TLDR
- Johnson & Johnson has raised its dividend for over 50 consecutive years and holds an AAA credit rating.
- Realty Income has paid over 650 consecutive monthly dividends, making it one of the most consistent income stocks on the market.
- Chevron holds Dividend Aristocrat status with 37+ years of consecutive dividend increases.
- Broadcom has grown its dividend at over 14% annually for five years, backed by strong AI infrastructure demand.
- Agree Realty pays monthly dividends and focuses exclusively on necessity-based retail tenants.
Dividend investing is one of the oldest strategies for building long-term wealth. The idea is straightforward: own shares in companies that pay you regularly just for holding them. This article looks at five dividend stocks worth watching in March 2026.
These picks span healthcare, real estate, energy, semiconductors, and retail. Each one has a track record of paying — and in most cases growing — its dividend over time.
The Steady Income Plays
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is one of only a handful of U.S. companies with an AAA credit rating. It has raised its dividend for more than 50 consecutive years, earning it a spot in the Dividend Kings club. After spinning off its consumer division into Kenvue, J&J is now focused on pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Realty Income (O) calls itself The Monthly Dividend Company for good reason. It has paid over 650 consecutive monthly dividends. Its 15,000-plus properties are leased to tenants like pharmacies, grocery stores, and convenience chains — businesses that tend to hold up during economic downturns.
Chevron (CVX) has increased its dividend for over 37 straight years, which is rare for an energy company. Chevron generates strong free cash flow even when oil prices drop, thanks to low production costs and disciplined spending.
The Growth-Oriented Picks
Broadcom (AVGO) has grown its dividend at a compounding annual rate of over 14% for five consecutive years. It is a major player in semiconductors and enterprise software. Broadcom has also benefited from growing demand for AI infrastructure.
Agree Realty (ADC) pays monthly dividends and focuses on necessity-based retail tenants such as dollar stores, auto parts retailers, and grocery chains. Management has strong insider ownership, meaning they hold a stake in the company alongside shareholders.
It is worth noting that no dividend stock is risk-free. Interest rate changes can affect REIT valuations, commodity prices impact energy companies, and even long-running dividend payers can face pressure.
As of March 2026, all five companies continue to pay their dividends as scheduled, with no announced cuts or suspensions.





