3 Undervalued Dividend Kings Built for Reliable Income in 2026

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of focusing on stable, long-term investments, particularly in companies known as Dividend Kings, which have consistently increased their dividends for over five decades, indicating strong management and resilient business models [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - Income investors are encouraged to be meticulous and prioritize the quality of their investments over high yields [1]. - The article suggests avoiding trends and hype, instead advocating for a focus on companies with a proven track record of dividend growth [1]. Group 2: Stock Selection Process - A stock screener was utilized to identify Dividend Kings that are currently trading at reasonable prices, resulting in a list of eight stocks [2]. - The stocks were arranged based on their forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios, with a focus on those that are undervalued compared to sector averages [2][4]. Group 3: Company Profile - Becton Dickinson And Company - Becton Dickinson And Company (BDX) is highlighted as a global leader in medical technology, specializing in medical, laboratory, and diagnostic products [3][5]. - The company has shown innovation and market expansion, particularly with its Phasix™ Mesh hernia prevention program [5]. Group 4: Financial Performance - In its recent quarterly financials, Becton Dickinson reported a sales increase of approximately 8% year-over-year to $5.9 billion, and a net income rise of 23% to $493 million [6]. - The company offers a forward annual dividend of $4.20, resulting in a yield of around 2%, and has a forward P/E ratio of approximately 14, which is below the sector average of 27.10, indicating it is undervalued [6].