☕️ Sunday Coffee: The Big 12. Dividend Powerhouses That Own 550+ Brands

They collectively own over 550 global brands, generating jaw-dropping revenue

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Intro

Hi there, this is Max!

When we talk about the “Big 12,” we’re not referencing college football. These 12 consumer staples behemoths—think Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and PepsiCo—dominate your pantry, fridge, and bathroom shelves.

They collectively own over 550 global brands, generating jaw-dropping revenues that stabilize markets during downturns and fuel dividends that make investors smile.

But what makes these companies so enticing for dividend hunters?

The Big 12: Inside the Dividend Powerhouses That Own 550+ Brands

Let’s dive deep into the numbers, the brands, and what’s behind their financial staying power.

👑 Nestlé (NESN): The $111 Billion Food Giant

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• Revenue: $111 billion (2023)

• Dividend Yield: 3.79 %

• Continuous growth: 21 Years

• Financial Score: 83 / 99 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Notable Brands

KitKat, Nescafé, Purina, Perrier, Gerber, Häagen-Dazs

Nestlé isn’t just a Swiss chocolate maker—it’s the largest food company in the world. From baby food (Gerber) to premium water (Perrier), Nestlé's 2,000+ brands span almost every grocery aisle.

Its pet care division, led by Purina, rakes in over $16 billion annually, proving that even Fido contributes to dividends. This giant has paid dividends for over 60 years, and its payout ratio consistently hovers around 50%, making it a reliable choice for income-focused investors.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Nestlé's iconic bird's nest logo has evolved over time to reflect changing family dynamics?

Originally, the logo featured a nest with three baby birds, symbolizing the founder Henri Nestlé's surname, which means "little nest" in German.

However, in 1988, the company updated the logo to show only two baby birds, aligning with the modern trend of smaller family sizes.

👑 PepsiCo (PEP): Snacks and Soda, Perfectly Balanced

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• Revenue: $91 billion (2023)

• Dividend Yield: 3.32%

• Continuous growth: 25 Years

• Financial Score: 89 / 99 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Notable Brands

Lay’s, Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Doritos, Pepsi

PepsiCo is more than soda—it’s a snack empire. In fact, 55% of its revenue now comes from snacks, with brands like Lay’s and Doritos leading the charge. Gatorade alone commands a 70% market share in the sports drink category.

PepsiCo’s 51-year streak of dividend increases reflects its robust cash flow, bolstered by its global reach and diversified portfolio.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that PepsiCo's global snack brand, Lay's, goes by different names around the world? In the UK and Ireland, it's known as Walkers, a nod to the local brand PepsiCo acquired in 1989.

This strategic move allowed PepsiCo to maintain brand loyalty while streamlining marketing efforts globally.

👑 Procter & Gamble (PG): The Dividend Aristocrat of Clean

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• Revenue: $84 billion (2023)

• Dividend Yield: 2.24%

• Continuous growth: 65 Years

• Financial Score: 87 / 99 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Notable Brands

Tide, Gillette, Pampers, Crest, Pantene

P&G isn’t just a Dividend Aristocrat—it’s one of the OGs, boasting 65 consecutive years of dividend hikes. Its 65+ brands touch nearly every aspect of personal care and home maintenance.

Fun fact: P&G spends over $7 billion annually on advertising, ensuring its products remain household staples. Pampers alone generates $8 billion in revenue, proving parents trust P&G as much as investors do.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Procter & Gamble (P&G) played a pivotal role in the origin of the term "soap opera"? Back in the 1930s, P&G began producing radio dramas to promote their soap products, effectively intertwining advertising with entertainment.

These serialized dramas, sponsored by soap manufacturers like P&G, became so popular that they earned the nickname "soap operas," a term still used today.

👑 Unilever (UL): The King of Global Staples

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• Revenue: $66 billion (2023)

• Dividend Yield: 3.17 %

• Continuous growth: 25 Years

• Financial Score: 89 / 99 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Notable Brands

Dove, Hellmann’s, Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum, Vaseline

With a portfolio spanning personal care, food, and household products, Unilever is the ultimate “everything” stock. Its ice cream segment, including Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum, contributes a cool €7 billion annually.

Meanwhile, Dove is a billion-euro brand on its own. For dividend investors, Unilever’s international diversification reduces risk, as it earns more than 60% of its revenue from emerging markets.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Unilever's commitment to sustainability dates back to its early years? In the 1910s, William Lever, founder of Lever Brothers (which later became part of Unilever), established the "Palm Oil Trust" to ensure the responsible sourcing of palm oil from West Africa.

This initiative aimed to promote fair trade practices and environmental stewardship long before such concepts became mainstream.

👑 Coca-Cola (KO): The Liquid Gold Standard

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• Revenue: $46 billion (2023)

• Dividend Yield: 3.05%

• Continuous growth: 63 Years

• Financial Score: 81 / 99 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Notable Brands

Coke, Sprite, Fanta, Dasani, Minute Maid

The Coca-Cola Company has been quenching thirsts for over a century, with Coke alone holding a 43% market share in carbonated beverages.

But don’t overlook its billion-dollar water brands like Dasani or its growing coffee portfolio (Costa Coffee). With 60 consecutive years of dividend growth, Coca-Cola is the poster child of reliable income.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Coca-Cola's iconic bottle design was inspired by the cocoa bean? In 1915, the company sought a distinctive bottle to set it apart from competitors. The winning design, created by the Root Glass Company, was mistakenly modeled after the cocoa bean's elongated shape, leading to the unique contour bottle we recognize today.

