The Unlikely Crown: A Contrarian’s Guide to Future Dividend Kings

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If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be crowned royalty in the financial world, allow me to introduce you to the peculiar pantheon of Dividend Kings. These are not your run-of-the-mill aristocrats; they are companies that have increased their dividends every year for at least half a century. To put that in perspective, these businesses have survived economic calamities, political upheavals, and enough market turbulence to make even the steadiest investor reach for a stiff drink. And yet, here they stand, dishing out payouts like clockwork.

But as any contrarian worth their salt will tell you, there’s often more value in looking at who *isn’t* wearing the crown-yet. Today, we’re going to take a jaunt through three contenders for this dubious honor: ExxonMobil, NNN REIT, and Medtronic. They may not have reached the magical 50-year mark, but they’re close enough to make you wonder if the market has underestimated them-or overestimated them, depending on your point of view.

1. ExxonMobil: The Oil Giant with a Heart of Gold (Sort Of)

ExxonMobil (XOM) is like that uncle who always shows up to family gatherings in a perfectly tailored suit, clutching a briefcase full of spreadsheets. It’s been raising its dividend for 42 consecutive years, which sounds impressive until you remember that oil companies are about as predictable as weather forecasts in April. Still, Exxon has managed to carve out a strategy that might just keep it afloat-or rather, afloat *and* profitable-for years to come.

Here’s the plan, as far as I can decipher from their glossy presentations: pour $140 billion into high-return projects (including something called the Permian Basin, which sounds like a sci-fi novel waiting to happen), squeeze another $7 billion out of operational costs, and sprinkle in a dash of futuristic investments like hydrogen and carbon capture. By 2030, they aim to boost earnings by $20 billion and cash flow by $30 billion. If all goes according to plan, Exxon could indeed ascend to the throne of Dividend King. But let’s not forget-it’s still an oil company, and betting on fossil fuels these days feels a bit like cheering for a rotary phone in the age of smartphones.

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Still, there’s something oddly admirable about Exxon’s stubborn refusal to fade into obsolescence. Whether or not you agree with their methods, you have to admire the audacity. Or maybe that’s just the fumes talking.

2. NNN REIT: The Quiet Landlord Next Door

Next up is NNN REIT (NNN), a real estate investment trust that operates with all the flair of a suburban accountant. This isn’t the kind of company that throws lavish parties or makes headlines for daring acquisitions. No, NNN REIT prefers to stay under the radar, quietly amassing single-tenant properties secured by long-term leases. Think McDonald’s drive-thrus, Dollar General stores, and other retail staples that seem immune to the whims of consumer trends.

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NNN has now raised its dividend for 36 straight years, putting it tantalizingly close to joining the ranks of the Dividend Kings. Its secret? A business model so boring it’s almost revolutionary. The REIT acquires properties through sale-leaseback deals, essentially becoming the landlord for companies that need capital to expand. It’s a symbiotic relationship that works remarkably well, provided nobody starts questioning why we need quite so many fast-food joints.

Of course, one could argue that investing in bricks-and-mortar retail in the age of Amazon is akin to buying a horse-drawn carriage in 1910. But then again, people still love convenience-and where else can you get a cheeseburger at 2 a.m.? Sometimes, the simplest ideas are the hardest to disrupt.

3. Medtronic: Healing the World, One Dividend at a Time

Finally, we come to Medtronic (MDT), a medical device maker that specializes in keeping hearts beating and brains functioning. With 48 years of consecutive dividend increases under its belt, Medtronic is practically knocking on the door of Dividend King status. And while healthcare might not sound as glamorous as tech startups or cryptocurrency, try telling that to someone whose pacemaker just saved their life.

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Medtronic’s big move lately has been to spin off its diabetes division, freeing itself to focus on faster-growing areas like cardiovascular devices, neuroscience tools, and surgical equipment. These markets are expanding at a healthy clip, and Medtronic has both the R&D budget and the balance sheet to stay ahead of the curve. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a sector less likely to disappear overnight than healthcare-unless, of course, we all suddenly become immortal.

As a contrarian, I find myself drawn to Medtronic’s blend of stability and innovation. Sure, the stock might not set the world on fire, but neither will it leave you stranded when the next bubble bursts. Sometimes, slow and steady really does win the race-even if the finish line looks suspiciously like a hospital bed.

A Trio of Potential Royalty

So there you have it: three companies inching closer to the hallowed halls of Dividend Kingship. Each has its quirks, risks, and undeniable strengths. As a contrarian, I can’t help but feel a certain fondness for these underdogs-not because they’re perfect, but because they remind us that success doesn’t always come wrapped in shiny packaging. Sometimes, it arrives in the form of an oil rig, a strip mall, or a pacemaker battery. 🌟

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2025-08-12 12:13