Markets

Insider Trading

Hedge Funds

Retirement

Opinion

14 Dividend Growth Stocks with Highest Growth Rates

In this article, we discuss 14 dividend growth stocks with highest growth rates. You can skip our detailed analysis of dividend growth stocks and their overall performance, and go directly to read 5 Dividend Growth Stocks with Highest Growth Rates

 According to a report by ProShares, the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, which tracks the performance of companies with at least 25 consecutive years of dividend growth, delivered a 10.68% return since its inception in 2005 through December 2023. The index outperformed the S&P 500 during this period, which returned 10.05%. The report also mentioned that the Dividend Aristocrats index exhibited a lower volatility of 15.30% in this timeframe, compared with a 16.24% volatility of the benchmark.

Regularly growing dividends is not an easy task as it demands financial stability, well-established business models, and a high level of reliability. For example, only a small fraction of companies in the S&P 500, specifically just 13%, qualify for inclusion in the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index. These companies are known brands with strong reputations for their quality, investment appeal, and resilience in the market. Brian Bollinger, president of Simply Safe Dividends, spoke with CNBC about dividend growth stocks. He said that investors should explore dividend aristocrats as these companies are typically well-established and financially stable. He further highlighted the importance of building a diversified portfolio comprising such firms, as it can offer peace of mind knowing that the underlying investments will continue to generate growing passive income over time, regardless of market fluctuations. Here are some comments from the analyst:

“When stock prices fall, it’s so easy to panic, but dividend investing can overcome that because you’re just trying to stay focused on your income stream. You don’t care so much about the market’s short-term ups and downs anymore.”

In addition to their strong returns, dividend growers have also provided significant downside protection over the years, while capturing gains during market upswings. According to a report by Lord Abbett, this trend was particularly evident when examining the trailing one-year, which was marked by volatility in equity markets. During this period, dividend growth stocks experienced approximately 78% of the market downturn while outperforming the broader S&P 500 by around 11% during market rallies. The report also mentioned that dividend growers also present an opportunity for substantial total returns, particularly in scenarios where equity market returns are below average.

The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), and Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) are some of the best dividend stocks that have proved their resilience in severe market conditions while growing their dividends for decades.

Our Methodology:

For this article, we used a stock screener to identify dividend stocks that have maintained consistent dividend payouts over time. From that list, we chose companies that have increased their dividends by an average of more than 15% annually over the last 3 years. We also mentioned hedge fund sentiment around each stock according to Insider Monkey’s database of 933 hedge funds, as of Q4 2023. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of their annual average dividend growth in the past three years. Hedge funds’ top 10 consensus stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here).

14. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)

3-Year Average Annual Dividend Growth Rate: 15.15%

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company that manufactures and develops a wide range of medicines for serious ailments. The company has never missed a dividend since 1885 and also raised its payouts consistently over the past 10 years. With a 3-year average annual dividend growth rate of over 15%, LLY is one of the best dividend stocks on our list. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) currently offers a quarterly dividend of $1.30 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.70%, as of April 23.

At the end of Q4 2023, 102 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey held stakes in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), which remained unchanged from the previous quarter. The consolidated value of these stakes is more than $11 billion.

13. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR)

3-Year Average Annual Dividend Growth Rate: 17.39%

The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is an Ohio-based retail company that operates supermarkets and department stores across the US. On March 14, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. Overall, it has been growing its dividends for the past 17 years, with a 3-year average dividend growth rate of 17.39%. The stock offers a dividend yield of 2.07%, as of April 23.

The number of hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owning stakes in The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) grew to 45 in Q4 2023, from 41 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $3.5 billion. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway owned 50 million shares in the company, becoming its leading stakeholder in Q4.

12. Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT)

3-Year Average Annual Dividend Growth Rate: 17.61%

With a 3-year average annual dividend growth rate of 17.61%, Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is next on our list of the best dividend stocks with the highest growth rates. The American retail company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $1.10 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.64%, as of April 23. It has been rewarding shareholders with growing dividends for the past 52 years. In addition to this, the company returned $508 million to shareholders through dividends in the fourth quarter of 2023, up from $497 million in the past year.

As of the end of Q4 2023, 58 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database held stakes in Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT), the same as in the preceding quarter. These stakes are worth over $1.5 billion in total.

11. Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH)

3-Year Average Annual Dividend Growth Rate: 17.91%

Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH) is an American manufacturing company that deals in motion and control technologies and systems. It is one of the best dividend stocks on our list as the company has raised its payouts for 66 years in a row. Its 3-year average annual dividend growth comes in at nearly 18%. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $1.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.08%, as recorded on April 23.

Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH) was a popular buy among elite funds in Q4 2023 with hedge fund positions jumping to 63, from 52 in the previous quarter, as per Insider Monkey’s database. The stakes held by these hedge funds have a total value of over $1.64 billion. Among these hedge funds, Diamond Hill Capital was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q4.

10. Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS)

3-Year Average Annual Dividend Growth Rate: 23.3%

Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) is a New Jersey-based company that produces medicines and vaccinations for pets and livestock. In December 2023, the company hiked its dividend by 15% and now pays a quarterly dividend of $0.432 per share. Over the past three years, it has raised its payouts at an annual average rate of over 23%, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks. The stock’s dividend yield on April 23 came in at 1.16%.

At the end of December 2023, 50 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database held stakes in Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS), compared with 56 in the previous quarter. These stakes are collectively valued at over $1.3 billion.

9. MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI)

3-Year Average Annual Dividend Growth Rate: 23.6%

MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI) is an American finance company that provides investment decision support tools and services for institutional investors around the globe. In the first quarter of 2024, the company paid $126.8 million to shareholders through dividends. Moreover, the company has raised its payouts consistently for the past eight years with a 3-year annual average growth rate of 23.6%. The company’s quarterly dividend currently comes in at $1.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.44%, as of April 23.

The number of hedge funds owning stakes in MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI) grew to 42 in Q4 2023, from 39 in the previous quarter, as per Insider Monkey’s database. These stakes are valued at over $1.7 billion. Among these hedge funds, Impax Asset Management was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q4.

8. Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW)

3-Year Average Annual Dividend Growth Rate: 24.1%

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) is an American retail company that specializes in home improvement and offers related services and products to its consumers. On March 22, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $1.10 per share, which fell in line with its previous dividend. Overall, it has raised its payouts for the past 59 consecutive years, which makes it one of the best dividend growth stocks on our list. The stock supports a dividend yield of 1.89%, as of April 23.

Insider Monkey’s database of Q4 2023 indicated that 68 hedge funds held stakes in Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW), up from 63 in the previous quarter. The total value of these stakes is more than $3.7 billion.

7. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS)

3-Year Average Annual Dividend Growth Rate: 28.06%

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) is an American investment banking company that offers related financial services. In the past three years, the company has raised its payouts at an annual average rate of over 28%. It currently pays a quarterly dividend of $2.75 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.60%, as of April 23.

According to Insider Monkey’s database of Q4 2023, 69 hedge funds held investments in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS), up from 68 in the previous quarter. The consolidated value of these stakes is over $6.3 billion. With over 5.5 million shares, Fisher Asset Management was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q4.

6. Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ)

3-Year Average Annual Dividend Growth Rate: 28.91%

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) ranks sixth on our list of the best dividend stocks with the highest growth rates. The Canada-based oil and natural gas company has raised its payouts at an annual average rate of nearly 29% over the past three years and also maintains a 25-year track record of consistent dividend growth. The company offers a quarterly dividend of C$1.05 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.05%, as of April 23.

At the end of the December quarter of 2023, 41 hedge funds held stakes in Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ), which remained the same as in the previous quarter, according to Insider Monkey’s database. The total worth of these stakes is roughly $2 billion in total.

Click to continue reading and see 5 Dividend Growth Stocks with Highest Growth Rates

Suggested articles:

Disclosure. None. 14 Dividend Growth Stocks with Highest Growth Rates is originally published on Insider Monkey.

The $250 Trillion AI Hype is Real. A few years from now, you’ll probably wish you’d bought this stock.

When Jeff Bezos said that one breakthrough technology would shape Amazon’s destiny, even Wall Street’s biggest analysts were caught off guard.

Fast forward a year and Amazon’s new CEO Andy Jassy described generative AI as a “once-in-a-lifetime” technology that is already being used across Amazon to reinvent customer experiences.

At the 8th Future Investment Initiative conference, Elon Musk predicted that by 2040 there would be at least 10 billion humanoid robots, with each priced between $20,000 and $25,000.

Do the math. According to Musk, this technology could be worth $250 trillion by 2040.

Put another way, that’s roughly equal to:

  • 175 Teslas
  • 107 Amazons
  • 140 Metas
  • 84 Googles
  • 65 Microsofts
  • And 55 Nvidias

And here’s the wild part — this $250 trillion wave isn’t tied to one company, but to an entire ecosystem of AI innovators set to reshape the global economy.

