The Dividend Kings Ranked By Quality Scores (September 2026)

Dividend Kings are companies that have raised their annual dividend payouts for at least 50 consecutive years. These companies have shown remarkable resilience, consistently increasing shareholder returns through major economic recessions, market downturns, and industry disruptions.

No index provider or exchange maintains a list of Dividend Kings, so membership depends on how you count a dividend streak. I explain my approach in the article. 

I rank the 53 Dividend Kings by 9F Quality Scores, my quality scoring system that rates dividend stocks on a 10-point scale across nine weighted factors. Each factor blends qualitative expert assessments from independent sources with quantitative financial metrics.

McDonald's Dividend Increase

On September 17, McDonald's (MCD) increased its dividend by 3.76%, from $1.86 to $1.93 per share. The increase marks McDonald's 50^th consecutive year of dividend growth, lifting it into the ranks of the Dividend Kings.

The dividend is payable on December 15 to shareholders of record on December 1.

MCD's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $14 to $386.

Microsoft Dividend Increase

On September 15, Microsoft (MSFT) increased its dividend by 7.69%, from 91¢ to 98¢ per share.

The dividend is payable on December 10 to shareholders of record on November 19.

MSFT's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $33.60 to $470.40.

Dividend Announcements: September 5-11, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for more than 1,200 dividend-paying stocks and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha.

This week, 6 stocks in my database announced dividend increases.

Tracking dividend announcements and auditing the safety profiles of the companies announcing them lets me target high-conviction opportunities and avoid potential traps.

Dividend Announcements: August 29 - September 4, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for more than 1,200 dividend-paying stocks and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha.

This week, 5 stocks in my database announced dividend increases, while one cut its dividend by 36% and one declared a special dividend.

Celebrating the announced increases for stocks I own is satisfying, but a dividend increase carries a broader signal: it tells me a company has the cash flow and confidence to sustain a higher baseline payout. On the flip side, a dividend cut, or even an unexpected token increase, can signal that the company's outlook may be weakening.

Dividend Announcements: August 22-28, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for more than 1,200 dividend-paying stocks and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha.

This week, 9 stocks in my database announced dividend increases (including three stocks I own).

Tracking dividend announcements and auditing the safety profiles of the companies announcing them lets me target high-conviction opportunities and avoid potential traps.

Lam Research Dividend Increase

On August 27, Lam Research (LRCX) increased its dividend by 26.92%, from 26¢ to 33¢ per share.

The dividend is payable on October 14 to shareholders of record on September 23.

LRCX's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $31.36 to $147.84.

Altria Group Dividend Increase

On August 27, Altria Group (MO) increased its dividend by 4.72%, from $1.06 to $1.11 per share.

The dividend is payable on October 9 to shareholders of record on September 15.

MO's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $24 to $532.80.

10 Dividend Growth Stocks: August 2026

This monthly article series identifies 10 Dividend Growth Stocks for further research and possible investment. 

I usually target dividend growth stocks, defined as stocks with dividend increase streaks of 5 or more years. This month, I added stocks with dividend-increase streaks of 3-4 years.

I screened for stocks with dividend-increase streaks of 3-9 years, a projected dividend growth rate of 12% or higher, and trading at or below fair value. I present the ten top-ranked candidates based on quality scores. 

As always, I recommend doing your own analysis before investing in these stocks.

Intuit Dividend Increase

On August 25, Intuit (INTU) increased its dividend by 15%, from $1.20 to $1.38 per share.

The dividend is payable on October 16 to shareholders of record on October 8.

INTU's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $76.32 to $585.12.

Dividend Announcements: August 15-21, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for more than 1,200 dividend-paying stocks and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha.

This week, 10 stocks in my database announced dividend increases, and one declared a special dividend.

Tracking dividend announcements and auditing the safety profiles of the companies announcing them let me target high-conviction opportunities and avoid potential traps.

Why Payout Ratio Rules Break Down in Cyclical Dividend Sectors (and What to Check Instead)

By Marco Bozem of MB Capital Strategies Global

Most dividend growth screens use the same first filter: a payout ratio below some threshold—60%, 75%, whatever the model prefers. It works well for the sectors most DGI portfolios are built around: consumer staples, utilities, and healthcare. 

Steady earnings, steady payout, steady ratio.

It breaks down completely once you move into cyclical hard-asset sectors—shipping, mining, and upstream energy. I hold real positions in all three sectors, and the payout ratio has often misled me, so I stopped screening by it. 

Here's why, and what I check instead.

Dividend Announcements: August 8-14, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for more than 1,200 dividend-paying stocks and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha.

