In this article, we will take a look at the Dividend Kings and Aristocrats List: 10 Biggest Stocks. For deeper discussion and analysis, have a look at the Dividend Kings and Aristocrats List: 32 Biggest Stocks.
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10. Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL)
Market Cap as of March 24: $74.9 Billion
On March 24, Baird analyst Andrew Wittmann lowered the firm’s price recommendation on Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) to $296 from $320. It reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares.
That same day, JPMorgan upgraded Ecolab to Overweight from Neutral and left its price target unchanged at $295. The firm pointed to valuation as the main reason for the upgrade, noting that the stock has fallen about 15% since February 27 amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The analyst also said paint companies tend to be more sensitive to interest rates and have greater exposure to raw material costs compared to Ecolab. JPMorgan added that materials companies are “positively sensitive” to easing tensions in the Middle East, as that would likely reduce raw material inflation and limit the impact on economic growth.
Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services. Its Global Industrial segment focuses on water treatment, process applications, and cleaning and sanitizing solutions for large industrial customers across a range of industries.
9. The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW)
Market Cap as of March 24: $77.7 Billion
On March 23, Mizuho lowered its price recommendation on The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW) to $371 from $410. It reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares.
During its Q4 2025 earnings call, Sherwin-Williams provided its 2026 outlook, indicating that consolidated sales are expected to grow in the low- to mid-single-digit range. Management projected diluted EPS between $10.70 and $11.10, while adjusted diluted EPS is anticipated to come in between $11.50 and $11.90, representing a modest increase at the midpoint compared to 2025 levels, as noted by Heidi Petz.
The company’s Paint Stores Group implemented a 7% price increase effective January 1, although management expects only a low single-digit realization due to market conditions and segment mix. It also indicated that raw material costs are likely to rise in the low single-digit range in 2026, driven in part by tariffs and inflation in certain commodities.
Management suggested that the operating environment would remain challenging, with Heidi Petz, Chairman, CEO & President, pointing out that the “softer for longer” trend discussed previously still holds. While some conditions have begun to stabilize, cautious consumer sentiment and broader indicators continue to limit expectations for a meaningful or rapid recovery.
Looking ahead, Sherwin-Williams plans to open between 80 and 100 net new stores across the US and Canada and intends to recommend a 1.3% increase in its annual dividend to $3.20 per share.
The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW) manufactures, develops, and sells paint, coatings, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. Its operations span North and South America, along with the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
8. Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT)
Market Cap as of March 24: $111.2 Billion
On March 24, Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) said it has entered into a distribution agreement with Merit Medical Systems to offer the FDA-cleared ViaVerte™ system. The product is a minimally invasive, implant-free basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA) system. It is designed with a physician-controlled steerable mechanism to allow more precise targeting of the basivertebral nerve for treating chronic vertebrogenic lower back pain.
The agreement builds on Medtronic’s recent push to expand its core franchises through strategic partnerships. It also extends its existing relationship with Merit Medical. Merit already supplies components used in Medtronic’s Kyphon™ procedures, including Xpander™ Inflation Syringes and the KyphoFlex™ unipedicular steerable balloon catheter for vertebral compression fractures.
Data from the American Chronic Pain Association shows that about one in three Americans lives with some form of chronic pain.
BVNA has emerged as a growing treatment option for patients dealing with chronic low back pain linked to damaged vertebral endplates. The ViaVerte™ system is expected to be available later this year and is designed to support a same-day outpatient procedure.
Medtronic said the addition strengthens its broader pain management portfolio and supports its goal of expanding treatment options for patients and healthcare providers. Its existing portfolio includes spinal cord stimulation, vertebral augmentation, nerve ablation, bone tumor ablation, and targeted drug delivery. The inclusion of a steerable BVNA system adds another option to address rising demand in this area.
Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) develops and sells device-based medical therapies to healthcare systems, physicians, clinicians, and patients across the United States, Ireland, and other international markets.
7. Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB)
Market Cap as of March 24: $127.3 Billion
On March 23, Deutsche Bank raised its price recommendation on Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) to $330 from $304. It reiterated a Hold rating on the shares. The firm said it is raising its estimates and has also introduced a 2028 forecast.
Two days later, on March 25, Chubb announced an exclusive partnership with Safe Harbor Marinas. Under the agreement, Chubb will serve as the preferred insurance provider for Safe Harbor members. Members across more than 150 marinas will have access to Chubb’s Masterpiece Select Recreational Marine Insurance. The offering is backed by more than a century of experience in marine insurance.
The policy is designed to provide broad and flexible coverage. It includes total loss settlement with no deductible and does not apply depreciation to partial losses. It also covers mechanical and electrical breakdowns, along with rental reimbursement and replacement cost protection.
Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) operates as a global insurance provider. The company has a presence in 54 countries and territories and offers a range of products, including commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health coverage, reinsurance, and life insurance.
6. NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE)
Market Cap as of March 24: $190.8 Billion
On March 23, Morgan Stanley raised its price recommendation on NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) to $110 from $106. It reiterated an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm said the change reflects updates to its coverage across regulated and diversified utilities and IPPs in North America. Utilities outperformed the S&P in February, which helped shape the firm’s view. Recent discussions across the sector have also been encouraging. Companies are pointing to growth opportunities, improving load trends, and new deals linked to data centers.
On March 23, Reuters reported that NextEra has secured land in Texas for a gas-fired power plant that will support a large data center campus tied to a US-Japan agreement, according to CEO John Ketchum. The company said last week that the administration of President Donald Trump approved the development of two large gas plants in Texas and Pennsylvania. Together, the projects are expected to total about 10 gigawatts and are aimed at meeting growing electricity demand from data centers.
