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Top 20 Highest Yielding Dividend Kings Now | Yields Up To 7.4%


Updated on August 18th, 2026 by Nikolaos Sismanis

The Dividend Kings are the best-of-the-best in dividend longevity.

What is a Dividend King? A stock with 50 or more consecutive years of dividend increases.

You can see the full downloadable spreadsheet of all 58 Dividend Kings below. It includes metrics that matter: years of dividend growth, dividend yields, payout ratios, buy/hold/sell ratings, fair value prices, expected total returns, and much more.

Click here to instantly download your free spreadsheet of all Dividend Kings now, along with important investing metrics.

This research report analyzes the 20 highest-yielding Dividend Kings today. These stocks combine incredible dividend growth longevity with solid and better starting yields.

Table of Contents

High-Yield Dividend King #20: AbbVie Inc. (ABBV)

AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company whose largest therapeutic areas include immunology, neuroscience, oncology, and aesthetics.

Its central investment question has been whether newer medicines can more than offset declining Humira sales following the drug’s loss of exclusivity.

Second-quarter 2026 results offered further evidence that this transition is working.

Revenue increased 10.2% to $17.0 billion, while adjusted earnings-per-share rose 22.9% to $3.65.

Immunology revenue climbed 15.1%, led by $5.5 billion of Skyrizi sales and $2.5 billion from Rinvoq.

These two drugs are now comfortably outweighing Humira’s decline, while neuroscience revenue advanced 20.3% on strength from Vraylar, Botox Therapeutic, and the migraine portfolio.

AbbVie also agreed to acquire Apogee Therapeutics for approximately $10.9 billion, adding late-stage immunology assets but creating a modest near-term earnings headwind.

Management now expects 2026 adjusted earnings-per-share of $13.87 to $14.07, including the deal’s anticipated impact.

AbbVie’s 54-year dividend-growth record includes the history of former parent Abbott Laboratories, and the annualized payout stands at $6.92 per share.

The combination of a modest payout ratio and rising earnings supports its A Dividend Risk Score.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on AbbVie.

High-Yield Dividend King #19: Target Corporation (TGT)

Target is a major U.S. discount retailer with roughly 2,000 stores, a national digital platform, and a merchandise mix spanning essentials, food, apparel, beauty, and home goods.

Stores also serve as fulfillment hubs, making the physical network central to Target’s same-day delivery and pickup strategy.

Target’s first-quarter 2026 results were substantially better than expected.

Net sales rose 6.7% to $25.4 billion, comparable sales increased 5.6%, and traffic grew 4.4%. Digital comparable sales advanced 8.9%, led by more than 27% growth in same-day delivery through Target Circle 360.

Adjusted earnings-per-share were $1.71, while improved supply-chain productivity, lower markdowns, and faster growth in advertising and other non-merchandise revenue lifted the adjusted operating margin from the prior-year level.

Management raised its full-year sales outlook to growth of around 4% and expects earnings-per-share near the high end of its prior $7.50-to-$8.50 range.

The dividend was also increased to an annualized $4.64, extending Target’s streak to 58 consecutive years.

The modest latest raise reflects management’s focus on protecting cash flow while investing in stores, technology, and fulfillment, but the long record and manageable payout ratio support an A Dividend Risk Score.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Target.

High-Yield Dividend King #18: Procter & Gamble (PG)

Procter & Gamble is one of the world’s largest consumer-products companies.

Its portfolio includes Tide, Pampers, Gillette, Charmin, Crest, Bounty, and Head & Shoulders, with leading positions across fabric care, grooming, health care, baby care, and household products.

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, net sales increased 2% to $21.2 billion, organic sales were flat, and core earnings-per-share declined 3% to $1.43.

Full-year sales rose 3% to $87.0 billion, organic sales increased 1%, and core earnings-per-share edged 1% higher to $6.89.

Pricing contributed to growth, while volume and mix were unchanged, illustrating the subdued consumer environment and the limits of further price-led expansion.

P&G continues to rely on product superiority, premium innovation, and productivity savings to protect margins and finance brand investment.

Its concentrated portfolio of daily-use products also provides unusually defensive demand across economic cycles.

The company has now raised its dividend for 70 consecutive years and has paid one for well over a century.

That exceptional history, together with strong free cash flow and a payout ratio near 60%, earns P&G an A Dividend Risk Score even though its current yield is only just inside this Top 20.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Procter & Gamble.

