The American stock market continues to surge, reaching new heights time and time again. Factors such as interest rate cuts and the Trump victory have played a role, as well as the ascent of chipmaker Nvidia to the top of the charts.
The bullish trend may very well continue, especially if we consider seasonal patterns. For those seeking exposure to the US market and favor dividends, taking a look at the list of major dividend-paying companies is a smart idea.
### Gillette and Pampers Winning Formula
Among the companies that have consistently raised dividends for many years is the consumer goods conglomerate Procter & Gamble, which owns some of the world’s largest brands such as Gillette, Oral-B, and Head & Shoulders. Other brands under the giant’s umbrella include Pampers, Braun, and Ariel detergent. Procter & Gamble has seen a 22% increase this year.
### Coca-Cola or Pepsi, That is the Question
Other dividend kings on the list include multinational medical technology and pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola, one of the world’s strongest brands, beverage maker PepsiCo, and S&P Global, which owns rating agencies and co-owns the company behind the two largest US stock indices: S&P 500 and Dow Jones.
S&P Global has risen by 18% this year, while Johnson & Johnson and PepsiCo have fallen by just over 1% and 4% respectively. Coca-Cola, on the other hand, has seen an 8% increase.
### The Walton Family’s Stock Rocket
Recently, Walmart has also caught fire. The company is the world’s largest retail chain with massive revenues and is largely owned by the wealthiest family in the US – the Walton family. Walmart has been a stock rocket this year, climbing a whopping 76%.
At the top of the list of dividend kings is infrastructure company American States Water, which provides Americans with water and electricity. They have raised dividends to their shareholders for 69 years.
| List: Dividend Kings | Number of Years of Increases |
|———————-|—————————–|
| American States Water | 69 |
| Dover Corporation | 68 |
| Northwest Natural Holding | 68 |
| Genuine Parts | 67 |
| Procter & Gamble | 67 |
| Parker Hannifin | 67 |
| Emerson Electric | 67 |
| 3M Co. | 65 |
| Cincinnati Financial | 62 |
| Coca-Cola | 61 |
| Johnson & Johnson | 61 |
| Lancaster Colony | 61 |
| Colgate-Palmolive | 60 |
| Nordson | 60 |
| Farmers & Merchants Bancorp | 58 |
| Hormel Foods | 57 |
| ABM Industries | 57 |
| California Water Service Group | 56 |
| Slanley Black & Decker | 56 |
| Stepan Company | 55 |
| Ederal Realty Investment Trust | 55 |
| Commerce Bancshares | 55 |
| SJW Group | 55 |
| Sysco | 54 |
| MSA Safety | 53 |
| H.B. Fuller | 54 |
| Altria Group | 54 |
| National Fuel Gas | 53 |
| Universal Corporation | 53 |
| Illinois Tool Works | 53 |
| W.W. Grainger | 52 |
| Target | 52 |
| Leggett & Platt | 52 |
| PPG Industries | 52 |
| Black Hills Corp. | 52 |
| Becton, Dickinson & Co | 52 |
| AbbVie | 52 |
| Abbott Labs | 52 |
| Tennant | 52 |
| Kimberly Clark | 51 |
| Canadian Utilities | 51 |
| Lowe’s | 51 |
| PepsiCo | 51 |
| Nucor | 51 |
| The Gorman-Rupp Company | 51 |
| S&P Global | 50 |
| Tootsie Roll Industries | 50 |
| Walmart | 50 |
| RPM International | 50 |
| United Bankshares | 50 |
| Consolidated Edison | 50 |
| Middlesex Water | 50 |
| ADM | 50 |
Source: Avanza
As the US market continues to thrive, these dividend-paying companies present an enticing opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on the ongoing success of the American economy. With a diverse range of industries represented, these companies showcase stability and growth potential in an ever-evolving market landscape.