Two Dividend Kings Offer Steady Returns

Northwest Natural and The Marzetti Company are lesser-known but reliable dividend stocks.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:37pm by Ben Kaplan

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An extreme close-up of gears, levers, and other heavy industrial banking equipment, conveying a sense of financial security and institutional power through tangible, physical machinery.Powerful, industrial machinery symbolizes the stability and institutional strength behind two lesser-known but highly dependable Dividend King stocks.Portland Today

Northwest Natural Holding and The Marzetti Company are two mid-cap stocks that have increased their dividends for 50 or more consecutive years, making them Dividend Kings. These dependable companies offer income-oriented investors strong financials, above-average dividend yields, and stability, despite being less well-known than some larger utility peers.

Why it matters

As investors seek reliable income streams, these two Dividend Kings provide an opportunity to diversify beyond the most prominent utility stocks. Their long track records of dividend growth and stable operations make them attractive options for income-focused portfolios.

The details

Northwest Natural has been expanding beyond its core natural gas utility business in the Pacific Northwest, acquiring water and wastewater systems across several states. The Marzetti Company, known for its salad dressings and other food products, has also maintained its dividend increases over the decades. Both companies have solid financials and predictable cash flows to support their dividend payouts.

  • Northwest Natural has raised its dividend for 70 consecutive years.
  • Last year, Northwest Natural spent $427 million to acquire SiEnergy Natural Gas, which serves over 90,000 customers in Texas.

The players

Northwest Natural Holding

A natural gas utility company that provides service to 810,000 customers in Oregon and Washington, and has been expanding into water and wastewater systems in several states.

The Marzetti Company

A food products company known for its salad dressings and other items, which has also maintained a long history of dividend increases.

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What they’re saying

“These dependable mid-cap dividend stocks are great buys for income-oriented investors because of their strong financials, above-average dividend yields, and stability.”

— James Halley, Author

The takeaway

As investors seek reliable income streams, these two lesser-known Dividend Kings provide an opportunity to diversify beyond the most prominent utility stocks. Their long track records of dividend growth and stable operations make them attractive options for income-focused portfolios.