Under the agreement, the $33 billion projects will be developed and operated by NextEra but jointly owned by the United States and Japan as part of a broader trade deal. Ketchum said the company has already secured land for the Texas facility, which is expected to have more than 5 GW of capacity. He shared the update while speaking at the CERAWeek conference in Houston. He also noted that land has not yet been acquired for the Pennsylvania site. Additional land and permits will be needed before moving forward there.
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) operates through its subsidiaries, including NextEra Energy Resources and NextEra Energy Transmission, along with Florida Power & Light Company.
5. PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP)
Market Cap as of March 24: $205.9 Billion
On March 23, Bloomberg reported that PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) is managing geopolitical and cost pressures by sourcing about 95% of its ingredients locally, according to Asia Pacific CEO Anne Tse. She said the company also uses hedging strategies for key commodities.PepsiCo works closely with local growers, especially for potatoes, which helps strengthen its supply chain. Tse described this approach as making the company “very resilient” on the upstream side.
The company is also using artificial intelligence across its operations in China and other markets to improve efficiency. Tse said AI is being applied in areas such as precision agriculture, manufacturing management, and consumer analytics. This allows the company to expand capacity without adding staff at the same pace. Even so, PepsiCo continues to hire in China as it opens new facilities.
The company is also focusing on premium, nutrient-dense products. It is working to reduce sugar and sodium while incorporating local ingredients that align with Chinese food preferences.
PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) operates as a global food and beverage company. Its business spans segments including PepsiCo Foods North America, PepsiCo Beverages North America, International Beverages Franchise, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America Foods, and Asia Pacific Foods.
4. The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG)
Market Cap as of March 24: $334.5 Billion
On March 24, Erste Group analyst Stephan Lingnau downgraded The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) to Hold from Buy. The analyst pointed to higher energy costs and weak consumer confidence in the US. He said these factors are likely to keep sales growth at the lower end of the company’s guidance range. The firm also sees limited upside from current share levels.
At the same time, the company’s dividend history stands out. Procter & Gamble has raised its dividend for 69 consecutive years and has paid a dividend in some form for 135 straight years. The business holds a strong position in consumer packaged goods. Its portfolio includes well-known brands across beauty, grooming, and healthcare. These products tend to be everyday essentials, which helps steady demand even when economic conditions shift. The company has been operating for nearly two centuries, which is rare for a business of this scale.
The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) sells branded consumer products across global markets. Its operations cover Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric and Home Care, and Baby, Feminine and Family Care. Its products are used by consumers in around 180 countries and territories.
3. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX)
Market Cap as of March 24: $413.5 Billion
On March 22, Bernstein raised its price recommendation on Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) to $216 from $194. It reiterated a Market Perform rating on the shares. The firm said it updated its models across the energy and transportation group to reflect current crude prices and crack spreads, while noting there is still a wide range of possible outcomes. The analyst also pointed out that conflicts that stretch beyond a few weeks often last for years. Given that level of uncertainty and what the firm described as “right tail risk,” it continues to favor adding exposure to energy.
A day later, on March 23, Reuters reported that Chevron is seeing progress in Venezuela as oil production increases. At the same time, CEO Mike Wirth said more work is needed to improve the legal and investment environment. Interest in Venezuela’s energy sector has picked up again after political changes earlier this year and calls for significant new investment to rebuild the industry.
Wirth said access to international arbitration will be important for companies looking to invest. He also noted that recent changes to the country’s oil laws are broad and still require more specific incentives to attract capital.
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) operates as an integrated energy company. The company is involved in producing crude oil and natural gas, as well as manufacturing fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals, and additives. It also develops technologies that support its operations and the broader energy industry.
2. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)
Market Cap as of March 24: $566.9 Billion
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) was included in Wolfe Research’s favorite stocks list, according to a CNBC report published on March 16. The company currently offers a dividend yield of around 2.15%, and last increased its payout in May 2025.
The report mentioned that earlier this year, Johnson & Johnson reached an agreement with the Trump administration to lower drug prices for consumers in exchange for tariff exemptions. As part of that effort, it recently launched a website that allows patients to buy certain products directly, including those without insurance or those choosing to pay out of pocket.
The company continues to expand its pipeline, with treatments in development across areas like cancer, Crohn’s disease, and depression. Earlier in March, it shared early results from a Phase 1 trial for a bladder cancer treatment, reporting “complete and durable responses” in patients. Johnson & Johnson also issued solid sales and profit guidance for 2026 earlier this year. The company is set to report its first-quarter results on April 14.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) operates as a diversified healthcare company with three main segments: Innovative Medicine, MedTech, and Consumer Health. Its portfolio spans pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and widely used consumer health products.
1. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)
Market Cap as of March 24: $689.09 Billion
On March 22, Bernstein analyst Bob Brackett raised the firm’s price recommendation on Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) to $195 from $159. It reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares. The firm said it updated its models across the energy and transportation group to reflect current crude prices and crack spreads, “while acknowledging a wide range of future outcomes.” The analyst also noted that conflicts that extend beyond a few weeks often last for years. Given that level of uncertainty and what the firm described as “right tail risk,” it continues to recommend increasing exposure to energy.
On March 25, Exxon said it has a team in Venezuela evaluating the country’s oil and gas resources and infrastructure, according to upstream head Dan Ammann. Ammann said the focus is not just on the resources themselves, but also on the condition of infrastructure on the ground. He noted that there are steps that could lift production in the short term. At the same time, rebuilding Venezuela’s oil industry would take significant time and investment, likely costing hundreds of billions of dollars.
The country’s oil output has declined sharply over the years due to underinvestment, despite once producing around 3 million barrels per day.
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) operates as an integrated energy company. The company is involved in exploring, producing, and refining oil and natural gas, while also running a large chemicals business.
While we acknowledge the potential of XOM as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than XOM and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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