This week, 12 stocks in my database announced dividend increases (including one stock I own), while one cut its dividend by 52%.

Tracking dividend announcements and auditing the safety profiles of the companies announcing them let me target high-conviction opportunities and avoid potential traps.

Badger Meter Dividend Increase

On August 14, Badger Meter (BMI) increased its dividend by 10%, from 40¢ to 44¢ per share.

The dividend is payable on September 11 to shareholders of record on August 28.

BMI's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $27.20 to $299.20.

Dividend Announcements: August 1-7, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for more than 1,200 dividend-paying stocks and report on them in a weekly article series published on Seeking Alpha. 

This week, 21 stocks in my database announced dividend increases, while one stock announced a dividend cut and one declared a special dividend.

Tracking dividend announcements and auditing the safety profiles of the companies announcing them lets me target high-conviction opportunities and avoid potential traps.

Dividend Announcements: July 25-31, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for 700+ dividend growth stocks in my database and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha. 

This week, 18 stocks in my database announced dividend increases (including two stocks I own) and two declared a special dividend.

Tracking dividend announcements and auditing the safety profiles of the companies announcing them lets me target high-conviction opportunities and avoid potential traps.

Dividend Announcements: July 18-24, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for 700+ dividend growth stocks in my database and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha. 

This week, 24 stocks in my database announced dividend increases (including two stocks I own), while one cut its dividend by 42%.

By studying dividend-safety data across all announcers, I can highlight stocks worth adding to your watchlist and the warning signs to monitor.

Cintas Dividend Increase

On July 28, Cintas (CTAS) increased its dividend by 15.56%, from 45¢ to 52¢ per share.

The dividend is payable on September 15 to shareholders of record on August 14.

CTAS's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $46.20 to $343.20.

Comfort Systems USA Dividend Increase

On July 23, Comfort Systems USA (FIX) increased its dividend by 12.50%, from 80¢ to 90¢ per share.

The dividend is payable on August 24 to shareholders of record on August 13.

FIX's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $7.20 to $64.80.

Dividend Announcements: July 11-17, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for 700+ dividend growth stocks in my database and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha. 

This week, 15 stocks in my database announced dividend increases and one declared a special dividend.

By studying dividend-safety data across all announcers, I can highlight stocks worth adding to your watchlist and the warning signs to monitor.

McKesson Dividend Increase

On July 21, McKesson (MCK) increased its dividend by 14.63%, from 82¢ to 94¢ per share.

The dividend is payable on October 1 to shareholders of record on September 1.

MCK's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $11.04 to $86.48.

Dividend Announcements: July 4-10, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for 700+ dividend growth stocks in my database and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha. 

This week, 8 stocks in my database announced dividend increases (including one stock I own, FAST).

By studying dividend-safety data across all announcers, I can highlight stocks worth adding to your watchlist and the warning signs to monitor.

Fastenal Dividend Increase

On July 10, Fastenal (FAST) increased its dividend by 8.33%, from 24¢ to 26¢ per share.

The dividend is payable on August 25 to shareholders of record on July 28.

FAST's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $20 to $260.

10 Dividend Growth Stocks: July 2026

This monthly article series identifies 10 Dividend Growth Stocks for further research and possible investment. 

I use different filters every month and select the top-ranked candidates based on quality scores. 

This month, I'm presenting the top 10 dividend growth stocks with a 5-year yield-on-cost of 2.5% or higher and a consensus upside of at least 5%.

As always, I recommend doing your own analysis before investing in these stocks.

Dividend Announcements: June 27 - July 3, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for 700+ dividend growth stocks in my database and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha. 

This week, only one stock in my database announced a dividend increase: OZK. 

OKZ's increase is modest at 2.1%, but it extends a remarkable record of 64 consecutive quarterly increases, compounding to about 9% annual dividend growth. 

Dividend Announcements: June 20-26, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for 700+ dividend growth stocks in my database and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha. 

This week, thirteen companies in my database (including seven banks) announced dividend increases.

The seven banks in my database announced planned dividend increases within 48 hours of the Federal Reserve's 2026 stress-test results. All 32 tested banks cleared the exam, and the largest banks moved quickly to return more capital to shareholders.

Dividend Announcements: June 13-19, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for 700+ dividend growth stocks in my database and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha. 

This week, only two stocks in my database announced dividend increases, HEI and WKC, with WKC delivering the larger increase of 15%. I own HEI in my DivGro portfolio.

Celebrating increases for the stocks I own is satisfying, but a dividend increase carries a broader signal: it tells me a company has the cash flow and confidence to sustain a higher baseline payout. On the flip side, a dividend cut, or even an unexpected token increase, can signal that the company's outlook may be weakening.

