13 Best Dividend Kings to Buy in 2026

5. Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 57

Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 69

Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH) is among the best dividend kings to invest in.

On January 16, Stifel analyst Nathan Jones reiterated a Hold rating on Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH) and kept his price target at $869. The call followed a distributor survey covering 38 North American distributors, representing roughly 11% of Parker’s regional revenue. According to the analyst, feedback from the channel suggests Parker’s Q2 results came in a bit softer than earlier expectations, with slightly weaker sales trends and inventory levels. He also pointed to price deceleration and slightly lower forecasts for the next 12 months. In terms of what’s weighing on demand, distributors highlighted tariffs, local economic conditions, and inflation as the biggest factors. One encouraging signal, though, is that fewer distributors now expect a recession within the next year.

In other news, Parker made a major strategic move earlier in November, announcing plans to acquire Filtration Group from privately held Madison Industries for $9.25 billion. The deal is aimed at strengthening Parker’s position in the aftermarket business, which is an important area for industrial companies because it centers on replacement parts, ongoing maintenance, and recurring customer demand. That tends to create steadier revenue streams and can be more profitable than one-time equipment sales.

Filtration Group sells air and liquid filtration systems to industrial customers as well as the heating and cooling markets. Notably, about 85% of its revenue comes from the aftermarket, and the company expects roughly $2 billion in sales in 2025. For Parker, filtration is already a major driver as its filtration and engineered materials segment led the company in fiscal 2025, generating $5.81 billion in revenue and representing 42.5% of total sales.

The broader theme here is also working in Parker’s favor. Investor interest in filtration, separation, and water-related businesses has been rising as demand grows for cleaner air and water. Lincoln International Managing Director and Co-Head of Industrials Bobby Reifman, who advised on the deal, said those markets are seeing strong attention from investors for that reason.

Parker said it will fund the acquisition using a mix of new debt and cash on hand. The transaction is expected to close within six to twelve months, assuming it clears standard regulatory and closing conditions.

Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH) is a global industrial company focused on motion and control technologies. It designs and manufactures highly engineered products and systems, while also supporting customers through its aftermarket service and replacement parts business.