Costco has been paying a dividend since 2004 and has raised the payout every year since. The 10 year CAGR is 13.2%, matching this year’s dividend hike. We love the consistency.

Other Dividend Heroes raising their dividend recently include H.B. Fuller, Watsco, Williams-Sonoma and Linde.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.



Full disclaimer →

Please note that H.B. Fuller is not one of our top-25 rankend Dividend Heroes for 2026. With the dividend growth dropping below 5% this year they will be cut from our 2027 dividend list.

Other Dividend Heroes raising their dividend recently include Watsco, Williams-Sonoma and Linde.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Full disclaimer →

The Dividend Heroes portfolio has been fully updated for 2026 after extensive data verification and processing. Year-to-date performance stands at +7.5%, continuing the upward trajectory that began in 2024.

We started tracking results at the beginning of 2024. That first year delivered a strong +29.8% return, followed by +9.7% in 2025. With the current gain in 2026, total return since inception now stands at approximately +53% in just over two years.

The methodology remains unchanged. Dividend Heroes are selected strictly on statistical dividend growth criteria, not through manual stock picking.

Key Points

• Portfolio up 7.5% in 2026

• Total return of 53% since 2024 start

• Industrial names driving performance

• Financial and payment stocks limiting upside

• Comfort Systems USA the standout performer

Industrial Strength Drives Performance

The strongest contributor in 2026 is $FIX, which has gained 57.4% year-to-date. Comfort Systems USA has already announced its first dividend increase of the year and continues to rank among the strongest statistical profiles within the Heroes universe.

Dividend Hike

Dividend Hike Portfolio Update – 2026 Off to a Flying Start

The Dividend Hike Portfolio continues to deliver strong results in 2026. As of January 24, the portfolio is up +16.4% year-to-date, extending the powerful momentum that started in 2025. Since inception at the beginning of 2025 with a starting value of…

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3 months ago · 1 like · Dividend Hike

Performance strength is not isolated. $CSL, $WSO and $GFF are all delivering substantial gains, while $WSM, $MCK, $LII, $OC, $SNA and $APH are posting solid double-digit returns. These names provide the bulk of the positive contribution so far this year.

Financials and Payment Stocks Weigh on Results

At the same time, weakness among financial and payment-related companies is clearly visible. $MA and $V are both down more than 12% year-to-date, while $JPM and $MSCI are also trading lower.

The largest individual negative contributor remains $ORCL, down 24.8% this year.

The full Dividend Heroes 2026 composition has now been published. The research and data work behind the portfolio are provided free of charge, and continued support helps sustain the project going forward.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Full disclaimer →

The Dividend Heroes portfolio closed 2025 with a total return of 9.7%, following an exceptionally strong 29.8% gain in 2024. With these results included, the cumulative total return since the portfolio’s launch in 2016 now stands at +369.9%, reflecting the long-term compounding effect of consistent dividend growth combined with equity returns.

At the end of 2025, the average dividend yield across the portfolio was 1.7%. Dividend growth remained a central characteristic of the Heroes universe, with the average dividend increase announced during the year reaching 11.2%.

Key Points (2025)

• Dividend Heroes total return: +9.7%

• Prior year (2024): +29.8%

• Total return since 2016: +369.9%

• Average yield at year-end: 1.7%

• Average dividend increase in 2025: 11.2%

Performance Dispersion Within the Portfolio

Performance dispersion remained notable in 2025, with outcomes ranging from strong double-digit gains to meaningful declines. The strongest contributor for the year was $LRCX, which delivered a 142.8% total return, making it the largest individual winner in the Dividend Heroes portfolio during 2025. The company also announced a 13.0% dividend increase, extending its dividend growth streak to 11 consecutive years.

Several other holdings posted solid positive results. $MCK recorded a 45.8% total return alongside a 15.5% dividend increase, while $NXST advanced 35.4% with a 10.1% dividend hike and a year-end yield of 3.6%. $NOC rose 24.6% in 2025 and increased its dividend by 12.1%, extending its dividend growth streak to 22 years. $MA also finished the year higher, posting a 10.3% total return and a 14.5% dividend increase.

