Published on March 23rd, 2026 by Bob Ciura
There are a lot of stocks that pay dividends out there.
But it’s rare to find stocks that really exemplify what investors building growing passive income for the long run need…
Which is a mix of:
Rising dividends
Solid growth prospects
Long-term dividend safety
And that’s where the Dividend Champions come in.
The Dividend Champions have increased their dividends for over 25 consecutive years. They stand among the most time-tested dividend growth stocks in the entire market.
With this in mind, we created a downloadable list of over 130 Dividend Champions.
You can download your free copy of the Dividend Champions list, along with relevant financial metrics like price-to-earnings ratios, dividend yields, and payout ratios, by clicking on the link below:
Investors are likely familiar with the Dividend Aristocrats, a group of 69 stocks in the S&P 500 Index with 25+ consecutive years of dividend increases.
Meanwhile, investors should also familiarize themselves with the Dividend Champions, which have also raised their dividends for at least 25 years in a row.
While their length of dividend increases is the same, leading to some overlap, there are also some important differences between the Dividend Aristocrats and Dividend Champions.
As a result, the Dividend Champions list is much more expansive. There are many high-quality Dividend Champions that are not included on the Dividend Aristocrats list.
This article will list the 10 Dividend Champions with the highest expected EPS growth over the next five years.
Table of Contents
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Top Dividend Growth Stock #10: Nordson Corp. (NDSN)
Annual expected EPS growth: 10.0%
Nordson has operations in over 35 countries and engineers, manufactures, and markets products used for dispensing adhesives, coatings, sealants, biomaterials, plastics, and other materials, with applications ranging from diapers and straws to cell phones and aerospace.
The company generated $2.7 billion in sales last fiscal year.
On December 10th, 2025, Nordson reported fourth quarter results for the period ending October 31, 2025. For the quarter, the company reported sales of $752 million, 1% higher compared to $744 million in Q4 2024, driven by a 2% favorable forex translation and 1% positive acquisition impact.
The Medical and Fluid Solutions segment saw sales increase by 10%, while Industrial Precision Solutions and Advanced Technology revenue fell 2% and 4%, respectively.
The company generated adjusted earnings per share of $3.03, a 9% increase compared to the same prior year period..
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on NDSN (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Top Dividend Growth Stock #9: L’Oreal (LRLCF)
Annual expected EPS growth: 10.0%
L’Oréal is one of the world’s largest cosmetics groups, with a portfolio of 37 global brands.
The French company offers shampoos, hair-care and skincare products, shower gels, cleansers, styling and make-up items, perfumes and related goods.
Its globally recognised brands include Garnier, Maybelline New York, Giorgio Armani Beauty, Kiehl’s, Urban Decay, Biotherm and Ralph Lauren. L’Oréal holds a 7.2% stake in the share capital of Sanofi and controls 13.1% of its voting rights.
L’Oréal generated nearly $52 billion sales last year and is based in Paris, France. On February 12th, 2026, L’Oréal increased its dividend by +2.9% to €7.20 ($8.46).
On the same day, L’Oréal released its results for the full year ending December 31st, 2025. For the year, sales reached $51.7 billion, reflecting +4.0% like-for-like growth and +1.3% reported growth, with acceleration confirmed through the second half and broad-based growth across all divisions and regions.
L’Oréal delivered improved profitability, with operating margin rising to 20.2% of sales (+20 bps) and EPS reaching $8.46.
E-commerce continued to grow at double-digit rates, surpassing 30% of total sales, and net cash flow increased to €7.2billion.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on LRLCF (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Top Dividend Growth Stock #8: Thomson-Reuters Corp. (TRI)
Annual expected EPS growth: 10.0%
Thomson Reuters Corporation is a global financial information and data solutions provider for businesses and professionals in the fields of finance, accounting, tax, and media.
In January 2025, Thomson acquired cPaperless, LLC (SafeSend) for $600 million cash, for its tax automation capabilities.
In February 2026, Thomson Reuters announced a 10% increase to the dividend to $2.62 per share, which marked the 33rd consecutive annual dividend increase.
Thomson Reuters reported fourth quarter 2025 results on February 5th, 2026. For the quarter, total company revenue grew 5% year-over-year to $2.01 billion, of which the majority (84%) was recurring revenues. Thomson Reuters produced adjusted EPS of $1.07 per share compared to adjusted EPS of $1.01 in Q4 2024.
For 2026, Thomson Reuters forecasts total revenue growth of 7.5% to 8.0%, adjusted EBITDA margin growth of 100 basis points, and free cash flow of $2.1 billion.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on TRI (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Top Dividend Growth Stock #7: SEI Investments (SEIC)
Annual expected EPS growth: 11.0%
SEI Investments was founded in 1968 and over the last 50+ years has grown into a global provider of investment processing, investment management, and investment operations solutions for financial institutions and advisors.