It’s a leap so massive, it could reshape how businesses, governments, and consumers operate worldwide.

Even if that $250 trillion figure sounds ambitious, major firms like PwC and McKinsey still see AI unlocking multi-trillion-dollar potential.

How could anything be worth that much?

The answer lies in a breakthrough so powerful it’s redefining how humanity works, learns, and creates.

And this breakthrough has already set off a frenzy among hedge funds and Wall Street’s top investors.

What most investors don’t realize is that one under-owned company holds the key to this $250 trillion revolution.

In fact, Verge argues this company’s supercheap AI technology should concern rivals.

Before I reveal the details, let’s talk about how some of the richest people on the planet are positioning themselves.

  • Bill Gates sees artificial intelligence as the “biggest technological advance in my lifetime,” more transformative than the internet or personal computer, capable of improving healthcare, education, and addressing climate change.
  • Larry Ellison — through Oracle, is spending billions on Nvidia chips and partnering with Cohere to embed generative AI across Oracle’s cloud and apps.
  • Warren Buffett — not known for tech hype — says this breakthrough could have a ‘hugely beneficial social impact.

When billionaires from Silicon Valley to Wall Street line up behind the same idea — you know it’s worth paying attention to.

Even as we admire what Tesla, Nvidia, Alphabet, and Microsoft have built, we believe an even greater opportunity lies elsewhere…

But the real story isn’t Nvidia — it’s a much smaller company quietly improving the critical technology that makes this entire revolution possible.

And judging by what I’m hearing from both Silicon Valley insiders and Wall Street veterans…

This prediction might not be bold at all:

A few years from now, you’ll wish you’d owned this stock.

The best part? You can discover everything about this company and its groundbreaking technology right now.

I’ve compiled everything you need to know about this groundbreaking company in a detailed, members-only report.

Trust me — you’ll want to read this report before putting another dollar into any tech stock.

For a ridiculously low price of just $9.99 a month, you can unlock a year’s worth of in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single fast food meal!

Here’s why this is a deal you can’t afford to pass up:

• Access to our Detailed Report on this Game-Changing AI Stock: Our in-depth report dives deep into our #1 AI stock’s groundbreaking technology and massive growth potential.

• 11 New Issues of Our Premium Readership Newsletter: You will also receive 11 new issues and at least one new stock pick per month from our monthly newsletter’s portfolio over the next 12 months. These stocks are handpicked by our research director, Dr. Inan Dogan.

• One free upcoming issue of our 70+ page Quarterly Newsletter: A value of $149

• Bonus Reports: Premium access to members-only fund manager video interviews

• Ad-Free Browsing: Enjoy a year of investment research free from distracting banner and pop-up ads, allowing you to focus on uncovering the next big opportunity.

• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee:  If you’re not absolutely satisfied with our service, we’ll provide a full refund within 30 days, no questions asked.

If you’re thinking about getting in, don’t wait – because once Wall Street catches wind of this story, the easy money will be gone.

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $9.99 a month.

2. Enjoy a year of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the revolutionary AI company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter over the next 12 months.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!

No worries about auto-renewals! Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies whether you’re joining us for the first time or renewing your subscription a month later!

AI, Tariffs, Nuclear Power: One Undervalued Stock Connects ALL the Dots (Before It Explodes!)

Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!

AI is eating the world—and the machines behind it are ravenous.

Each ChatGPT query, each model update, each robotic breakthrough consumes massive amounts of energy. In fact, AI is already pushing global power grids to the brink.

Wall Street is pouring hundreds of billions into artificial intelligence—training smarter chatbots, automating industries, and building the digital future. But there’s one urgent question few are asking:

Where will all of that energy come from?

AI is the most electricity-hungry technology ever invented. Each data center powering large language models like ChatGPT consumes as much energy as a small city. And it’s about to get worse.

Even Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI, issued a stark warning:

“The future of AI depends on an energy breakthrough.”

Elon Musk was even more blunt:

“AI will run out of electricity by next year.”

As the world chases faster, smarter machines, a hidden crisis is emerging behind the scenes. Power grids are strained. Electricity prices are rising. Utilities are scrambling to expand capacity.

And that’s where the real opportunity lies…

One little-known company—almost entirely overlooked by most AI investors—could be the ultimate backdoor play. It’s not a chipmaker. It’s not a cloud platform. But it might be the most important AI stock in the US owns critical energy infrastructure assets positioned to feed the coming AI energy spike.