Moderate positive returns were observed across a broad group of Heroes. $AFG, $AFL, $CTAS, $DHI, $GFF, $SNA, $DPZ, $AGO, $OZK, and $RJF all ended 2025 with gains ranging from low single digits to the high single digits, while continuing to extend dividend growth streaks between 11 and 43 consecutive years. Dividend increases among this group generally clustered between 8% and 16%.

Negative Returns Despite Ongoing Dividend Growth

Not all Heroes delivered positive returns in 2025. $TPL declined 20.1% and did not raise its dividend during the year, while $ZTS fell 21.4% despite a 6.0% dividend increase. $CSL posted a –11.1% total return while extending its dividend growth streak to 49 years with a 10.0% increase.

Smaller negative returns were recorded by $PRI, $SHW, $MSCI, $AGM, $GWW, and $DOX, all of which maintained positive dividend growth in 2025, with increases generally in the high single-digit to low double-digit range.

Dividend Growth Remains the Common Thread

Across the full Dividend Heroes portfolio, dividend growth remained broadly distributed in 2025. Dividend increases ranged from 0.0% at the low end to 22.2%, with the majority of companies announcing increases between 10% and 15%. Dividend growth streaks across the portfolio continued to span from just over a decade to more than half a century, reinforcing the long-term focus of the selection methodology.

With 2025 now completed, the Dividend Heroes portfolio enters the next phase with a long-term total return of +369.9% since 2016, reflecting the cumulative impact of sustained dividend growth and multi-year equity performance across market cycles.

Next Update: Dividend Heroes 2026 Selection

The Dividend Heroes selection for 2026 will be published shortly. Preparing the annual update requires the processing and verification of a large volume of dividend and financial data across all eligible companies, which explains the longer-than-usual delay. The full 2026 list will be shared once this data review has been completed.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Full disclaimer →

Owens Corning is not among the top-25 Dividend Heroes in 2025, and with the stock down 33% year-to-date it ranks as one of the weaker performers despite its strong dividend record; the company continues to repurchase significant amounts of its own shares—more than 4% in 2025 and nearly 30% over the past decade—alongside sustained double-digit dividend growth.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Full disclaimer →

Key Points (2025 Snapshot)

• Dividend Heroes portfolio: +3.1% YTD, far behind the DividendHike Portfolio (+13.3%).

• Big negative impact from major laggards like Zoetis , Texas Pacific Land and Carlisle Companies .

• Multiple Heroes exit in 2026 due to weak dividend growth (e.g., Nike’s 2.5% increase).

• Europe Heroes weak at +4.7%, Japan Heroes exceptional at +27.7%.

• Latest updates on Dividend Heroes are available at dividendtrackrecords.com.

A Difficult Year for the Equal-Weighted Heroes Portfolio

The Dividend Heroes portfolio has delivered just 3.1% YTD in 2025, a very weak outcome when compared to the DividendHike Portfolio, which is up 13.3% YTD. The structural reason is clear: the Heroes list is strictly statistical and always equal-weighted, meaning every stock — winner or loser — has a fixed 4% portfolio weight.

This becomes painful in years with large underperformers. Heavy decliners like Zoetis, TPL and CSL retain their full weighting, dragging the average down far more than in a market-cap or performance-weighted approach. Meanwhile, top performers like contribute only modestly to total return because their weight never rises above the baseline.

In 2024 The Dividend Heroes Portfolio had one of its best years with a 29.8% gain.

By contrast, in the DividendHike Portfolio the weight of winners naturally increases, while the losers shrink over time — allowing the portfolio to compound gains faster. The result is a sizable performance gap in 2025.

