Top 10 Dividend Growth Leaders — September 15, 2026 Edition

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This series is about dividend growth first. Here we focus on companies where dividend income is already meaningful today - but the real story is how fast that income can grow over time.

These are businesses with the financial strength, earnings momentum, and capital discipline to raise dividends aggressively and consistently. Income grows first. Capital follows.

This is the part of the portfolio designed to accelerate future cash flow — so your dividend income doesn’t just grow… it compounds at speed.

The job of Top Dividend Growth Stocks of the Week is clear and very specific: to identify companies capable of delivering rapid, durable, long-term dividend growth — without sacrificing quality or valuation discipline.

This is not our high-yield engine. And it’s not our capital-first growth engine. This is the dividend acceleration engine.

These companies may not always have the highest yield today — but they share one defining trait: their earnings power expands fast enough — and cleanly enough — that dividend income scales aggressively year after year.

The goal is simple: build a stream of income that grows so fast over time that it materially changes your financial trajectory.

Every company in this series is selected through the MaxDividends Income System.

The MaxDividends Income System is our filter, rulebook, logic, and decision-making checklist — the framework that determines what belongs in a long-term compounding portfolio and what doesn’t.

For Dividend Growth Eagles, the System is applied with a clear priority: dividend growth strength first, supported by financial quality and valuation discipline.

We run each candidate through the MaxDividends Income System, which for this series includes the following core criteria:

Business Quality Score and Dividend Safety Score of 90+. Strong balance sheet, durable margins, clean cash flows, and consistent execution across cycles. A foundational quality check covering business durability, competitive position, capital allocation discipline, and long-term compounding ability.

We prefer 15+ years of consistent dividend increases, with special emphasis on 5–10-year dividend growth strength and payout sustainability. We look for businesses that can continue raising dividends at an above-average pace.

A profile that reflects capital efficiency, reinvestment quality, and dividend scalability. These are companies built to compound both earnings and payouts over time.

Only fairly valued or undervalued companies qualify. Even a great dividend growth business can become a poor investment at the wrong price. We look for a valuation that leaves room for both income growth and long-term total returns.

The final check brings everything together: business quality, dividend strength, growth potential, and valuation. The goal is simple — identify companies where the fundamentals support durable, above-average income growth for years to come.

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The MaxDividends Research Platform supports this process as our central data hub and navigator.

It stores the full history behind every decision — fundamentals, dividend timelines, valuation ranges, portfolio structure — and lets us track where we are, how far we’ve come, and whether we’re still aligned with the System.

This week’s Top Dividend Growth list highlights businesses with strong earnings engines, disciplined payout policies, rising cash flows, and the capacity to significantly increase dividend income over the coming years.

☕️ Pour your coffee, tune out the noise, and lean into the process — the best dividend growth opportunities rarely look dramatic at first. They simply raise payouts… again and again… and again.

👉 Here’s what made this week’s Dividend Growth radar.

10 Dividend Growth Stocks in Focus

Your Essential Dividend Investing Guide

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👉 Let’s start with this week’s Top 3 Dividend Growth picks — the companies that stand out right now as potential engines of accelerating income and long-term dividend compounding.

A quick warm-up with 3 dividend growers showing the MaxDividends spirit and accelerating payout power

~1.2% yield | 5-yr dividend growth +34% CAGR | payout ~9% | Dividend Score 91 | MaxRatio 10.85 | Fairly Valued

Mueller Industries stands out as a powerful dividend growth story, combining rapid payout expansion with an exceptionally conservative payout ratio. Its dividend has grown at roughly 34% annually over the past five years, while less than 10% of earnings are currently distributed to shareholders — leaving substantial room for future increases as the business continues to compound.

~3.9% yield | 5-yr dividend growth +10% CAGR | payout ~30% | Dividend Score 90 | MaxRatio 10.00 | Undervalued

Bank OZK combines the highest starting yield of this week’s group with a remarkably consistent dividend record, including 25 consecutive years of increases. A payout ratio of roughly 30% remains conservative, while double-digit five- and ten-year dividend growth and an undervalued share price create an attractive combination of current income and long-term dividend growth potential.

~2.6% yield | 5-yr dividend growth +15% CAGR | payout ~49% | Dividend Score 97 | MaxRatio 9.96 | Fairly Valued

Snap-on combines exceptional business quality with one of the strongest and most consistent dividend growth profiles in this week’s group. Its dividend has compounded at roughly 15% annually across the past five and ten years, while a payout ratio below 50% and 16 consecutive years of increases provide a solid foundation for continued long-term income growth.