High-Yield Dividend King #17: United Bankshares (UBSI)

United Bankshares is a regional bank holding company operating primarily across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

Decades of acquisitions have expanded the franchise to roughly $30 billion of assets, while its community-banking model remains centered on deposits, commercial and consumer lending, and wealth-management services.

Second-quarter 2026 earnings reached a record $131.4 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, up from $0.85 a year earlier and $0.89 in the first quarter.

Net interest income increased sequentially to $285.3 million, and the net interest margin improved one basis point to 3.81%.

Lower funding costs helped offset a modest decline in loan yields, while asset quality remained an important support for profitability.

United Bankshares has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years, a rare achievement for a bank given the industry’s repeated credit cycles.

The annualized payout is $1.52 per share, and the projected payout ratio is only about 41%, leaving meaningful coverage if credit costs normalize from favorable levels.

The company also continues to use acquisitions selectively, but its steady capital position and disciplined underwriting are more important to the dividend case than deal-driven growth.

These qualities support a B Dividend Risk Score and distinguish UBSI from many higher-yielding regional banks.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on United Bankshares.

High-Yield Dividend King #16: Genuine Parts Company (GPC)

Genuine Parts Company distributes automotive and industrial replacement parts through businesses such as NAPA and Motion.

Demand is supported by the need to maintain an aging vehicle fleet and industrial equipment, although results still respond to manufacturing activity, consumer spending, and cost inflation.

Second-quarter 2026 sales rose 6.0% to $6.5 billion, including 3.4% comparable growth, a 1.4% currency benefit, and a 1.2% contribution from acquisitions.

Adjusted earnings-per-share increased to $2.15 from $2.10.

North American Automotive sales grew 3.8%, while International Automotive sales advanced 8.2%.

Management reaffirmed adjusted earnings guidance of $7.50 to $8.00 per share for the year.

The major development is Genuine Parts’ plan to separate its global Automotive and Industrial businesses into two publicly traded companies, with completion targeted for the first quarter of 2027.

The separation could create sharper strategic focus, but execution costs and the future dividend policies of both companies deserve attention.

Genuine Parts has increased its dividend for 70 consecutive years, tying it for one of the longest streaks in the market.

The current annualized payout is $4.25, with a projected payout ratio near 55%, supporting its A Dividend Risk Score before the planned separation.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Genuine Parts Company.

High-Yield Dividend King #15: Stanley Black & Decker (SWK)

Stanley Black & Decker is a global manufacturer of tools and outdoor products under brands including DeWalt, Craftsman, Stanley, and Black+Decker.

Its earnings are cyclical because construction, home improvement, and industrial demand influence volumes, but the company has spent several years simplifying its portfolio and restoring margins.

Second-quarter 2026 revenue was roughly flat at $4.0 billion, while organic sales grew 3%.

Adjusted earnings-per-share were $1.57, and adjusted gross margin expanded 620 basis points to 33.7%, although tariff refunds contributed about 250 basis points.

Free cash flow reached $698 million.

Stanley Black & Decker also reduced debt by $1.7 billion and repurchased $250 million of shares during the quarter.

Management raised adjusted earnings guidance to $5.20 to $5.80 per share and increased its free-cash-flow outlook to $600 million to $800 million.

The balance-sheet improvement is especially relevant to income investors after the company’s post-pandemic earnings downturn.

Stanley Black & Decker has now raised its dividend for 58 consecutive years, with an annualized payout of $3.32.

Dividend growth has recently been modest, but recovering margins, lower debt, and stronger cash generation support its B Dividend Risk Score.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Stanley Black & Decker.

High-Yield Dividend King #14: Consolidated Edison (ED)

Consolidated Edison is a regulated utility holding company serving New York City and surrounding areas with electricity, natural gas, and steam.

Its earnings are driven primarily by approved rate-base investment, making regulatory outcomes, financing costs, and project execution more important than short-term electricity demand.

Second-quarter 2026 revenue rose to $4.07 billion from $3.60 billion, while adjusted earnings-per-share increased to $0.83 from $0.68 and exceeded expectations.

Higher electric sales and continued recovery of infrastructure investment supported the quarter.

Management reaffirmed full-year adjusted earnings guidance of $6.00 to $6.20 per share.

Con Edison expects to invest about $38 billion over the next five years to improve reliability, support electrification, and prepare its networks for load growth and more extreme weather.