SEI has about $1.6 trillion combined in assets under administration and management. The company should produce about $2.6 billion in revenue this year.
SEI posted fourth quarter and full-year earnings on January 28th, 2026, and results were better than expected on both the top and bottom lines. Earnings were $1.38 per share, which was three cents ahead of estimates.
Revenue was up 9% year-on-year to $608 million, which was over $10 million better than expected. Strength was seen in Private Banking, but management noted that revenue and margin expansion was seen across nearly all of its business segments.
Looking forward, the management team sees strong growth in launches in ETFs and select alternative products where they feel SEIC has an edge.
SEI repurchased $101 million of shares during the quarter, and $616 million for the year. That was good for a ~6% reduction based upon the 2024 closing share count.
The company raised its dividend by 6% to a new payout of $1.04 annually in December of 2025, its 35th consecutive year of dividend increases.
We start 2026 with an estimate of $5.70 in earnings-per-share, noting that 2025’s earnings came in much better than expected, which will make growth this year tougher.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on SEIC (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Top Dividend Growth Stock #6: Walmart Inc. (WMT)
Annual expected EPS growth: 12.0%
Walmart traces its roots back to 1945 when Sam Walton opened his first discount store. The company has since grown into the largest retailer in the world, serving more than 230 million customers each week.
Revenue should be around $740 billion this year and the stock trades with a market capitalization of $1 trillion.
Walmart has increased its dividend for 53 consecutive years, making it a new member of the prestigious Dividend Kings.
Walmart posted fourth quarter earnings on February 19th, 2026, and results were better than expected on both the top and bottom lines.
Earnings came to 74 cents per share on an adjusted basis, which beat estimates by a penny. Revenue was up 5.6% year to $190.7 billion, beating expectations by $2.38 billion.
Global ecommerce sales were up 24%, which was led by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery. Global advertising revenue soared 37% higher year-over-year, including the VIZIO business.
Walmart Connect was up 41% in the US. Membership fees rose 15.1% globally, which is attributed to the Sam’s Club business.
Revenue was up 5% in constant currency for the quarter. US comparable sales for Walmart rose 4.6%, including 27% higher in ecommerce.
Operating cash flow was $42 billion for the year, with free cash flow growing 18% from 2025 to $14.9 billion. Cash at the end of the year was $10.7 billion against debt of $51.5 billion. Inventory rose 4% year-over-year to $58.9 billion.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on WMT (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Top Dividend Growth Stock #5: Stryker Corp. (SYK)
Annual expected EPS growth: 12.0%
Stryker is a global leader in the medical device sector. The company’s product lines include surgical equipment, neurovascular products and orthopedic implants.
On December 11th, 2025, Stryker reported that it was raising its quarterly dividend 4.8% to $0.88 per share, extending the company’s dividend growth streak to 32 consecutive years.
On January 29th, 2026, Stryker announced fourth quarter and full year results. For the quarter, revenue grew 11.8% to $7.2 billion, which beat estimates by $80 million.
Adjusted earnings-per-share of $4.47 compared favorably to $4.01 in the prior year and was $0.07 better than expected. For the year, revenue increased 11.2% to $25.1 billion while adjusted earnings-per-share of $13.63 compared to $12.19 in 2024.
Organic revenue growth remains strong, with the company posting growth of 11% for the quarter and 10.3% for the year.
For the quarter, volume was up 10.9% and higher prices added 0.1% to results. MedSurg and Neurotechnology had sales of $4.6 billion, which represented 12.6% organic growth. Orthopaedics grew 8.4% to $2.6 billion.
Volume grew 12.5% for MedSurg and Neurotechnology and was up 8.5% for Orthopaedics. Prices were higher by 0.1% for MedSurg and Neurotechnology and while Orthopaedics fell 0.1%.
Stryker provided guidance for 2026 as well. The company expects organic revenue growth in a range of 8.0% to 9.5%.
Adjusted earnings-per-share are forecasted to be in a range of $14.90 to $15.10. At the midpoint, this would represent growth of 10.1% from 2025.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on SYK (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Top Dividend Growth Stock #4: S&P Global Inc. (SPGI)
Annual expected EPS growth: 12.0%
S&P Global is a worldwide provider of financial services and business information with revenue of over $15 billion. Through its various segments, it provides credit ratings, benchmarks and indices, analytics, and other data to commodity market participants, capital markets, and automotive markets.
S&P Global has paid dividends continuously since 1937 and has increased its payout for 52 consecutive years, and it is one of the newest members of the prestigious Dividend Kings.
S&P posted fourth quarter and full-year earnings on February 10th, 2026, and results were mixed. The company beat revenue estimates slightly, with the top line rising 9.2% year-over-year to $3.92 billion, $10 million better than expected.
