Microsoft stands as a premier technology investment, leveraging cloud computing, AI, and enterprise software for robust, long-term growth. MSFT delivered Q1 2026 revenue of $77.7B (+18% YoY) and non-GAAP EPS of $4.13 (+23% YoY), with a 39.6% net profit margin. The stock trades at a forward P/E of 28.1, modestly below its nine-year average, offering a potential 12% upside by end-2026.
Kimberly-Clark, an American multinational consumer goods and personal care corporation, is now a $34 billion (by market cap) consumer products leader. On November 3, Kimberly-Clark announced a $48.7 billion deal to acquire Kenvue Inc. KMB increased its dividend for 53 consecutive years, with a 10-year dividend growth rate of 4%.
T. Rowe Price has increased its dividend for 39 consecutive years. This is an esteemed Dividend Aristocrat, and it's well on its way to Dividend King status. T. Rowe Price advanced its revenue from $4.2 billion in FY 2015 to $7.1 billion in FY 2024. That's a compound annual growth rate of 6%. T. Rowe Price has a stellar financial position. The company has no long-term debt at all.
Air Products & Chemicals is a company that has displayed consistent adjusted EPS growth over the years. The company beat expectations for sales and adjusted EPS in Q3. APD's balance sheet provides it with a low cost of capital.
Hormel Foods trades near its 52-week low, offering a compelling entry for value investors with a 4.7% dividend yield. HRL demonstrates solid organic growth in retail, foodservice, and international segments, driven by strong brands and ongoing innovation. Despite margin pressure from higher input costs, HRL's transformation and modernization initiatives support long-term growth and operational efficiency.
Dividend Aristocrat stocks are great for holding your portfolio together, in good times and bad times.
BDX is now attractively valued with a forward PE of 13.7, well below its historical average, making it a compelling value stock. Strong growth in Pharmaceutical Systems and Interventional segments, margin expansion, and a robust innovation pipeline drive business momentum. The upcoming Waters Corp. spin-out will focus BDX on high-growth, recurring revenue segments, enhancing long-term earnings potential.
SJM's Hostess acquisition doubled debt and led to impairments; company is prioritizing $500M annual debt repayment and targeting $1B free cash flow. Dividend yield is attractive near 4%, and payout is balanced against debt, investments, and buybacks; but not enough to justify a Buy rating. J.M. Smucker is a Hold: current valuation offers little margin of safety and financials are unattractive in a mature, pressured industry.
Eversource Energy remains a compelling buy, offering a 4.6% yield and trading at a discounted forward PE of 13.95. Recent divestitures and infrastructure investments, including the Cambridge Underground Substation, position ES for steady 5-7% annual EPS growth. Regulatory wins and a strong BBB+ credit rating support dividend safety and continued growth, with a 25-year track record of increases.
Dividend Aristocrat stocks are a select group of 69 stocks that have an unbroken track record of at least 25 consecutive years of dividend increases.
Xcel Energy is on its way to joining an elite group of dividend-growth stocks. The regulated utility topped analyst expectations for operating revenue and ongoing diluted EPS in Q2. XEL is arguably set up to deliver on the high end of its annual targeted ongoing diluted EPS growth range.
Dividend aristocrats offer stability and rising cash flow. These corporations have been raising their dividends each year for at least 25 years, and some of them have delivered market-beating returns.