The associated rate-base expansion underpins management’s longer-term earnings outlook, although the capital intensity requires continued access to debt and equity markets.

The company raised its quarterly dividend 4.4% to $0.8875 in January 2026, extending its growth streak to 52 consecutive years.

That record is unusual among utilities with large urban infrastructure needs, while a projected payout ratio near 58% provides reasonable coverage and supports the B Dividend Risk Score.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Consolidated Edison.

High-Yield Dividend King #13: Fortis Inc. (FTS)

Fortis is a North American regulated electric and gas utility with operations in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean.

Approximately 95% of its assets are transmission and distribution infrastructure, giving the company predictable earnings while geographic and regulatory diversification reduces dependence on any single jurisdiction.

Second-quarter 2026 net earnings increased to C$396 million, or C$0.78 per share, from C$384 million, or C$0.76 per share, a year earlier.

Rate-base growth and higher retail electricity sales at UNS Energy supported the improvement.

Fortis invested C$2.7 billion during the first half and remains on track with its C$5.6 billion capital program for 2026.

The C$28.8 billion five-year capital plan is expected to grow the midyear rate base at a 7% annual rate through 2030.

In addition, British Columbia approved the Tilbury LNG Phase 1B expansion, creating a potential investment opportunity beyond the current plan.

Fortis has increased its dividend for 52 consecutive years and targets 4% to 6% annual dividend growth through 2030.

U.S. investors should remember that the payout is declared in Canadian dollars, so the amount received in U.S. dollars moves with exchange rates.

The regulated asset mix and visible capital plan support an A Dividend Risk Score.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Fortis.

High-Yield Dividend King #12: Canadian Utilities (CDUAF)

Canadian Utilities is a diversified Canadian energy-infrastructure company controlled by ATCO.

Its core businesses include regulated electricity and natural-gas transmission and distribution in Canada and Australia, supplemented by energy storage and other infrastructure operations.

Second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings increased 16% to C$140 million from C$121 million, while adjusted earnings-per-share rose to C$0.51 from C$0.45.

Cash flow from operations advanced to C$557 million from C$441 million.

Canadian Utilities invested C$403 million during the quarter, with 98% directed toward regulated utility assets.

Higher approved rates, rate-base growth, and inflation indexing at ATCO Australia were the main earnings drivers.

The company’s C$12 billion regulated capital plan for 2026 through 2030 is expected to produce 6.9% annual rate-base growth.

The C$2.9 billion Yellowhead Pipeline also received its final major facility approval in July, allowing construction to begin on a fully contracted project.

Canadian Utilities raised its quarterly dividend 1% to C$0.4623 in January, marking 54 consecutive years of increases—the longest current streak among Canadian public companies.

As with Fortis, U.S. investors’ income varies with the Canadian dollar.

The capital requirements and currency exposure help explain the B Dividend Risk Score despite the long record.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Canadian Utilities.

High-Yield Dividend King #11: The Marzetti Company (MZTI)

The Marzetti Company, formerly Lancaster Colony, manufactures specialty foods for retail and foodservice customers.

Its brands include Marzetti dressings and dips, New York Bakery frozen breads, and Sister Schubert’s rolls, while foodservice relationships give it a meaningful presence with restaurant operators.

For the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, 2026, consolidated sales declined 1.0% to $453.4 million.

Retail sales fell 3.2%, while Foodservice sales increased 1.5%.

Gross profit nevertheless rose 1.2% to a third-quarter record $107.2 million, and gross margin improved about 50 basis points to 23.6% as cost-savings programs offset softer volume.

Diluted earnings-per-share were $1.35.

In May, Marzetti completed its acquisition of Bachan’s, adding a fast-growing Japanese barbecue sauce brand and another platform for retail distribution.

The purchase should support longer-term growth, although integration expenses and the acquired brand’s valuation need monitoring.

The company has increased its dividend for 63 consecutive years, and the current annualized payout is $4.00 per share.

That record survived the corporate name change and reflects the same operating company’s history.

A payout ratio near 59%, a conservative balance sheet, and steady food demand support Marzetti’s A Dividend Risk Score.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on The Marzetti Company.

High-Yield Dividend King #10: Sonoco Products (SON)

Sonoco Products is a global packaging company serving consumer and industrial customers.

Following several divestitures, the portfolio is more concentrated in Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging, including metal and paper containers, rigid paper packaging, and uncoated recycled paperboard.