Earnings, however, came to $4.30 per share on an adjusted basis, missing estimates by four cents. Management noted top line growth was strong in all divisions, as revenue from subscription products rose 8% year-over-year. Earnings were off from $4.73 per share in Q3, but higher year-over-year from $3.77 in last year’s Q4.
Expenses were $2.51 billion, much higher from Q3 and the year-ago period, which were $2.22 billion and $2.33 billion, respectively. Still, that was good enough for operating margin to expand to 47.3% of revenue from 43.6% a year earlier.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on SPGI (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Top Dividend Growth Stock #3: Badger Meter Inc. (BMI)
Annual expected EPS growth: 15.0%
Badger Meter manufactures and markets meters and valves that are used to measure and control the flow of liquids, such as water, oil and various chemicals.
The company’s products are also used to control the flow of air and other gases. Badger Meter generates ~$917 million in annual revenues.
On January 28th, 2026, Badger Meter announced fourth quarter and full year earnings results. For the quarter, revenue increased 7.6% to $220.7 million, but this was $11 million below estimates.
Earnings-per-share of $1.14 compared favorably to earnings-per-share of $1.04 in the prior year and was $0.02 better than expected. For the year, revenue grew 11% to a record $916.7 million while earnings-per-share of $4.79 was up from $4.23 in 2024.
The utility water business grew 9% for the quarter, partially due to an acquisition. Excluding this, sales were higher by 2%, another solid result giving that utility water revenues grew 14% in Q4 2024. This growth was led by ongoing demand for ORION Cellular radios, BEACON SaaS, and ultrasonic meters.
Revenue for flow instrumentation products was flat year-over-year as moderate growth in water-related markets was offset by deemphasized applications.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on BMI (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Top Dividend Growth Stock #2: Caterpillar Inc. (CAT)
Annual expected EPS growth: 16.0%
FactSet Research Systems, a financial data and analytics firm founded in 1978, provides integrated financial information and analytical tools to the investment community in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.
The company provides insight and information through research, analytics, trading workflow solutions, content and technology solutions, and wealth management.
On June 23rd, 2025, FactSet Research Systems announced Q3 2025 results, reporting non-GAAP EPS of $4.27 for the period, beating market consensus by $0.03, while revenue rose 5.9% to $585.5 million.
It delivered a steady third quarter for fiscal 2025, reporting GAAP revenues of $585.5 million, up nearly 6% year-over-year, driven by strong demand from wealth and institutional buy-side clients.
Organic annual subscription value (ASV) climbed 4.5% to $2.3 billion, highlighting the company’s stickiness in recurring revenue.
However, operating margins faced some pressure, with the GAAP figure slipping to 33.2% and adjusted margins down to 36.8%, impacted by higher compensation costs and acquisitions.
Even so, the company continues to generate solid cash, posting free cash flow of $228.6 million for the quarter.
FactSet returned value to shareholders through $80.7 million in share repurchases and increased its quarterly dividend for the 26th straight year.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on FDS (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Top Dividend Growth Stock #1: Stepan Co. (SCL)
Annual expected EPS growth: 20.0%
Stepan manufactures basic and intermediate chemicals, including surfactants, specialty products, germicidal and fabric softening quaternaries, phthalic anhydride, polyurethane polyols and special ingredients for the food, supplement, and pharmaceutical markets.
It is organized into three distinct business lines: surfactants, polymers, and specialty products. These businesses serve a wide variety of end markets, meaning that Stepan is not beholden to just a handful of industries.
The surfactants business is Stepan’s largest by revenue, accounting for ~68% of total sales in the most recent quarter. A surfactant is an organic compound that contains both water-soluble and water-insoluble components.
Stepan posted second quarter earnings on July 30th, 2025, and results were much worse than expected on both the top and bottom lines. Adjusted earnings-per-share came to 52 cents, which was nowhere close to estimates for 90 cents. Revenue was up 7% year-over-year to $595 million, missing estimates by $3.6 million.
Surfactant sales were $412 million, with selling prices soaring 11% on pass-through of raw material costs, primarily. Sales volumes were down 1%. Polymers net sales were up 2% to $163 million. Volumes were up 7% but selling prices declined 7%. Specialty Product sales were $20.5 million, up 22%, but margins worsened.
Adjusted EBITDA was $51.4 million, up 8% year-over-year. Adjusted net income was $12 million. Cash from operations came to $11.2 million, and free cash flow was negative $14.4 million on higher working capital requirements, as well as raw material builds.
Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on SCL (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):
Additional Reading
The Dividend Champions list is not the only way to quickly screen for stocks that regularly pay rising dividends.
The Dividend Kings List is even more exclusive than the Dividend Aristocrats. It is comprised of 57 stocks with 50+ years of consecutive dividend increases.
The High Dividend Stocks List: stocks that appeal to investors interested in the highest yields of 5% or more.
The Monthly Dividend Stocks List: stocks that pay dividends every month, for 12 dividend payments per year.
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