realty Income, and Whitestone REIT, alongside consumer staples like Procter & Gamble and Clorox, represent the intersection of income resilience and growth potential. For investors with a long-term horizon, these stocks are not just assets-they are blueprints for financial security.