Second-quarter 2026 sales declined 1.3% to $1.9 billion, largely because of the November 2025 ThermoSafe divestiture.

Adjusted earnings-per-share increased 10.2% to $1.51, and adjusted net income rose 10.6% to $151 million.

Industrial Paper Packaging exceeded expectations as North American paperboard trade volume grew 6%, while company-wide productivity and cost controls offset inflation and softer mix.

Operating cash flow reached a second-quarter record of $301 million.

Management reaffirmed adjusted earnings guidance of $5.80 to $6.20 per share, while indicating results are still likely to land toward the low end.

Sonoco’s metal-packaging expansion has increased leverage, making debt reduction and cash conversion important parts of the investment case.

The company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.54 in April 2026, extending its streak to exactly 50 consecutive years and qualifying it as a Dividend King.

The annualized $2.16 payout represents only about 37% of projected earnings, supporting an A Dividend Risk Score.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Sonoco Products.

High-Yield Dividend King #9: Black Hills Corporation (BKH)

Black Hills Corporation is a regulated electric and natural-gas utility serving about 1.37 million customers across eight states.

Its service territories include faster-growing areas in the Mountain West, where new industrial and data-center demand can expand the company’s investment opportunity.

Second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings-per-share increased to $0.54 from $0.38, excluding $0.04 of merger-related costs.

New rates and rider recoveries more than offset higher financing and depreciation expenses.

Management reaffirmed full-year adjusted earnings guidance of $4.25 to $4.45 per share.

Wyoming Electric also reached a new peak load, and Black Hills is advancing agreements tied to a potential 1.8-gigawatt data-center project.

The company is working to close its all-stock merger with NorthWestern Energy, with Montana approval the final stated condition as of the latest update.

The transaction would create a larger regional utility, but it also introduces integration and regulatory execution risk.

Black Hills has increased its dividend for 56 consecutive years, the second-longest streak in the electric and natural-gas utility industry.

The $0.703 quarterly dividend equals $2.812 annually and represents roughly 65% of projected earnings.

That coverage and the regulated business mix support an A Dividend Risk Score.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Black Hills Corporation.

High-Yield Dividend King #8: Northwest Natural Holding (NWN)

Northwest Natural Holding owns regulated natural-gas utilities in Oregon, Washington, and Texas, along with water and wastewater businesses across several states.

The acquisition of fast-growing SiEnergy and smaller Texas systems has broadened the company beyond its mature Pacific Northwest gas franchise.

Second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings-per-share were $0.01, unchanged from the prior year but better than the expected seasonal loss.

Operating revenue increased to $243.6 million from $236.2 million.

First-half earnings-per-share reached $2.33, and management expects full-year earnings to finish in the upper half of its $2.95-to-$3.15 guidance range.

SiEnergy’s organic customer growth exceeded 15%, while water connections grew 3.4% over the past year.

NW Natural plans approximately $500 million to $550 million of capital spending in 2026 and continues to target 4% to 6% long-term earnings growth through 2030.

The proposed MX-3 gas-storage expansion could raise that range after a formal notice to proceed.

The company increased its dividend for the 70th consecutive year in late 2025, placing it among the longest records of any U.S. public company.

The quarterly payout is $0.4925, and the regulated cash flows and roughly 65% projected payout ratio support an A Dividend Risk Score.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Northwest Natural Holding.

High-Yield Dividend King #7: Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT)

Federal Realty Investment Trust owns high-quality open-air shopping centers and mixed-use properties in densely populated, affluent coastal markets.

The portfolio includes destinations such as Santana Row, Pike & Rose, and Assembly Row, where limited supply and strong tenant demand support above-average rents.

Second-quarter 2026 core funds from operations grew 6.8% to $1.88 per share.

Federal Realty signed 124 comparable retail leases covering 819,000 square feet, its highest quarterly leasing volume, with cash rent growth of 15%.

Adjusted comparable property operating income increased 4.2%, occupancy was 93.8%, and the leased rate reached 96.1%.

Management raised and narrowed full-year core FFO guidance to $7.48 to $7.56 per share.

The REIT increased its quarterly dividend 3% to $1.16, producing an annualized payout of $4.64 and extending its growth streak to 59 consecutive years—the longest in the REIT sector.

That record is particularly notable because real estate companies must distribute most taxable income and periodically navigate recessions and financing shocks.