Top Dividend Heroes of 2025

Comfort Systems USA leads the year with a triple-digit gain

Comfort Systems USA delivered the strongest performance of all Heroes. With a 107.4% year-to-date total return and a dividend yield of 0.3% from its USD 2.40 quarterly distribution, the share price did nearly all the work. The company dominated the 2025 leaderboard with exceptional momentum in building and installation services.

Lam Research posts another outstanding semiconductor year

generated a 94.7% YTD return and maintained a 0.7% dividend yield through its USD 1.04 quarterly payout. Demand across semiconductor equipment markets kept the stock solidly among the best Heroes of 2025.

Amphenol continues its long-term climb

Amphenol posted an 88.8% YTD return with a 0.8% yield through its USD 1.00 quarterly dividend. Connector demand and consistent capital returns supported another strong showing.

KLA Corporation remains a Hero mainstay

delivered a 76.5% YTD total return while maintaining a 0.7% yield. The USD 7.60 quarterly dividend and sustained semiconductor process-control demand kept it firmly in the top tier.

Broadcom adds another strong year

returned 50.7% YTD with a dividend yield of 0.7% and a USD 2.36 quarterly payout. Although relative performance was milder compared to some peers, it still ranked among the strongest Heroes of 2025.

Bottom Dividend Heroes of 2025

Robert Half suffers the deepest decline

produced a –62.0% YTD total return despite a high 9.2% dividend yield. Staffing-sector weakness hit the company harder than any other Hero this year.

Owens Corning hit by construction-material weakness

The stock recorded a –41.2% YTD return with a 2.8% yield and a USD 2.76 quarterly payout, dragged down by sector-wide softness in building materials.

UnitedHealth posts rare negative year

Traditionally a stable Hero, declined –37.3% YTD. The company continued paying a USD 8.84 quarterly dividend for a 2.8% yield.

Accenture pressured by IT spending slowdown

ended the year at –30.1% YTD. Its USD 6.52 quarterly dividend, yielding 2.7%, provided little offset to weakening consulting demand.

Watsco rounds out the laggards

posted a –30.0% YTD result while paying a USD 12.00 quarterly dividend for a 3.7% yield. HVAC distribution remained under pressure through 2025.

More Changes Coming: 2026 Dividend Hero Exits

A notable number of Heroes will leave the list in 2026 due to insufficient dividend growth. Nike stands out — its 2.5% dividend increase in 2025 is the smallest in its history, placing it below the minimum threshold for multi-year dividend growth criteria.

Several other names are expected to drop off as well, which will reshape the Hero universe heading into next year.

Global Picture: How the Other Hero Groups Performed

Europe Dividend Heroes: another weak year

The European Top 25 Heroes struggled in 2025 with an overall return of 4.7%. Massive declines in

• Novo Nordisk (–48%),

• Wolters Kluwer (–42%) and

• Bunzl (–35%)

kept the group far below global averages.

Japan Dividend Heroes: the standout of 2025

Japan delivered the best Heroes performance worldwide:

• 27.7% YTD return for the Japan Heroes selection

• No stock down more than 10%

• Six names with over 70% gains

• One company up an extraordinary 99.7% — this name will be highlighted next week on dividendjapan.com.

Conclusion

The dispersion between the strongest and weakest Dividend Heroes in 2025 has rarely been this extreme. Equal-weight mechanics, large underperformers and insufficient dividend growth all contributed to a soft 3.1% return for the full portfolio, while the DividendHike approach — benefiting from rising weights in outperformers — advanced by 13.3%.

A reshaping of the Hero list is coming in 2026, and global differences remain vast, with Japan dominating, Europe lagging and the U.S. Heroes showing both explosive winners and severe decliners.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
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The month of November has already seen five Dividend Heroes reward shareholders with higher payouts, underscoring their consistency and commitment to long-term income growth. In addition, one company declared a special dividend during the same period.

📈 Follow all ongoing updates on Dividend Heroes:
https://www.dividendtrackrecords.com/search/label/Dividend-Heroes

1️⃣ Automatic Data Processing (ADP)

On November 12, 2025, Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ: ADP) announced a 10.4% dividend increase, lifting its quarterly payout to $1.70 per share.
At a share price of $255, the dividend yields 2.7%, with the ex-dividend date set for December 12, 2025.

