16 Best Dividend Stocks with Rising Payouts

Core Insights - Investors are shifting towards dividend-paying stocks as a hedge against risks associated with artificial intelligence, with notable performance in traditional sectors compared to large-cap tech [2][3] - The iShares Select Dividend ETF has increased nearly 11% year-to-date, while the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF is up about 15%, contrasting with a largely flat S&P 500 [2] - The widening performance gap between big tech and older economy stocks is prompting portfolio rebalancing among investors [3] Company Summaries Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) - The company has a payout ratio of 59.2% and was recently rated Underweight by Barclays, despite a price target increase from $244 to $275 [9] - Illinois Tool Works reported Q4 earnings of $2.72 per share, exceeding expectations of $2.68, with revenue rising to $4.09 billion from $3.93 billion year-over-year [10][12] - The Automotive OEM segment generated $827 million in revenue, up from $785 million a year earlier, supported by steady demand for automotive parts [11] Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (NYSE:CHD) - The company has a payout ratio of 36.87% and was upgraded to Neutral from Sell by Rothschild & Co Redburn, with a price target increase from $81 to $91 [14] - Church & Dwight reported adjusted earnings of 86 cents per share, surpassing analysts' estimates of 84 cents, benefiting from steady demand for household products [18] - The company expects gross margin expansion of about 100 basis points in 2026, reflecting ongoing efficiency improvements [16] Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ:TSCO) - The company has a payout ratio of 43.96% and faced a price target reduction from $55 to $53 by TD Cowen, maintaining a Hold rating [20] - Tractor Supply reported Q4 net sales of $3.90 billion, slightly below estimates, with comparable store sales rising just 0.3% [24] - The company anticipates fiscal 2026 net sales growth of 4% to 6%, below analysts' average estimate of 6.3% [24]