Two Dividend Kings, Altria and Colgate-Palmolive, both with over 50 years of consecutive dividend increases, recently reported earnings. Altria paid dividends slightly exceeding its net income due to a large impairment charge, resulting in negative shareholders' equity but strong cash flow. Colgate covers its dividends comfortably with positive equity, though its earnings showed some weakness. Altria's payout is riskier on paper, but it has delivered higher total returns over five and ten years. Investors should watch Altria's cigarette pricing and Colgate's sales trends for future dividend safety.
As of Sep 17, 2026 19:52 WIB, Altria (MO) trades at USD 70.06, closer to its 52-week low of USD 54.72 than its high of USD 74.92, with a dividend yield of 6.33%. In contrast, Colgate-Palmolive (CL) is priced higher at USD 87.44, nearer to its 52-week low of USD 74.98 than its high of USD 99.14, offering a lower dividend yield of 2.44%. Altria's shares see a balanced order flow on Pluang with 54% buy and 46% sell, while Colgate's typical hold time is shorter at 88 days compared to Altria's 152 days, highlighting different investor engagement levels despite both being Dividend Kings.