ADP, a global leader in human resources and payroll software, has now raised its dividend for 51 consecutive years, reinforcing its elite status as both a Dividend Aristocrat and a Dividend Hero. The company has delivered five straight years of double-digit growth, supported by strong free cash flow and recurring revenues.
Official site →

2️⃣ Aflac (AFL)

On November 11, 2025, Aflac (NYSE: AFL) increased its quarterly dividend by 5.2% to $0.61 per share.
At a share price of $114, the yield stands at 2.0%, with an ex-dividend date of February 18, 2026.

This marks Aflac’s 43rd consecutive annual dividend increase, maintaining its status as a long-standing Dividend Hero. The U.S. supplemental insurer continues to demonstrate steady payout growth, following a strong 16% hike last year.
Official site →

3️⃣ Becton Dickinson (BDX)

On November 6, 2025, Becton Dickinson (NYSE: BDX) announced a 1% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.95 per share.
At a share price of $182, the stock yields 2.4%, with an ex-dividend date of December 8, 2025.

Becton Dickinson — a global leader in medical technology and diagnostics — has now raised its dividend for 54 consecutive years. Although this year’s hike is the smallest on record for the company, it remains a cornerstone among Dividend Heroes.
Official site →

4️⃣ Snap-on (SNA)

On November 6, 2025, Snap-on (NYSE: SNA) announced a 14% dividend increase, raising its quarterly payout to $2.44 per share.
At a share price of $343, the dividend yields 2.8%, with an ex-dividend date of November 21, 2025.

Snap-on, a global manufacturer of tools and diagnostic equipment, has now raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years. Its five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.7% reflects a disciplined capital allocation policy and consistent earnings performance.
Official site →

5️⃣ AbbVie (ABBV)

On October 31, 2025, AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) announced a 5.5% dividend increase to $1.73 per share quarterly.
Based on a share price of $218, the dividend yields 2.9%, with the ex-dividend date set for January 16, 2026.

AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company known for its immunology and oncology treatments, has now raised its dividend for 54 consecutive years (including predecessor Abbott). The five-year dividend growth rate stands at 5.9%, underscoring consistent shareholder returns.
Official site →

💵 Special Dividend: American Financial Group (AFG)

On November 4, 2025, American Financial Group (NYSE: AFG) declared a $2.00 per share special dividend, payable on November 26, 2025, to shareholders of record on November 17, 2025.
At a share price of $131, the special dividend equals a 1.5% yield, supplementing the company’s regular quarterly payout of $0.88 per share.

AFG, a leading U.S. property and casualty insurer, has distributed more than $54 per share in special dividends since 2021 — in addition to regular dividend increases — reflecting its continued emphasis on returning excess capital to shareholders.
Official site →

💡 Highlight
With five dividend hikes and one special dividend already announced, November reinforces why the Dividend Heroes list remains one of the most reliable indicators of enduring dividend strength.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
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As of early October, the Dividend Heroes portfolio continues to deliver solid results. Year-to-date, the group shows an average total return of 10.3 %, with Lam Research standing out as the clear leader — up more than 100 % so far in 2025. Since the launch of this series in early 2024, the cumulative return has now reached 43.1 %, following a +29.8 % performance in 2024.

Key Points in this article

• Dividend Heroes YTD: +10.3%, led by Lam Research.

• Since launch (2024): cumulative return 43.1%; Dividend Hike Portfolio +16.1% YTD.

• 2025 dividend hikes: 17 of 25 holdings, avg +11.6%; five >15%.

• New increases: Lam +13%, American Financial +10%, Bank OZK 4x hikes, 27-year streak.

The Dividend Hike Portfolio has done even better this year, advancing 16.1 %, supported by strong earnings and rising payouts across multiple sectors. In contrast, the Dividend Aristocrats have once again lagged, gaining only 5.8 % on average.