The Dividend Payout Ratio is a Starting Point, not a Conclusion

By Flippie of Intrinsiqq

This article presents a practical framework for looking at earnings coverage, free cash flow, and dividend growth together.

The dividend payout ratio is a useful metric, but it can hide important differences between reported earnings, cash generation, and long-term dividend capacity. 

This article outlines a practical three-part starting point: check earnings payout, free cash flow payout, and dividend-growth history, then place those results in the context of the wider business. The aim is not certainty, but better questions before relying on yield alone.

Dividend Announcements: June 6-12, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for 700+ dividend growth stocks in my database and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha. 

This week, seven stocks in my database announced dividend increases, with CASY leading at 14.04% and O posting a token increase.

Celebrating increases for the stocks I own is satisfying, but a dividend increase carries a broader signal: it tells me a company has the cash flow and confidence to sustain a higher baseline payout. On the flip side, a dividend cut, or even an unexpected token increase, can signal that the company's outlook may be weakening.

June 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to the June edition of DivGro 2.0's monthly newsletter! 

Every month, I write a market recap and a summary of my DivGro portfolio as of the last day of the previous month. I also summarize transactions that affected DivGro's projected annual dividend income [PADI].

DivGro contains 55 positions. Of these, 48 are dividend growth [DG] stocks, 2 are dividend-paying stocks, and 5 are funds (4 closed-end funds and one exchange-traded fund).

By convention, I label stocks with dividend increase streaks of at least 5 years as DG stocks.

HEICO Dividend Increase

On June 15, HEICO (HEI) increased its dividend by 8.33%, from 12¢ to 13¢ per share.

The dividend is payable on July 15 to shareholders of record on July 1.

HEI's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $1 to $13.

May 2026 Newsletter

I forgot to post the May edition of DivGro 2.0's monthly newsletter here! Even though this is old news by now, I'm posting it here for continuity's sake.  

Every month, I write a market recap and a summary of my DivGro portfolio as of the last day of the previous month. I also summarize transactions that affected DivGro's projected annual dividend income [PADI].

DivGro contains 53 positions. Of these, 47 are dividend growth [DG] stocks, 2 are dividend-paying stocks, and 4 are closed-end funds.

By convention, I label stocks with dividend increase streaks of at least 5 years as DG stocks.

10 Dividend Growth Stocks: June 2026

This monthly article series identifies 10 Dividend Growth Stocks for further research and possible investment. I select the top-ranked candidates based on quality scores. 

This month, I'm presenting the top 10 dividend growth stocks screened for at least 15% upside and an Adjusted Chowder Number of 12.0+.

As always, I recommend doing your own analysis before investing in these stocks.

Dividend Announcements: May 30 - June 5, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for 700+ dividend growth stocks in my database and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha. 

This week, six stocks in my database announced dividend increases, including one stock I own, while one declared a special dividend.

Celebrating increases for the stocks I own is satisfying, but a dividend increase carries a broader signal: it tells me a company has the cash flow and confidence to sustain a higher baseline payout. On the flip side, a dividend cut, or even an unexpected token increase, can signal that the company's outlook may be weakening.

NXG NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund Distribution Increase

On June 2, NXG NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund (NXG) increased its monthly distribution by 11.1%, from 54¢ to 60¢ per share.

The higher rate covers the June, July, and August 2026 distributions.

Payable June 30 for shareholders of record June 15.

Payable July 31 for shareholders of record July 15.

Payable August 31 for shareholders of record August 17.

NXG's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $2,160 to $21,600.

UnitedHealth Group Dividend Increase

On June 3, UnitedHealth Group (UNH) increased its dividend by 4.98%, from $2.21 to $2.32 per share.

The dividend is payable on June 23 to shareholders of record on June 15.

UNH's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $10.56 to $222.72.

The Highest Quality Dividend Growth Stocks In June 2026

This article identifies the highest-quality dividend growth stocks using stringent quality screens. It updates an article I wrote in July 2024.

However, this time I used my new quality-scoring system, which rates dividend growth stocks on a 10-point scale across nine weighted factors.

Of more than 700 dividend growth stocks in my database, only 37 passed the stringent quality screens. One stock scored more than 8 points for each factor, while three stocks scored at least 7 points for each factor. The remaining stocks scored at least 6 points per factor. 

Dividend Announcements: May 23-29, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for 700+ dividend growth stocks in my database and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha. 

This week, 5 stocks in my database announced dividend increases (including one stock I own) and one declared a special dividend.

Celebrating increases for the stocks I own is satisfying, but a dividend increase carries a broader signal: it tells me a company has the cash flow and confidence to sustain a higher baseline payout. On the flip side, a dividend cut, or even an unexpected token increase, can signal that the company's outlook may be weakening.