As demand from AI data centers explodes, this company is gearing up to profit from the most valuable commodity in the digital age: electricity.

The “Toll Booth” Operator of the AI Energy Boom

  • It owns critical nuclear energy infrastructure assets, positioning it at the heart of America’s next-generation power strategy.
  • It’s one of the only global companies capable of executing large-scale, complex EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) projects across oil, gas, renewable fuels, and industrial infrastructure.
  • It plays a pivotal role in U.S. LNG exportation—a sector about to explode under President Trump’s renewed “America First” energy doctrine.

Trump has made it clear: Europe and U.S. allies must buy American LNG.

And our company sits in the toll booth—collecting fees on every drop exported.

But that’s not all…

As Trump’s proposed tariffs push American manufacturers to bring their operations back home, this company will be first in line to rebuild, retrofit, and reengineer those facilities.

AI. Energy. Tariffs. Onshoring. This One Company Ties It All Together.

While the world is distracted by flashy AI tickers, a few smart investors are quietly scooping up shares of the one company powering it all from behind the scenes.

AI needs energy. Energy needs infrastructure.

And infrastructure needs a builder with experience, scale, and execution.

This company has its finger in every pie—and Wall Street is just starting to notice.

Wall Street is noticing this company also because it is quietly riding all of these tailwinds—without the sky-high valuation.

While most energy and utility firms are buried under mountains of debt and coughing up hefty interest payments just to appease bondholders…

This company is completely debt-free.

In fact, it’s sitting on a war chest of cash—equal to nearly one-third of its entire market cap.

It also owns a huge equity stake in another red-hot AI play, giving investors indirect exposure to multiple AI growth engines without paying a premium.

And here’s what the smart money has started whispering…

The Hedge Fund Secret That’s Starting to Leak Out

This stock is so off-the-radar, so absurdly undervalued, that some of the most secretive hedge fund managers in the world have begun pitching it at closed-door investment summits.

They’re sharing it quietly, away from the cameras, to rooms full of ultra-wealthy clients.

Why? Because excluding cash and investments, this company is trading at less than 7 times earnings.

And that’s for a business tied to:

  • The AI infrastructure supercycle
  • The onshoring boom driven by Trump-era tariffs
  • A surge in U.S. LNG exports
  • And a unique footprint in nuclear energy—the future of clean, reliable power

You simply won’t find another AI and energy stock this cheap… with this much upside.

This isn’t a hype stock. It’s not riding on hope.

It’s delivering real cash flows, owns critical infrastructure, and holds stakes in other major growth stories.

This is your chance to get in before the rockets take off!

Disruption is the New Name of the Game: Let’s face it, complacency breeds stagnation.

AI is the ultimate disruptor, and it’s shaking the foundations of traditional industries.

The companies that embrace AI will thrive, while the dinosaurs clinging to outdated methods will be left in the dust.

As an investor, you want to be on the side of the winners, and AI is the winning ticket.

The Talent Pool is Overflowing: The world’s brightest minds are flocking to AI.

From computer scientists to mathematicians, the next generation of innovators is pouring its energy into this field.

This influx of talent guarantees a constant stream of groundbreaking ideas and rapid advancements.

By investing in AI, you’re essentially backing the future.

The future is powered by artificial intelligence, and the time to invest is NOW.

Don’t be a spectator in this technological revolution.

Dive into the AI gold rush and watch your portfolio soar alongside the brightest minds of our generation.

This isn’t just about making money – it’s about being part of the future.

So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your investment life!

Act Now and Unlock a Potential 100+% Return within 12 to 24 months.

We’re now offering month-to-month subscriptions with no commitments.

For a ridiculously low price of just $9.99 per month, you can unlock our in-depth investment research and exclusive insights – that’s less than a single fast food meal!

Space is Limited! Only 1000 spots are available for this exclusive offer. Don’t let this chance slip away – subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter today and unlock the potential for a life-changing investment.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Head over to our website and subscribe to our Premium Readership Newsletter for just $9.99.

2. Enjoy a month of ad-free browsing, exclusive access to our in-depth report on the Trump tariff and nuclear energy company as well as the revolutionary AI-robotics company, and the upcoming issues of our Premium Readership Newsletter.

3. Sit back, relax, and know that you’re backed by our ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Subscribe now and take control of your AI investment future!


No worries about auto-renewals! Our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies whether you’re joining us for the first time or renewing your subscription a month later!