This performance gap highlights the different composition of the Heroes — companies often from sectors underrepresented among the Aristocrats, and with shorter dividend track records. That’s why names like Lam Research , KLA (dividend hike portfolio) , and Amphenol (dividend hike portfolio) are included in our stock selections (either heroes or dividend hike portfolio members): not for decades of history, but for their consistent cash generation and growing distributions in recent years.

Dividend Update

The average dividend yield across the portfolio now stands at 1.6 %, reflecting a balance between growth and income. On average, the Heroes have a 21.5-year track record of consecutive dividend increases — a sign of long-term reliability despite sector diversity.

In 2025, 17 of the 25 holdings have already raised their dividend, with an average increase of 11.6 % year-to-date. Notably, five companies reported hikes of more than 15 %, showing strong operational control without excessive or unsustainable jumps. The latest increases came from Lam Research (+13 %) and American Financial Group (+10 %), the latter also rewarding shareholders earlier this year with a special dividend of $2.00.

A notable example of consistency comes from Bank OZK , which has already lifted its payout four times in 2025, amounting to a total dividend growth of nearly 10 % this year alone. The regional bank has now extended its streak to 27 consecutive years of dividend increases and is performing solidly in 2025, with a year-to-date total return of 18.4 %. Last week did a new 2.3% dividend hike.

Overall, the steady cadence of measured, double-digit increases underscores disciplined capital allocation across the portfolio.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Key Points – Dividend Heroes (as of September 1, 2025)

• Top YTD: Lam Research +39%, Nexstar +34%, Northrop Grumman +27%

• Lagging: Texas Pacific Land -15%, Williams-Sonoma -8% last week

• High yield: Nexstar 3.6%, Bank OZK 3.4%, AGM 2.9%

• The European Heroes are up 8.7% in 2025 and our Japan Heroes are up a whopping 15.5% YTD

The past week brought a mixed picture. The weakest spot came from Williams-Sonoma , which lost 7.5% in a single week, while Federal Agricultural Mortgage stood out with a 2.7% gain. Texas Pacific Land also bounced back by 2.4%, though it remains the biggest laggard of the year with a decline of more than 15%. Domino’s Pizza added 1.6%, extending its solid double-digit advance in 2025.

Among the best performers so far this year are Lam Research , up nearly 40% on the back of demand for semiconductor equipment, and Nexstar Media Group, which has gained more than 30% thanks to its strong broadcasting operations. Northrop Grumman has climbed close to 27% in the defense sector, while homebuilder D.R. Horton continues to benefit from resilient U.S. housing demand, gaining over 22%. On the other side of the spectrum, Assured Guaranty is down more than 7% in financial guaranty, while MSCI and industrial distributor Grainger are both modestly negative for the year.

Financial names contributed a steady performance, with Primerica , American Financial Group and Raymond James all posting small weekly gains. Bank OZK remains one of the stronger names in the group, up more than 21% this year and offering a dividend yield of 3.4%. Within industrials, Cintas still shows a healthy year-to-date advance despite slipping last week, while Carlisle Companies gave back some ground. In consumer stocks, Williams-Sonoma faced pressure, in contrast to Domino’s Pizza which has been steadily climbing. Healthcare is also split: McKesson is firmly positive with a gain of more than 20%, while Zoetis remains slightly in the red for 2025.

Dividend yields across the group vary widely. The average is modest at 1.6%, but some names stand out with higher payouts, such as Nexstar Media at 3.6%, Bank OZK at 3.4%, Federal Agricultural Mortgage at 2.9%, and Snap-On at 2.6%.

We also track a 25 stock portfolio for both European and Japanese stocks. The European Dividend Heroes are now up 8.7% on average in 2025, with Japan doing even better with a strong 15.5% Total Return in 2025. Even more impressive: The Japan Heroes for 2025 have a 2.9% yield right now, almost double the USA Heroes yield.

