Dividend Champions List: Top 15

5. Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV)

Dividend Yield as of September 24: 6.18%

Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV) is a global leaf tobacco supplier that operates in various segments of the tobacco industry, including procuring, processing, packaging, storing, and shipping leaf tobacco. In fiscal Q1 2025, the company reported revenue of $597 million, which showed a 15.3% growth from the same period last year.

The revenue growth in the Tobacco Operations segment was fueled by increased sales volumes and prices. Following an outstanding fiscal year of 2024, the company experienced continued strong demand from its tobacco customers. It is believed that this demand will persist, contributing to solid results for the segment in fiscal year 2025. Strategic decisions to accelerate tobacco crop purchasing enabled the company to secure contracted tobacco in certain dynamic markets, positioning it well to meet customer needs. Similar to previous fiscal years, it is anticipated that the timing of tobacco shipments and related revenue recognition will be more concentrated in the second half of fiscal year 2025.

Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV) also has a strong balance sheet. The company ended the quarter with $102 million available in cash and cash equivalent, up from $80.5 million in the prior-year period. It currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.81 per share, having raised it by 1% in May this year. This marked the company’s 54th consecutive year of dividend growth, which makes UVV one of the best dividend stocks on our dividend champions list. The stock’s dividend yield on September 24 came in at 6.18%.

At the end of the second quarter of 2024, 12 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey held stakes in Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV), compared with 13 in the previous quarter. These stakes have a total value of over $70 million.