Updated on September 26th, 2025 by Bob Ciura
For income investors, finding high-quality dividend stocks is a top priority. One effective strategy is to focus on companies with a long history of increasing their dividends. This approach not only highlights stability but also indicates a commitment to returning value to shareholders.
To assist investors, we have compiled a downloadable list of over 130 Dividend Champions. This list includes essential financial metrics such as price-to-earnings ratios, dividend yields, and payout ratios. You can access your free copy by clicking the link below:
Many investors are already aware of the Dividend Aristocrats, a select group of 69 stocks in the S&P 500 Index that have raised their dividends for 25 consecutive years. However, it’s equally important to recognize the Dividend Champions, which also boast a minimum of 25 years of uninterrupted dividend increases.
While both groups share the same longevity in dividend growth, there are key differences. The Dividend Champions list is broader, encompassing many high-quality stocks that may not qualify as Dividend Aristocrats due to additional criteria such as market capitalization and liquidity.
This article will delve into the Dividend Champions and provide an analysis of our top 7 Dividend Champions, ranked by expected total returns from the Sure Analysis Research Database.
Table of Contents
Navigate to specific sections of the article by clicking on the links below:
Overview of Dividend Champions
To qualify as a Dividend Champion, a company must have at least 25 consecutive years of annual dividend increases. While Dividend Aristocrats share this requirement, they must also be part of the S&P 500 Index, possess a float-adjusted market cap of at least $3 billion, and maintain an average daily trading volume of at least $5 million.
This additional criteria means that many companies with a strong history of dividend growth may not meet the stringent requirements to be classified as Dividend Aristocrats. Thus, the Dividend Champions list serves as a valuable resource for income investors seeking reliable dividend-paying stocks.
We have ranked the top 7 Dividend Champions based on their expected total annual returns over the next five years. Below are the details of these standout stocks.
The Top 7 Dividend Champions To Buy Right Now
The following stocks represent Dividend Champions with at least 25 consecutive years of dividend increases, alongside durable competitive advantages and promising long-term growth potential. They are ranked by expected total annual return over the next five years, from lowest to highest.
Top Dividend Champion #7: PPG Industries (PPG)
- 5-year expected returns: 17.0%
PPG Industries is the largest paints and coatings company globally, competing primarily with Sherwin-Williams and Akzo Nobel. Founded in 1883, PPG has a workforce of approximately 3,500 technical employees across 70 countries.
On July 17th, 2025, PPG raised its quarterly dividend by 4.4% to $0.71, marking 54 consecutive years of dividend growth. Despite a slight revenue decline in Q2 2025, the company exceeded expectations with a revenue of $4.2 billion.
Top Dividend Champion #6: Becton Dickinson & Co. (BDX)
- 5-year expected returns: 18.7%
Becton, Dickinson & Co. is a leader in the medical supply industry, generating around $20 billion in annual revenue. The company reported a 10.4% revenue increase in Q3 2025, reaching $5.5 billion, surpassing expectations.
Top Dividend Champion #5: Sonoco Products (SON)
- 5-year expected returns: 18.8%
Sonoco Products specializes in packaging and industrial products, generating over $5 billion in annual sales. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 1.9% to $0.53, extending its dividend growth streak to 49 years.
Top Dividend Champion #4: Novo Nordisk (NVO)
- 5-year expected returns: 20.1%
Novo Nordisk is a global pharmaceutical giant focusing on diabetes and obesity care. The company reported a 16% increase in sales for H1 2025, driven by strong demand for its products.
Top Dividend Champion #3: H2O America (HTO)
- 5-year expected returns: 20.7%
H2O America, formerly SJW Group, is a water utility company with annual revenues of about $670 million. The company recently acquired Quadvest for $540 million, enhancing its market position.
Top Dividend Champion #2: FactSet Research Systems (FDS)
- 5-year expected returns: 21.3%
FactSet provides integrated financial information and analytical tools, reporting a 5.9% revenue increase in Q3 2025. The company continues to return value to shareholders through share repurchases and consistent dividend increases.
Top Dividend Champion #1: Stepan Co. (SCL)
- 5-year expected returns: 24.3%
Stepan manufactures a variety of chemicals and has a diverse business structure. Despite recent earnings falling short of expectations, the company remains a strong contender in the dividend space.
These Dividend Champions not only have impressive histories of dividend growth but also offer a combination of high yields, low valuations, and future earnings growth potential, making them attractive investment options.
For those interested in exploring more dividend-paying stocks, consider the following resources:
- The Dividend Kings List features stocks with 50+ years of consecutive dividend increases.
- The High Dividend Stocks List includes stocks with yields of 5% or more.
- The Monthly Dividend Stocks List showcases stocks that pay dividends every month.
Thanks for reading this article. Please send any feedback, corrections, or questions to support@suredividend.com.