We are planning to write about Europe and Japan later on, but we need Pledges from you first, so let us know if you are willing to pay a small $60 to $100 annual fee to get access to 25 of the best dividend stocks from Japan and Europe. Thank you!

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

On July 10, 2025, Ryder System (R) announced a dividend hike of 12.3% to 91 cents quarterly per share. This marks 21 consecutive years of increases for the Dividend Hero.

On July 9, 2025, Marsh & McLennan (MMC) announced that it will hike its quarterly dividend by 10.4% to 90 cents per share. This marks 16 consecutive years of increases for the Dividend Hero.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

A notable change last week came from Lancaster Colony, which has officially changed its name to Marzetti (ticker: ). Lancaster is a Dividend Hero for 2025 and is known for its outstanding dividend history.

Marzetti is a heritage food brand—rooted in Teresa Marzetti’s Italian‑style restaurant in Columbus, Ohio (established in 1896)—that has grown into a maker of high‑quality, flavor‑packed dressings and dips. They produce a wide range of refrigerated and shelf‑stable products—think classic and “Simply” dressings (made with real ingredients, no preservatives, no artificial colors or flavors), veggie dips, croutons, caramel and chocolate fruit dips, plus Slaw dressing (“America’s number‑one slaw dressing”)

Currently Marzetti pays a $0.95 per share quarterly dividend with a yield of 2.15% at a stock price of $176.65. Marzetti is a Dividend Hero with now 62 consecutive years of increased dividends.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Behind the selloff lies a set of results that, while showing continued growth in sales, also reveal a meaningful deterioration in margins and profitability. In the three months ending June 30, net sales rose 4% year-over-year to SEK 916 million, with recurring revenues — the core of Vitec’s business — increasing 5% to SEK 813 million. Yet EBITA dropped 11% to SEK 236 million, and the EBITA margin narrowed from 30% to 26%. Earnings per share declined 17%, to SEK 2.64, while the operating margin slid from 22% to 19%.

VITEC AT A GLANCE

• What they do: Vitec Software Group is a Swedish software company that provides software solutions for specific markets, such as real estate, finance, and healthcare. They offer both cloud-based and on-premise solutions. Vitec operates through six business areas offering software for property managers, media companies, energy and utility companies, banks and insurance companies. Subsidiaries include Futursoft OY, AutoData Norge AS, Tietomitta OY, Aloc A/S, Norwegian Fox Publish AS, Norwegian Insurance Computer Environment AS (Nice AS) and MV-Nordic A/S.

• History: Founded in 1985, Vitec Software Group has grown through acquisitions of various software companies, expanding its reach in specialized markets.

• Competitors: IFS AB, EPiServer, Visma.

• Website: https://www.vitecsoftware.com/en/

Management pointed to the performance of Vitec Enova, a Dutch business unit focused on energy management and grid optimization, as a key driver of the margin pressure. The division is exposed to the volatile balance market, which saw exceptionally favorable pricing in Q2 2024 — a situation that did not repeat this year. Revenues from this segment were SEK 80 million lower, with an estimated SEK 30 million reduction in gross profit, only partially offset by stronger results elsewhere in the group.

Yet even in a softening market, Vitec continues to emphasize its long-term view. For the first half of 2025, group net sales rose 12%, recurring revenues increased 15%, and operating cash flow reached SEK 843 million, up from SEK 783 million a year ago. With a strong balance sheet and access to credit, the company reiterated its readiness to pursue new acquisitions — though it acknowledged that deal activity remains slow.

In his commentary, CEO Olle Backman stressed the group’s strategic consistency and commitment to stability, even as near-term profits fluctuate.

“Our customers should always feel that we work according to our brand promise — to rely on, today and tomorrow,” he said.

That brand promise has extended to shareholders as well. Vitec pays a quarterly dividend, an unusual structure in the Nordic tech space. While the current yield sits at just 0.8%, the company has raised its dividend every year since 2003, earning it the nickname of a "Dividend Hero" among Scandinavian income investors. After the recent selloff, the stock trades at a forward price/earnings ratio of approximately 33, based on estimated 2025 earnings — still high by historical standards, but now well off its earlier premium.

