5 High-Yield Dividend Kings Down Over the Past Year Are 2026 Bargains

Core Viewpoint - Investing in Dividend Kings, which are companies that have consistently raised dividends for over 50 years, is recommended as a strategy for generating dependable passive income, especially for those looking for bargains in the current market environment [1][4][6]. Group 1: Dividend Kings Overview - Dividend Kings are defined as companies that have increased their dividends for at least 50 consecutive years, showcasing their reliability and dependability for passive income investors [4][6]. - There are 55 companies classified as Dividend Kings, which do not necessarily have to be part of the S&P 500 [4]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The article suggests that purchasing underperforming Dividend Kings may be a compelling contrarian strategy, particularly in a market perceived as overbought [2][5][7]. - Price declines in these stocks, when not accompanied by dividend cuts, result in higher entry yields, providing investors with more income while waiting for recovery [7]. Group 3: Featured Companies - Genuine Parts (NYSE: GPC): Offers a 3.85% dividend yield and has raised dividends for 69 consecutive years, trading at 16 times forward earnings [10][12]. - Hormel Foods (NYSE: HRL): Known for its 5.12% dividend yield and over 50 years of dividend increases, it is restructuring to improve performance [13][15]. - Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB): A consumer staples leader with a 4.82% dividend yield, recently announced a $48.7 billion acquisition of Kenvue Inc. [21][23]. - PPG Industries (NYSE: PPG): Completed a $2.5 billion share buyback and has a 2.76% dividend yield, operating in paints and coatings [24]. - Target (NYSE: TGT): A general merchandise retailer with a 3.81% dividend yield, considered a solid buy after a rough second half of 2025 [27][30].