Federal Realty’s premium locations, strong leasing spreads, and FFO payout ratio near 62% provide room for continued investment and support its A Dividend Risk Score despite the capital-intensive business model.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Federal Realty Investment Trust.

High-Yield Dividend King #6: PepsiCo Inc. (PEP)

PepsiCo combines a global beverage business with leading convenient-food brands such as Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Quaker, and Pepsi-Cola.

This diversified portfolio provides broad geographic reach and multiple consumption occasions, although North American shoppers have recently become more price-sensitive.

Second-quarter 2026 revenue increased 6.4% to $24.2 billion, and adjusted earnings-per-share were $2.20.

International operations drove the strongest growth, while North American beverage volume declined 4% and snack volume was flat.

PepsiCo is responding with more affordable package sizes, promotional bundles, manufacturing efficiencies, and new products aimed at zero-sugar, protein, and other health-oriented categories.

Management maintained its 2026 outlook for 2% to 4% organic revenue growth and 4% to 6% adjusted earnings-per-share growth.

The company also continues to reshape its cost base so that productivity savings can fund marketing and value investments without sacrificing long-term margins.

PepsiCo raised its annualized dividend 4% to $5.92 beginning with the June payment, extending its growth streak to 54 consecutive years.

The payout ratio is near 69%, so future increases will likely track earnings more closely than in faster-growth periods.

Its durable brands and cash generation support an A Dividend Risk Score.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on PepsiCo.

High-Yield Dividend King #5: Kenvue Inc. (KVUE)

Kenvue is the world’s largest pure-play consumer-health company by revenue.

Its portfolio includes Tylenol, Listerine, Band-Aid, Neutrogena, Aveeno, Zyrtec, and Nicorette across Self Care, Skin Health and Beauty, and Essential Health.

Second-quarter 2026 net sales increased 3% to $3.96 billion, while organic sales rose 1.6% on a combination of pricing and volume growth.

Adjusted earnings-per-share were $0.31.

The results showed continued progress in the company’s operational reset, although earnings came in slightly below expectations and the Skin Health and Beauty portfolio still requires improvement.

Kenvue is preparing to be acquired by Kimberly-Clark in a transaction approved by shareholders in January and currently expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The company has also announced a workforce reduction of about 3.5% as part of a broader efficiency program.

Because the deal remains pending, Kenvue’s future dividend policy will ultimately depend on the combined company.

Kenvue’s stated 64-year growth streak includes the dividend history inherited from Johnson & Johnson before the 2023 separation.

The current annualized payout is $0.84 per share, and the consumer-health cash flows support an A Dividend Risk Score while the transaction is outstanding.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Kenvue.

High-Yield Dividend King #4: Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB)

Kimberly-Clark sells essential personal-care and tissue products in more than 175 countries.

Its brands include Huggies, Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott, Kotex, Poise, and Depend, many of which hold first- or second-place positions in their categories.

Second-quarter 2026 sales increased 0.6% to $4.19 billion, while organic sales declined 0.5%.

Adjusted earnings-per-share of $2.12 exceeded expectations as productivity savings, cost controls, and a tariff refund offset weaker revenue.

Results were pressured by U.S. retailer inventory reductions, a distribution-center fire, and a social-media controversy affecting Huggies demand in China.

Management lowered its full-year outlook to reflect the China disruption and higher oil-linked input costs.

Kimberly-Clark’s planned acquisition of Kenvue is expected to close in the fourth quarter, creating a much larger health-and-wellness company.

Management targets about $1.9 billion of cost synergies, but the purchase also adds integration and financing risk that investors should weigh against the broader brand portfolio.

Kimberly-Clark has raised its dividend for 54 consecutive years and currently pays $5.12 annually.

The projected payout ratio is near 69%, providing adequate coverage, though deal execution and near-term cost pressure contribute to its B Dividend Risk Score.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Kimberly-Clark.

High-Yield Dividend King #3: Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL)

Hormel Foods is a diversified branded-food company whose portfolio includes SPAM, Planters, Skippy, Applegate, Hormel Black Label, Jennie-O, and Columbus.

The business spans retail, foodservice, and international channels, with an increasing focus on value-added protein products.

For the fiscal second quarter ended April 26, 2026, net sales reached $2.97 billion and organic sales increased 3%.

Adjusted earnings-per-share rose to $0.40, while adjusted operating margin improved to 9.9% from 9.1%.

All three operating segments delivered sales and profit growth, led by 7% organic growth in Foodservice and stronger turkey operations.

