Most Widely Held Dividend Growth Stocks

Most of the dividend growth stocks are household names, representing large-cap multinational corporations. The sheer size of these companies, and magnitude of operations typically give them an edge over competitors. These large-cap stocks are typically market leaders in the respective industries they are leading.

I recently uncovered a listing of most widely held stocks in US, provided by WSJ. I scanned through the list, and uncovered the following companies:

AT&T Inc. (T), together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications services to consumers, businesses, and other providers worldwide. The company has boosted dividends for 29 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 5.30%/year. The stock is trading at 28.40 times earnings and yields 5.20%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

Altria Group, Inc. (MO), through its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, smokeless products, and wine in the United States and internationally. The company has boosted dividends for 44 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 11.60%/year. The stock is trading at 16.60 times earnings and yields 5.20%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

Chevron Corporation (CVX), through its subsidiaries, engages in petroleum, chemicals, mining, power generation, and energy operations worldwide. The company has boosted dividends for 25 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 8.80%/year. The stock is trading at 9.60 times earnings and yields 3.10%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

The Coca-Cola Company (KO), a beverage company, engages in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company has boosted dividends for 50 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 10.10%/year. The stock is trading at 19.60 times earnings and yields 2.70%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

Emerson Electric Co. (EMR), a diversified technology company, engages in designing and supplying products and technology, and providing engineering services and solutions to the industrial, commercial, and consumer markets worldwide. The company has boosted dividends for 56 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 6.40%/year. The stock is trading at 21.80 times earnings and yields 2.90%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, and manufacture of petroleum products, as well as transportation and sale of crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products. The company has boosted dividends for 30 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 7.40%/year. The stock is trading at 9.50 times earnings and yields 2.50%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

Intel Corporation (INTC) designs, manufactures, and sells integrated digital technology platforms primarily in the Asia-Pacific, the Americas, Europe, and Japan.The company has boosted dividends for 10 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 25.60%/year. The stock is trading at 10 times earnings and yields 4.30%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) provides information technology (IT) products and services worldwide. The company has boosted dividends for 17 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 18.10%/year. The stock is trading at 14.30 times earnings and yields 1.70%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide.The company has boosted dividends for 50 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 12.40%/year. The stock is trading at 15.20 times earnings and yields 3.30%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW), together with its subsidiaries, operates as a home improvement retailer.The company has boosted dividends for 50 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 29.60%/year. The stock is trading at 23.10 times earnings and yields 1.70%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) engages in the manufacture and sale of snacks, carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, dairy products, and other foods worldwide.The company has boosted dividends for 40 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 13.30%/year. The stock is trading at 19.30 times earnings and yields 3%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells cigarettes and other tobacco products.The company has boosted dividends since 2008. The stock is trading at 17.60 times earnings and yields 3.90%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

Target Corporation (TGT) operates general merchandise stores in the United States.The company has boosted dividends for 45 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 17.50%/year. The stock is trading at 13.60 times earnings and yields 2.40%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

United Technologies Corporation (UTX) provides technology products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. The company has boosted dividends for 19 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 15.30%/year. The stock is trading at 15.90 times earnings and yields 2.40%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

Walgreen Co. (WAG), together with its subsidiaries, operates a network of drugstores in the United States. The company has boosted dividends for 37 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 18.90%/year. The stock is trading at 18.20 times earnings and yields 2.80%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) operates retail stores in various formats worldwide. The company has boosted dividends for 38 years in a row. Since 2001 the annual dividend growth has averaged 17.90%/year. The stock is trading at 14.50 times earnings and yields 2.30%. Check my analysis for more detail on the company.

I essentially isolated companies, which have shown a history of consistent dividend increases. Based on my interactions with dividend investors, I have come to the conclusion that most of these shares are widely held by many income investors.

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