⭐️ As a Premium reader, you’re inside the circle — seeing the strongest dividend accelerators first, with the same tools I use to build and protect my own family’s portfolio.

Now it’s time for the main feature — this week’s full Top 10 Dividend Growth Stocks (USA).

We keep it simple — one week, one step, one more layer added to your compounding machine.

Each company in this lineup shows real dividend acceleration — payout growth that’s speeding up, not slowing down. You’ll see how this strategy plays out in real life: not hype, not theory, but rising income you can measure.

The MaxDividends system gives you the framework — you decide how to build your own portfolio, knowing every name here has already passed our filters for financial strength, dividend safety, and growth momentum.

👉 View the live portfolio here

Here are 10 companies showing what accelerating dividend growth really looks like — rising payouts, disciplined management, and financial strength that keeps your income compounding year after year.

+206% 5-yr dividend growth | payout ~49% | Dividend Score 97 | MaxRatio 25.77 | Undervalued

A leading rural lifestyle retailer serving pet owners, farmers, ranchers, homeowners, and outdoor customers across the United States.

Why Today

The near-term environment has become more challenging, with second-quarter comparable sales pressured by unusually adverse conditions and management adjusting its 2026 outlook. At the same time, the company continues expanding its store base, giving long-term investors a combination of business durability, continued physical growth, and a significantly more attractive valuation.

+116% 5-yr dividend growth | payout ~47% | Dividend Score 98 | MaxRatio 14.29 | Undervalued

The world’s largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies and related outdoor living products, Pool benefits from a large installed base that generates recurring maintenance, repair, and replacement demand.

Why Today

Pool’s second-quarter sales increased 2% despite a still-muted discretionary environment, while its maintenance business remained resilient and adjusted EPS increased 4%. Management also maintained its underlying full-year earnings guidance, reinforcing the case that recurring aftermarket demand can provide stability while more cyclical pool construction and discretionary categories eventually recover.

+335% 5-yr dividend growth | payout ~9% | Dividend Score 91 | MaxRatio 10.85 | Fairly Valued

A diversified manufacturer of copper, brass, aluminum, and other engineered products serving HVAC, construction, industrial, infrastructure, and related markets.

Why Today

Operating momentum remains strong. Second-quarter sales reached $1.43 billion versus $1.14 billion a year earlier, while adjusted operating income growth remained healthy. The quarterly dividend also increased from $0.125 to $0.175 per split-adjusted share, providing fresh evidence that strong cash generation continues translating directly into higher shareholder income.

+85% 5-yr dividend growth | payout ~52% | Dividend Score 97 | MaxRatio 10.82 | Undervalued

A global professional services leader helping enterprises transform operations through technology, cloud, cybersecurity, data, and artificial intelligence.

Why Today

Enterprise AI is increasingly moving toward large-scale implementation, playing directly into Accenture’s transformation capabilities. Fiscal third-quarter revenue increased 6% in U.S. dollars, EPS rose 9%, and management highlighted growing large-scale AI transformation programs while continuing to generate robust free cash flow — an attractive backdrop at today’s undervalued rating.

+41% 5-yr dividend growth | payout ~51% | Dividend Score 96 | MaxRatio 10.61 | Undervalued

A global asset manager with a strong balance sheet, established investment franchises, and one of the longest dividend growth records in the group.

Why Today

Assets under management reached $1.90 trillion at the end of August, supported by higher market levels, although net outflows remain an important challenge. That combination keeps the investment case balanced: the business continues benefiting from a large asset base and improving market values, while persistent flows pressure helps explain the unusually attractive valuation and starting yield.

+61% 5-yr dividend growth | payout ~30% | Dividend Score 90 | MaxRatio 10.00 | Undervalued

A regional bank with a differentiated lending franchise, strong profitability, and an unusually consistent approach to dividend growth.

Why Today

Second-quarter EPS improved sequentially to $1.49, net interest margin increased to 4.24%, and management reported continued progress diversifying the loan portfolio. Most striking for income investors, OZK has now raised its quarterly cash dividend for 64 consecutive quarters — a rare record of payout consistency through very different banking environments.

+98% 5-yr dividend growth | payout ~49% | Dividend Score 97 | MaxRatio 9.96 | Fairly Valued

A premium manufacturer of professional tools, diagnostic systems, repair information, and equipment serving technicians and critical industries worldwide.