Management reaffirmed adjusted earnings guidance of $1.43 to $1.51 per share.

Hormel completed the sale of its whole-bird turkey business during the quarter, reducing exposure to a more volatile commodity operation while retaining branded Jennie-O products.

The divestiture caused a reported loss but was expected to have minimal impact on adjusted earnings.

Hormel raised its annualized dividend 1% to $1.17 in late 2025, marking 60 consecutive years of growth and 392 consecutive quarterly payments through August 2026.

The payout ratio is elevated near 78%, which limits near-term dividend growth, but improving profitability and a conservative balance sheet support its B Dividend Risk Score.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Hormel Foods.

High-Yield Dividend King #2: Altria Group (MO)

Altria Group is the largest U.S. tobacco company, led by Marlboro cigarettes, Copenhagen smokeless tobacco, on! nicotine pouches, and NJOY e-vapor products.

The company’s strategy is to maximize cash flow from combustible tobacco while building a broader portfolio of smoke-free nicotine products.

Second-quarter 2026 net revenue was nearly flat at $6.11 billion, while revenue net of excise taxes increased 1.2% to $5.36 billion.

Adjusted earnings-per-share rose 2.8% to $1.48, but came in slightly below expectations.

Marlboro volume declined as pressured consumers shifted toward discount cigarettes, while on! pouch volume also faced stronger competition.

Altria nevertheless raised the lower end of its full-year adjusted earnings outlook to $5.61 to $5.72 per share.

Helix has resumed shipments and is expanding on! PLUS nationally, with additional flavors planned, while NJOY remains constrained by an import ban.

These issues make execution in smoke-free products the main long-term uncertainty.

Altria raised its quarterly dividend 3.9% to $1.06 in August 2025, its 60th increase in 56 years, and continues to target mid-single-digit dividend growth through 2028.

The annualized $4.24 payout represents roughly three-quarters of projected earnings, supporting a B Dividend Risk Score despite structural cigarette-volume declines.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Altria Group.

High-Yield Dividend King #1: Universal Corporation (UVV)

Universal Corporation is a global business-to-business agriproducts company and one of the largest independent leaf-tobacco merchants.

It sources, processes, and supplies tobacco to manufacturers worldwide, while its smaller Ingredients Operations segment provides plant-based food and flavor inputs.

For fiscal 2026, revenue declined 1% to $2.92 billion.

Operating income fell to $168.5 million, and adjusted earnings-per-share declined 43% to $2.64.

Results were affected by $52 million of inventory write-downs, primarily involving dark air-cured tobacco, and a $41 million goodwill impairment at the Shank’s ingredients operation.

Fourth-quarter revenue increased 2% to $715 million, but gross margin contracted as these pressures weighed on profitability.

Management expects tobacco supply conditions and uncommitted inventories to move toward more normal levels during fiscal 2027, while operational improvements at Shank’s are intended to strengthen the ingredients business.

Universal raised its quarterly dividend by one cent to $0.83 in May 2026, extending its growth streak to 56 consecutive years.

The new annualized payout is $3.32.

That dividend exceeds the latest adjusted earnings figure, although cash-flow coverage is stronger because reported results included non-cash charges.

The unusually high yield therefore comes with slower dividend growth and greater coverage risk, reflected in Universal’s C Dividend Risk Score.

Deep Dive: Click here to download (for free) our most recent 3-Page Sure Analysis PDF report on Universal Corporation.

Final Thoughts

The Dividend Kings have passed an exceptional test of time, as every company here has raised its payout for at least 50 consecutive years, through recessions, inflation shocks, and major industry changes.

That history makes this list a strong starting point for income research, particularly when these companies offer yields well above the broader market.

Still, the highest yield is not automatically the strongest opportunity.

Universal and Altria provide the most income today, but they also face slower growth and industry-specific risks.

Farther down the ranking, companies such as Federal Realty, PepsiCo, and Procter & Gamble offer lower starting yields but stronger Dividend Risk Scores and different growth profiles.

The most useful comparison is therefore yield alongside payout coverage, recent operating momentum, and any pending transaction that could reshape the business.

When a Dividend King combines a sound dividend with improving fundamentals and a reasonable valuation, its long record can become the foundation for attractive income and total returns.

Further Reading

If you are interested in finding high-quality dividend growth stocks and/or other high-yield securities and income securities, the following Sure Dividend resources will be useful:

Other Sure Dividend Resources

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