Dividend Kings Analysis: 3M Stands Out

Overview
In this article I analyze the 29 Dividend Kings, an exclusive group of stocks that have increased their dividend for 50+ consecutive years. I discuss the top performing stocks in my ranking model, which tends to have more of a momentum tilt based on trailing earnings and dividend growth but does consider dividend safety and valuation. The top five stocks in the ranking have changed. Nordson Corp. (NDSN) has dropped out of the top 5 and was replaced by 3M Co. (MMM). There were two stocks with major moves in the rankings. California Water Service Group (CWT) has trended down. On the other hand, Lancaster Colony Corp. (LANC) has trended up. 3M now has the second highest yield of the Dividend Kings and currently the yield is even higher at ~3.8% due to recent price declines. On a dividend yield basis, the stock is clearly undervalued. The last time the yield was near 4% was during the Great Recession. Furthermore, on a forward P/E ratio basis the stock is undervalued relative to the historical average. Hence, in my opinion 3M is currently a buy of all the Dividend Kings.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Background
In these analyses I use nine criteria that permit rapid quantitative screening based on the dividend, earnings growth, dividend growth, dividend safety, and valuation. The nine criteria used in quantitative screening are:
History of increasing dividends Dividend yield 5 Years EPS growth rate 5 years dividend growth rate 10 years dividend growth rate Payout... Read more