In the world of investment, constancy is a rare treasure. Fashions change, technology companies dominate headlines (especially in these times of 2025), and crises test even the most solid giants. But there is a small group of companies that have achieved the almost impossible: pay dividends every year for more than a century.
They are just 27 companiesthat is to say, only 0.4% of the US marketwhich have rewarded their shareholders without interruption since before the Federal Reserve was even founded. A club where history, financial discipline and resilience They are worth more than any promise of explosive growth.
How to invest in dividend companies
If you prefer diversify without picking individual stocksthere are specialized investment funds in companies with high dividends. You can compare the main funds that invest in high dividends and analyze their profitability before deciding which one best suits your investment profile.
You can also consult the Ibex 35 dividend calendarwhere you will see which Spanish companies will pay next month. All of them are available in most brokers to invest in the stock market.
Top 10: the most emblematic of the centenary club
Next, we present the Top 10 of the most outstanding companiesordered by their historical average dividend yield. Below you will find the complete list of the 27 companiesaccording to data from Compounding Quality.
🏅 10. York Water (YORW)
Founded in 1816The York Water Company is the oldest publicly traded company in the United States. Your business is only as stable as your dividend stream: supplies water and sanitation services.
It has increased its dividend during 28 consecutive yearswith a profitability close to 2.6%. In more than two centuries, he has never missed a payment.
🔧 9. Stanley Black & Decker (SWK)
From 1843manufactures tools and industrial products in more than 60 countries.
Pay dividends without interruption since 1877 and has them increased for 59 years in a rowwhich makes it an authentic Dividend King.
Its profitability is around 4%although his payout ratio high could limit future growth.
⛽ 8. Exxon Mobil (XOM)
The energy giant founded by John D. Rockefeller is part of the legacy of Standard Oil.
Pay dividends from 1882 and has increased them 42 consecutive yearsintegrating between the Dividend Aristocrats.
With a performance of 3.6%continues to be one of the favorites of investors looking for stable periodic income.
💊 7. Eli Lilly (LLY)
Founded in 1876this pharmaceutical company is one of the companies further growth of the S&P 500driven by its innovations in diabetes and obesity.
Although its profitability is modest (0.7%), maintains more than a century of uninterrupted payments.
⚡ 6. Consolidated Edison (ED)
Electricity and gas provider in New York, Consolidated Edison is a pillar of the US energy sector.
Pay dividends from 1884 and has increased them 51 years in a rowwith a profitability of 3.5% and low level of risk.
🔥 5. UGI Corporation (UGI)
Distributes natural gas, propane and energy services from 1882.
Has paid dividends every year since 1885 and has increased them 37 consecutive years.
With a profitability close to 6%is one of the most attractive for those looking recurring income.
🌡️ 4. Johnson Controls (JCI)
Specialized in HVAC, energy and security systems for buildingsJohnson Controls was founded in 1885 and has never stopped distributing dividends.
Its profitability is around 1.9%with five consecutive years of increases.
🧴 3. Procter & Gamble (PG)
Founded in 1837the company behind Ariel, Gillette, Pampers or Pantene has been paying dividends since 1891 and increasing them 69 consecutive years.
With a profitability of 2.5%is one of the Dividend Kings more solid and a reference of the global defensive consumption.
🪥 2. Colgate-Palmolive (CL)
Founded in 1806has maintained its dividend without interruption since 1895 and has increased it 61 years in a row.
Its current profitability is around 2.4%backed by a stable business focused on basic hygiene and consumer products.
🥣 1. General Mills (GIS)
The manufacturer of Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs and Pillsbury tops this ranking for its combination of longevity, profitability and solidity.
From 1866has paid dividends every year and offers a return of 4.5%.
In a sector as mature as the food industry, its consistency for more than a century makes it a true symbol of corporate stability.
📜 The 27 century-old companies that have never failed to pay dividends
(Source: Compounding Quality)
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