5 Dividend Stocks Ready to Become Champions Soon

The difference between a “dividend champion” and a “dividend contender” is a bit arbitrary, but it still makes for an interesting screen criteria. A “dividend champion” represents a company that has not only paid, but also increased, its dividend payout for at least 25 straight years. A “dividend contender” is a company that has increased its payout for at least 10 years, but not more than 24 years. In the upcoming year we have 5 stocks on the cusp of becoming champions. While there might be debate as to the growth prospects of “dividend champions” or the sustainability of “dividend contenders,” it is widely accepted that a slashed dividend creates a negative signal. Add in the fact that these companies are bidding for the coveted “champion” status and you have a strong move toward another increased payout this year. It appears Donaldson Company (DCI) won’t have much... Read more