Investors will be watching closely to see whether Q2 marks a temporary dip or a broader reset in margins. In the meantime, Vitec continues to invest in AI-enabled enhancements across its business units, apply its acquisition playbook cautiously, and push forward with its “slow and steady” strategy — one that has paid off handsomely in the long term, even if 2025 has brought some short-term turbulence.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Dividend Hike

🏆 America’s Top Ranked Dividend Growth Stocks for 2025

These Dividend Heroes aren’t just reliable — they’re dazzling the market with explosive growth and steady payouts. In 2024 alone, this elite squad of 25 U.S. dividend champions has stormed ahead with a scorching 29.8% return, leaving the competition in the dust. The good thing: we have a new list of 25 stocks for 2025…

Read more

a year ago · Dividend Hike

This marks the largest UK takeover of the year and underscores a broader trend of foreign buyers targeting undervalued British companies. Spectris shares surged nearly 15% on the news, reaching a one-year high. Under the agreement, shareholders will receive £37.63 per share in cash, including an interim dividend of 28 pence and the full-year 2024 dividend, with no reduction to the offer price.

We’ve tracked Spectris for years due to its outstanding dividend growth record — having increased its payout for decades without interruption. That consistency earned it a well-deserved place in our Top 25 Dividend Growth Stocks in Europe for 2025.

💥 Two bids in one month for Dividend Heroes... the market is catching on.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Last week we already discussed the nice dividend hike by Dividend Hero Casey’s. This was not the only Dividend Hero to announce a dividend hike.

We also registered a 12.5% dividend hike by another Dividend Hero combined with a 50 cent special dividend payment. This company, a P&C Insurer, has now raised the dividend for 24 consecutive years and we expect that this Dividend Hero is one of the candidates to become a ‘Dividend Aristocrat’ in a few years from now.

If you want to know the name is this company check dividendhike.com.

Stay up to date with all dividend hikes and cuts, weekly, at DividendHike.com or follow @DividendHike on Twitter.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Casey's General Stores will hike its quarterly dividend by 14% to a new record high of 57 cents per share in 2025. The dividend hike was announced on June 9, 2025 and marks the 26th consecutive year of increases.

Casey's is a Dividend Hero but the company is not a top-25 stock: last year the dividend was hiked by 16.3% following a 13.2% hike in 2023. The dividend yield for CASY is 0.5% at a stock price of $490.

Like many other dividend heroes, Casey's is also trading near its all-time high. The increased dividend will be paid on August 15, 2025 to shareholders of record on August 1, 2025.

Casey's General Stores, Inc. operates convenience stores in Midwestern states, primarily in Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. Casey's offers self-service gasoline, grocery items and freshly prepared food items. Among the most popular of Casey's prepared foods are their made-from-scratch pizzas, donuts, subs and sandwiches. Casey's operates from two company distribution centers, enabling delivery of most of in-store products and fuel. The first store opened in 1968 in Boone, Iowa. Casey's began paying cash dividends during fiscal 1991.

Stay up to date with all dividend hikes and cuts, weekly, at DividendHike.com or follow @DividendHike on Twitter.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

UNH provides health insurance, runs Medicare Advantage plans, and offers pharmacy and healthcare services through its Optum segment. It’s a juggernaut in the sector — but that momentum seems to be stalling.

What’s striking is that this is the second year in a row with slowing dividend growth. Meanwhile, the stock price has taken a hit, diverging from the steady uptrend investors had come to expect.

UNH is a Dividend Hero, but not a top-25 ranked one. The sharp slowdown is hard to ignore. For years, it was a poster child for consistent and generous dividend growth. Now, it may be flashing a warning sign.

