Those positioning their portfolio for the long term aren't looking for short-term effects, but for predictable returns and robust business models. The goal for 2026 is clear. We look at three "Dividend Kings" that have increased their payouts year after year for half a century—and compare them with the ultimate store of value: Gold.
Quality Prevails: The Focus for 2026
The trending term "dividend stocks 2026" is dominating search queries because investors are seeking safety. Dividend Kings combine operational stability with consistently rising payouts. Three names stand out in particular for their strong market position and reliability: S&P Global, McDonald’s, and PepsiCo.
1. S&P Global: The Nerve Center of Financial Markets
S&P Global is far more than just the namesake of a famous stock index. The company operates one of the central information and rating systems of global financial markets. Its core business consists of credit ratings, indices, and market data, upon which banks, investors, and governments alike depend.
- The Moat: Trust, regulation, and network effects. An S&P rating is the international standard and hard to replace. This ensures high margins and predictable cash flows.
- The Performance: Over a 20-year period, the share price has gained almost 900%. However, quality has its price: due to the high valuation, the expected dividend yield is currently a moderate 0.8%.
2. McDonald’s: Real Estate Company with the Scent of Burgers
Often underestimated as a simple fast-food chain, McDonald’s is actually a highly profitable franchise and real estate model. The corporation owns a large portion of the land and collects rent and licensing fees from its franchisees.
- The Moat: The global brand, standardized efficiency, and enormous scale make the network unique. Cultural anchoring meets operational discipline.
- The Performance: The price return tracks similarly to S&P Global. Since 2005, the stock price has risen by over 800%. Currently, it offers an attractive dividend yield of around 2.3%.
3. PepsiCo: Consumer Goods with Built-in Habit
PepsiCo also ranks among the exciting long-term investments for 2026. Despite short-term consolidation due to operational challenges, experts see real turnaround potential here.
- The Portfolio: PepsiCo combines beverage and snack brands (Pepsi, Gatorade, Lay’s) that are deeply anchored in daily life. 23 of its brands each generate annual revenue of more than one billion US dollars.
- The Moat: Brand strength and pricing power allow the company to pass on rising raw material costs. With an expected P/E of 18.5 and a historically high dividend yield of 3.7%, the stock is attractively valued.
The Performance Check: Stocks vs. Precious Metals in 2025
These quality stocks proved in 2025 that they can withstand crises. But how did they fare compared to gold and silver, which often take the lead in uncertain times?
| Asset Class / Stock | Performance 2025 (approx.) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| S&P Global | + 18.5 % | Strong capital growth |
| McDonald's | + 16.2 % | Stable despite inflation |
| PepsiCo | + 4.2 % | Consolidation year |
| Gold (in EUR) | + 47.5 % | Outperformer of the year |
| Silver (in EUR) | + 38.0 % | High volatility, high reward |
No Dividend? Think Again!
Critics often argue that gold and silver pay no dividends in the classical sense. This is correct—there is no quarterly bank transfer. However, the "yield" of gold lies in its function as a preserver of purchasing power.
Historical Fact: Since 1970, gold has achieved an average annual growth rate (CAGR) of approx. 8.4%.
This means: Gold delivers a long-term return that can rival many stock indices, all without operational business risk or management errors. While PepsiCo has to master operational challenges, gold simply continues to shine.
Conclusion: The Perfect Supplement
Dividend Kings like McDonald's or S&P Global belong in every long-term portfolio to generate regular cash flow. But the table shows: Those who ignore precious metals are leaving returns and security on the table.
An allocation of physical gold and silver should not be missing in any portfolio to balance out stock volatility and "hard" hedge your wealth.
Complete your portfolio: With the Spargold App, you can invest safely and simply in precious metals—the ideal complement to your dividend stocks.
Stay forward-thinking and a good start to a successful and healthy 2026
Your Nils Gregersen