Updated on September 26th, 2025 by Bob Ciura<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Many investors are already aware of the Dividend Aristocrats<\/a>, a select group of 69 stocks in the S&P 500 Index that have raised their dividends for 25 consecutive years. However, it\u2019s equally important to recognize the Dividend Champions, which also boast a minimum of 25 years of uninterrupted dividend increases.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Navigate to specific sections of the article by clicking on the links below:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For those interested in exploring more dividend-paying stocks, consider the following resources:<\/p>\n Thanks for reading this article. Please send any feedback, corrections, or questions to support@suredividend.com.<\/p>\n
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Overview of Dividend Champions
<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe Top 7 Dividend Champions To Buy Right Now<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Top Dividend Champion #7: PPG Industries (PPG)
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Top Dividend Champion #6: Becton Dickinson & Co. (BDX)
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Top Dividend Champion #5: Sonoco Products (SON)
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Top Dividend Champion #4: Novo Nordisk (NVO)
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Top Dividend Champion #3: H2O America (HTO)
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Top Dividend Champion #2: FactSet Research Systems (FDS)
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Top Dividend Champion #1: Stepan Co. (SCL)
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