3 High-Yield Stocks That Have Increased Dividends for 50 Years When looking for the best dividend stocks, one can start with the Dividend Kings , a group of just 45 stocks that have all increased their dividends for at least 50 consecutive years. That level of dividend longevity makes these high-yield stocks highly appealing for dividend growth investors. The Dividend Kings are also appealing for retirees because of their ability to withstand recessions. Only companies that can continue to raise their dividends through even the worst recessions become Dividend Kings. This article will discuss three high-yield stocks that can raise dividends even in a recession and also have high yields above 4%. FRT Federal Realty Investment Trust $99.43 NWN Northwest Natural $47.96 CDUAF Canadian Utilities $30.42 Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT) Source: Vitalii Vodolazskyi | Shutterstock Federal Realty (NYSE: FRT ) is a real estate investment trust ( REIT ) — the only one on the Dividend Kings list. The trust owns and operates a portfolio of high-quality retail-based properties that are based in coastal communities in the U.S.