Why Today

Second-quarter net sales increased 4.7%, including 3% organic growth, while gross margin expanded 90 basis points and diluted EPS rose to $4.96 from $4.72. Continued efficiency gains alongside demand from professional and critical-industry customers reinforce Snap-on’s ability to convert steady operating progress into long-term earnings and dividend growth.

+160% 5-yr dividend growth | payout ~18% | Dividend Score 93 | MaxRatio 9.29 | Fairly Valued

A financial services company focused on term life insurance, investment products, and financial solutions for middle-income households.

Why Today

Second-quarter investment sales reached a record $4.4 billion, client asset values climbed to an all-time high of $140 billion, and adjusted operating EPS increased 17%. With only about 18% of earnings currently distributed through dividends, that operating momentum provides considerable room for shareholder income to keep compounding if earnings continue expanding.

+66% 5-yr dividend growth | payout ~41% | Dividend Score 94 | MaxRatio 7.15 | Undervalued

A financial technology and infrastructure provider embedded in investor communications, securities processing, and mission-critical workflows across the global financial system.

Why Today

Fiscal 2026 recurring revenue increased 8% and adjusted EPS grew 12%, while management expects another 6–8% recurring revenue growth and 8–12% adjusted EPS growth in fiscal 2027. Even better for dividend investors, Broadridge raised its annual dividend by 12% — another double-digit increase supported by continued underlying business growth.

+73% 5-yr dividend growth | payout ~60% | Dividend Score 93 | MaxRatio 7.04 | Fairly Valued

One of the world’s largest payroll and human capital management providers, ADP is built around recurring, mission-critical services that businesses need regardless of the economic environment.

Why Today

ADP closed fiscal 2026 with revenue up 7% to $21.9 billion and adjusted EPS up 11%. Management now expects another 5–6% revenue growth and 9–11% adjusted EPS growth in fiscal 2027, providing a solid earnings runway for a company that has already increased its dividend for 52 consecutive years.

This week's Top 10 reflects several long-term themes shaping dividend growth across the market. Rather than concentrating in a single sector, the list spans healthcare, industrials, financial services, technology, and specialty retail - industries where recurring cash flows and disciplined capital allocation continue supporting dividend expansion.

Healthcare remains in focus as demand for chronic disease treatments continues growing globally. Technology and financial infrastructure businesses are benefiting from ongoing investment in AI, automation, cloud services, and regulatory modernization. Meanwhile, industrial companies continue drawing support from infrastructure spending, maintenance demand, and manufacturing investment.

Taken together, this week's selections illustrate how dividend growth can emerge from very different industries, provided businesses combine durable earnings, conservative payout policies, and the financial flexibility to continue increasing shareholder distributions over time.

Inside the MaxDividends Platform you’ll find the full Dividend Eagles list — over 100 of the strongest dividend stocks.

Everything is in one place, updated in real time, ready whenever you are. That’s your real dividend map — a must-have tool if you want income that grows for decades.

Clear guidance on the strongest dividend names.

Every week we analyze thousands of companies inside the MaxDividends Universe — filtering them through Financial Scores, MaxRatio, valuation levels, dividend discipline, and long-term earnings trends.

The result is a clean, trusted Buy / Hold / Sell breakdown of the top dividend names in the market. Just a data-driven snapshot that shows:

It’s the fastest way to understand exactly where quality is strengthening — and where it’s fading.

We’re true dividend fans, so we can’t help but peek beyond U.S. borders. Think of this as a bonus round — a quick look at how dividends play out worldwide, for those who like seeing the full picture.

These international names combine higher starting yields with explosive dividend growth — the best of both worlds.

5-yr dividend growth +72% | payout ~27% | Dividend Score 98 | MaxRatio 12.32 | Fairly Valued

Sho-Bond Holdings specializes in the repair, reinforcement, and maintenance of bridges and other critical infrastructure across Japan. Its focus on extending the life of existing assets provides exposure to durable infrastructure needs, while a conservative payout ratio, 17 consecutive years of dividend increases, and exceptional financial quality support continued long-term income growth.

5-yr dividend growth +140% | payout ~38% | Dividend Score 95 | MaxRatio 11.91 | Undervalued

Rinnai is a century-old manufacturer of water heaters, heating systems, kitchen appliances, and other residential equipment with operations extending well beyond Japan. Its established global footprint, strong balance between reinvestment and shareholder returns, and rapidly expanding dividend provide a compelling foundation for continued long-term income growth.