Lowe's Dividend Increase

On May 29, Lowe's (LOW) increased its dividend by 4.17%, from $1.20 to $1.25 per share.

The dividend is payable on August 5 to shareholders of record on July 22.

LOW's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $15 to $375.

Dividend Announcements: May 16-22, 2026

I monitor dividend announcements for 700+ dividend growth stocks in my database and report on them in a weekly article series published at Seeking Alpha. 

This week, 11 stocks in my database announced dividend increases (including two stocks I own), while one cut its dividend by 49% and one declared a special dividend.

Celebrating increases for the stocks I own is satisfying, but a dividend increase carries a broader signal: it tells me a company has the cash flow and confidence to sustain a higher baseline payout. On the flip side, a dividend cut, or even an unexpected token increase, can signal that the company's outlook may be weakening.

NVIDIA Dividend Increase

On May 20, NVIDIA (NVDA) increased its dividend by 2,400%, from 1¢ to 25¢ per share.

The dividend is payable on June 26 to shareholders of record on June 4.

NVDA's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $192 to $200.

Northrop Grumman Dividend Increase

On May 19, Northrop Grumman (NOC) increased its dividend by 6.93%, from $2.31 to $2.47 per share.

The dividend is payable on June 17 to shareholders of record on June 1.

NOC's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $14.72 to $227.24.

My Top Dividend Growth Picks In Each GICS Sector

To minimize the risk of dividend cuts, I invest only in the highest-quality dividend growth [DG] stocks. I use a quality scoring system to assess the quality of DG stocks. My quality scoring system blends qualitative expert assessments with quantitative financial metrics and rates DG stocks on a 10-point scale across 9 weighted factors.

Sector diversification is one of the most effective ways to manage risk and build a resilient investment portfolio. By spreading investments across sectors, a downturn in one industry won't drag down your entire portfolio. Different sectors perform well at different stages of the economic cycle. Cyclical sectors thrive when the economy is booming, while defensive sectors are resilient during a recession.

This article presents my top dividend growth picks for each of the 11 GICS sectors. I provide 2 DG stocks per sector, the sector winners and the runners-up by quality score. As always, I present the picks in tables with key metrics, my consensus fair value, and quality scores.

TSMC Dividend Increase

On 12 May, TSMC (TSM) increased its quarterly dividend by 16.67%, from $30 TWD to $35 TWD per share.

The dividend is payable on 8 October to shareholders of record on 22 September. The ex-dividend date is 16 September.

TSM's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by approximately $40.53 to $258.36.

10 Dividend Growth Stocks for May 2026

This monthly article series identifies 10 Dividend Growth Stocks for further research and possible investment.

I present the top-ranked candidates based on quality scores. These high-quality dividend growth stocks are candidates for your dividend growth portfolio.

As always, I recommend doing your own analysis before investing in these stocks.

This month, I'm presenting dividend growth stocks with forward yields of at least 1%, quality scores above 7.0, and consensus upside of at least 10%.

KLA Dividend Increase

On 8 May, KLA (KLAC) increased its dividend by 21.05%, from $1.90 to $2.30 per share.

The dividend is payable on 2 June to shareholders of record on 18 May. 

KLAC's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $32 to $184.

Main Street Capital Dividend Increase

On 5 May, Main Street Capital (MAIN) increased its dividend by 1.92%, from 26¢ to 26.5¢ per share.

The dividend is payable on 15 July 2026 to shareholders of record on 8 July 2026. 

MAIN's forward yield is 5.54% at $57.36 per share.

Home Run Number 63

Today, I'm happy to announce DivGro's 63^rd Home Run!

I call the stocks in my DivGro portfolio Home Runs after they double my original investment on a total-return basis.

As a dividend growth investor, I invest in high-quality dividend growth stocks with long histories of increasing annual dividend payouts. 

There's rarely a reason to sell high-quality dividend-growth stocks if the company's underlying fundamentals don't change. And if you hold such stocks long enough, they'll eventually double your original investment in total return!

Apple Dividend Increase

On 30 April, Apple (AAPL) increased its dividend by 3.85%, from 26¢ to 27¢ per share.

The dividend is payable on 14 May to shareholders of record on 11 May.

AAPL's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $3 to $81.

Alphabet Dividend Increase

On 29 April, Alphabet (GOOG) increased its dividend by 4.76%, from 21¢ to 22¢ per share.

The dividend is payable on 15 June to shareholders of record on 8 June.

GOOG's contribution to DivGro's projected annual dividend income will increase by $2 to $44.