January 22, 2026, 3:53 PM EST. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, with just 30 blue-chip components, remains a reliable source for stable dividend growth stocks. Last year, 15 Dow stocks increased their payouts, including Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and Johnson & Johnson, all with decades-long histories of dividend hikes. Some, like Microsoft and Apple, balance dividends with stock buybacks, which reduce shares outstanding and boost earnings per share, potentially offering better capital returns. Buybacks are taxed less and avoid double taxation compared to dividends, making them an attractive option for companies. Investors focusing on the Dow's dividend payers can expect continued growth in payouts in 2026 due to these companies' strong capital return strategies and resilience, making them solid picks for income investors.