Stay up to date with all dividend hikes and cuts, weekly, at DividendHike.com or follow @DividendHike on Twitter.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

We just published a detailed update on DividendHike.com, covering all 25 Dividend Heroes, complete with performance data, dividend growth stats, historical returns, and the latest dividend hikes for 2025 and 2024.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

📌 Key Highlights – Dividend Heroes 2025

🔥 +29.8% total return in 2024 — outperforming most major indexes.
📈 +3.0% YTD in 2025, as of May 29.

🚀 Average dividend growth of 15.7% per year since 2016.
🚀 A massive 19.2% dividend growth in 2024.

🌟 Top performers so far in 2025:

• McKesson (+25.1%)

• Cintas (+23.7%)

💥 Current average dividend yield: 1.7% — modest but consistently rising.
📊 Long-term annual return: 17.2% — blending income and capital growth.
💼 Built around market-dominating companies with stellar long-term records.

🏆 2025 Dividend Hikes (So Far)

• 12 of the 25 Heroes have already raised their dividends this year

• The average increase is 11.1%, although this is skewed by multiple hikes from a few names — meaning more raises are still expected in the coming months.

From powerhouse winners like McKesson (+25.1%) to crowd-favorite Cintas (+23.7%), the Dividend Heroes continue to prove that you don’t have to choose between reliable income and spectacular returns.

Dividend Hike

🏆 America’s Top Ranked Dividend Growth Stocks for 2025

These Dividend Heroes aren’t just reliable — they’re dazzling the market with explosive growth and steady payouts. In 2024 alone, this elite squad of 25 U.S. dividend champions has stormed ahead with a scorching 29.8% return, leaving the competition in the dust. The good thing: we have a new list of 25 stocks for 2025…

Read more

a year ago · Dividend Hike

📍 Full update now live on DividendHike.com — including dividend history, 2025 and 2024 hikes, yield data, and full performance stats.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

This marks the 22nd consecutive year of dividend growth for this dividend hero.

The stock has held up well this year, posting a 2% gain at a price of $476.60. Among all U.S. defense stocks, Northrop Grumman stands out as the best when you combine dividend stats, buybacks, yield, and more. That’s why Northrop is part of the Dividend Heroes portfolio.

The current dividend yield is 1.9% (gross). Northrop is estimated to pay out about $1.2 billion in dividends annually. Last year, the dividend was increased by 10.2%. Just this week we did a change in our dividend hike portfolio involving Northrop.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Dividend Hero McKesson was added to the dividend hike portfolio—one of three high-quality dividend growth stocks selected in the latest rebalance. Known for its strong capital returns, double-digit dividend hikes, and leadership in the healthcare sector, McKesson, the leading pharmaceutical distributor and healthcare services provider, fits the dividend hero profile perfectly.

The other two names? Still under wraps—for now.

👉 Read the full breakdown and see all new additions over

The other two names? Equally strong—each with standout dividend growth profiles and resilient business models. We’ll reveal and analyze them in detail in the upcoming update on dividendhike.com. Stay tuned.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

In a brand-new article on dividendhike.com, six European stocks take center stage — all of them have increased their dividends for at least 20 consecutive years and have done so at a minimum growth rate of 10% per year. This perfectly matches the philosophy behind the Dividend Heroes.

It’s no surprise then that among the six stocks featured by Dividend Hike, three are already part of the Top 25 Dividend Heroes for 2025. Earlier, Dividend Hike had already highlighted the German software company Atoss Software as a Focus Stock, another outstanding Dividend Hero from Europe this year.

You can read the full article now on dividendhike.com; the first two stocks are revealed for free, but to get access to all four names, a subscription to dividendhike.com is required.

And we have more good news: very soon, Dividend Hike will also begin writing exclusive content on the Dividend Heroes — the 25 Best U.S. Dividend Growth Stocks! With a subscription to dividendhike.com, you’ll gain full access to the complete Dividend Heroes selection.

On dividendheroes.com, we also recently covered another European Dividend Hero that is being acquired: Fortnox AB.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.