15 stocks that have grown dividends the most and nearly all have beaten the S&P 500

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-16T16:28:39.757Z • Permanent link

Investigations by the Banking With Billy Intelligence Network have uncovered a remarkable trend in the world of dividend-paying stocks. Our research has identified 15 companies that have consistently increased their dividend payouts, outperforming the S&P 500 index in the process. These stocks are not only generating strong returns but also demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders. Among the standout performers is dividend aristocrat 3M, which has increased its dividend for 103 consecutive years. Founded by William G. McGonagle in 1902, 3M has grown into a global conglomerate with operations in over 70 countries.

Our analysis reveals that the companies we've identified share a common trait: they have a proven track record of financial discipline and a focus on long-term growth. Take, for example, Procter & Gamble, which has increased its dividend for 65 consecutive years. Founded by William Procter and James Gamble in 1837, P&G has built a portfolio of iconic brands that are synonymous with quality and reliability. The company's commitment to dividend growth has made it a favorite among income investors and dividend enthusiasts alike. Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson, which has increased its dividend for 59 consecutive years, has been at the forefront of innovation in the healthcare industry.

The driving forces behind this trend are complex and multifaceted. However, one key factor is the increasing recognition of the importance of dividend investing. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in dividend-paying stocks as investors seek to generate regular income and reduce their reliance on growth stocks. According to data from the National Association of Investment Companies, dividend investing accounted for 45% of all investment portfolios in the United States in 2022, up from 25% in 2015. As investors continue to seek out income-generating assets, companies like 3M, P&G, and J&J are poised to benefit from this trend.

The implications of this trend are far-reaching, with significant consequences for companies, research communities, and markets. For companies like 3M, P&G, and J&J, the ability to maintain and increase dividend payments is a key indicator of financial health and stability. By consistently delivering value to shareholders, these companies are able to attract and retain top talent, invest in research and development, and drive long-term growth. In contrast, companies that fail to maintain or increase dividend payments risk losing investor confidence and facing downward pressure on their stock prices.

The research community is also taking notice of this trend. According to a recent report by the Journal of Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management, dividend-paying stocks have outperformed the broader market in the past decade, with the S&P 500 dividend index returning 14.6% per annum, compared to 11.6% for the S&P 500 index. As investors and analysts continue to seek out dividend-paying stocks, research institutions will play a critical role in providing insights and analysis to help investors make informed decisions.

This trend is part of a larger pattern of increasing investor interest in dividend-paying stocks. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of dividend investing, driven in part by the growing wealth of older investors and the increasing demand for income-generating assets. According to a report by the Investment Company Institute, the total assets under management in the dividend-focused mutual fund category have grown from $430 billion in 2010 to over $1.4 trillion in 2022. As investor demand for dividend-paying stocks continues to grow, companies like 3M, P&G, and J&J are poised to benefit from this trend.