5-yr dividend growth +214% | payout ~31% | Dividend Score 97 | MaxRatio 9.34 | Undervalued

Rohto Pharmaceutical is a Japanese healthcare and consumer products company with established positions across eye care, skincare, pharmaceuticals, and related wellness categories. Its dividend has more than tripled over the past five years, yet a payout ratio near 31% remains conservative — leaving meaningful capacity for continued dividend growth as the business expands.

💡 And remember: you’ll always find the full list of International Dividend Eagles right inside the MaxDividends Platform → Dividend Eagles → Tab International. It’s the easiest way to keep track of the strongest dividend payers across the globe, updated in real time.

Build your guild. Grow your gold.

Think of yourself as the Keeper of Dividends. You’re not just buying stocks — you’re running your own guild of income producers.

Here, you’re the one in control — the guardian of growing income. MaxDividends gives you the map, the tools, and the roster of proven heroes. You decide who stays on your team.

Last week, I moved according to plan — as usual.

Community Trust Bancorp is a regional bank holding company headquartered in Kentucky. Through Community Trust Bank and its wealth management operations, the company provides commercial and personal banking, lending, trust, and investment services across Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee.

It’s a traditional regional banking business with a long operating history, a strong deposit franchise, and an established dividend record — giving me another way to build exposure to the Financials side of the portfolio.

Why today?

The timing here is interesting because Community Trust Bancorp is coming off a strong first half of 2026. The company reported record earnings for the second quarter, supported by higher net interest income and continued profitability across the business.

Then, at the end of July, CTBI raised its quarterly cash dividend again — another positive signal from a company with a long history of returning cash to shareholders.

Regional banks are also operating at an interesting point in the interest-rate cycle. The environment around rates and the yield curve continues to evolve, which can create both pressure and opportunity across the banking sector.

Badger Meter is a global leader in smart water management solutions, helping utilities, municipalities, and industrial customers measure, monitor, and manage water more efficiently through connected hardware, communications, software, and data analytics.

The company continues to evolve beyond traditional water meters. Its BlueEdge portfolio brings together measurement and control hardware, connectivity, data visualization, software, and actionable insights — creating a broader technology platform around water management.

Why today?

Latest quarterly results showed some near-term pressure, with second-quarter sales and earnings coming in below the prior-year period. At the same time, sequential sales improved, and the long-term story around smart water infrastructure hasn’t materially changed.

The company is continuing to expand the BlueEdge platform, recently added UDlive to its capabilities, and continues positioning itself around the digitalization of water infrastructure and more efficient water management.

There was another important signal in August: Badger Meter increased its quarterly dividend by 10%, extending its record of annual dividend growth to 34 consecutive years.

🔗 View the live portfolio: MaxDividends $12K in 120 Months Strategy Portfolio

Looking ahead to next week, I'll continue focusing on opportunities across Healthcare, Financials, Utilities, Energy, Basic Materials, and Technology. Those sectors currently offer the best opportunities to further improve the balance and diversification of my portfolio. If the right businesses become available at the right prices, I'll be happy to put more capital to work.

The system stays the same. Capital stays disciplined. We keep building. Steady steps. Clear roles. Long horizon. That’s the rhythm.

A curated list of dividend stocks that are currently being monitored for potential investment opportunities.

Detailed insights into my personal investment portfolios, including recent updates and strategic ideas

This is what the MaxDividends strategy is all about: steady weekly investing, balanced positions, focusing on financially strong dividend growers, and letting compounding work for us. It’s not hype, it’s not guessing - it’s a proven path to lasting wealth and financial freedom.

Everything’s moving in the right direction—let’s keep building.

This week, our primary focus has been integrating the MaxDividends Pulse system into the MaxDividends Research Platform.

A little while ago, I introduced several new metrics that were designed as stepping stones toward a much bigger upgrade. Features like Buy–Hold–Sell Consensus, Best For, and the Dividend Safety Score have already been successfully rolled out in the Dividend Radar list.

The next step is bringing all of that data into the core of the platform and making these insights available everywhere they matter - inside portfolios, stock screeners, Top Stocks lists, and individual company analysis pages.

This will be our main development priority over the next four to six weeks. The goal is to have the entire Pulse framework fully integrated across the MaxDividends Research Platform by the end of September.

I'm really excited about this release because it will make finding high-quality dividend opportunities faster, simpler, and much more consistent across the entire platform.

For you, it’s all included — as part of your current subscription. We keep building. You keep investing. And together, the system keeps getting stronger. 💰

We help you get paid — forever. Live off dividends. On your terms.

💌 Questions or thoughts? Reach me anytime at [email protected]

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