This design became so iconic that it was patented in 1915 and remains a symbol of the brand's identity.

👑 Mars: Privately Owned, But Too Big to Ignore

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• Revenue: $47 billion (2022, latest available)

Notable Brands

M&M’s, Snickers, Pedigree, Whiskas, Uncle Ben’s

Mars is the only private company in this group, but its sheer scale demands attention. With a massive pet care business (Pedigree, Whiskas) and dominance in candy (M&M’s, Snickers), Mars sets the gold standard for private corporations. Though you can’t invest directly, its success underscores the power of brand loyalty.

👑 Mondelez (MDLZ): Snack Attack

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• Revenue: $36 billion (2023)

• Dividend Yield: 2.88%

• Continuous growth: 9 Years

• Financial Score: 84 / 99⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Notable Brands

Oreo, Ritz, Toblerone, Chips Ahoy

Mondelez is a snacking powerhouse, with Oreo sales alone topping $3 billion annually. Its stronghold in emerging markets (40% of revenue) positions it for future growth, even as it continues to reward shareholders with consistent dividends and buybacks.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Mondelēz International, the global snack powerhouse, was born from a split? In 2012, Kraft Foods decided to divide its operations, creating Mondelēz to focus on high-growth snack markets.

The name "Mondelēz" is a blend of the Latin word "mundus" (world) and the made-up term "delez," suggesting deliciousness—a fitting moniker for a company bringing tasty treats worldwide.

👑 Danone (DANO): From Yogurt to Water

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• Revenue: $30 billion (2023)

• Dividend Yield: 3.31 %

• Continuous growth: 1 Year

• Financial Score: 82 / 99 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Notable Brands

Evian, Activia, Silk, Oikos

Danone dominates the health-conscious market with brands like Activia and Silk (plant-based products). Its water segment, led by Evian, ensures consistent cash flow. With a focus on sustainability, Danone appeals to ESG-focused investors without sacrificing dividend reliability.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Danone's journey began in 1919 when Isaac Carasso, inspired by Nobel laureate Élie Metchnikoff's research on fermented dairy's health benefits, started producing yogurt in Barcelona to combat intestinal infections among children?

He named the yogurt "Danone," affectionately after his son Daniel's nickname.

👑 Kraft-Heinz (KHZ): The Comeback Kid

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• Revenue: $27 billion (2023)

• Dividend Yield: 5.06%

• Financial Score: 71 / 99 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Notable Brands

Heinz, Kraft, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia

Kraft-Heinz is all about comfort food. Despite challenges in recent years, its aggressive cost-cutting and innovation are reviving growth. Heinz ketchup alone generates over $1 billion annually, showing that some staples never go out of style.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Kraft Heinz, the global food giant, was formed in 2015 through the merger of two iconic companies: Kraft Foods Group and H.J. Heinz Holding Corporation?

This union created one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, bringing together beloved brands like Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and Heinz Ketchup under one roof.

👑 Associated British Foods (ABF): More Than Just Food

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• Revenue: $24 billion (2023)

• Dividend Yield: 2.87 %

• Continuous growth: 2 Years

• Financial Score: 89 / 99 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Notable Brands

Twinings, Ovaltine, Ryvita, Primark

ABF isn’t just a food company—it owns Primark, one of Europe’s largest fashion retailers. This diversification helps balance its revenue streams, making it a unique player in the dividend space.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Associated British Foods (ABF) began its journey in 1935 as a humble bakery?

Founded by Canadian entrepreneur W. Garfield Weston, the company quickly expanded its footprint by acquiring various businesses, including the British grocery chain Fine Fare in the 1950s.

This strategic move not only diversified ABF's operations but also marked its significant entry into the UK retail market.

👑 General Mills (GIS): Breakfast Royalty

• Revenue: $20 billion (2023)

• Dividend Yield: 3.58 %

• Continuous growth: 4 Years

• Financial Score: 85 / 99 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Notable Brands

Cheerios, Pillsbury, Haagen-Dazs, Nature Valley

General Mills dominates the breakfast aisle with Cheerios and Nature Valley, while Pillsbury brings in consistent cash from baked goods. Its Haagen-Dazs brand is a standout in the premium ice cream market, contributing to a reliable dividend history.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that General Mills, the company behind popular cereals like Cheerios and Wheaties, once ventured into the toy industry?

From 1965 to 1985, they owned toy companies such as Parker Brothers and Kenner, during which they introduced iconic toys like the Nerf ball and the Easy-Bake Oven.

👑 Colgate-Palmolive (CL): The Quiet Giant

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• Revenue: $19 billion (2023)

• Dividend Yield: 2.07 %

• Continuous growth: 62 Years

• Financial Score: 96 / 99 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Notable Brands

Colgate, Palmolive, Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Colgate controls 40% of the global toothpaste market. Its Hill’s Pet Nutrition segment is a dark horse, generating over $3 billion annually, making it a hidden gem for dividend investors.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Colgate-Palmolive's history dates back to 1806, when William Colgate founded a small soap and candle business in New York City?

Over time, the company expanded its product line to include toothpaste, perfumes, and other personal care items.

In 1928, Colgate merged with Palmolive-Peet, a company known for its popular soap made from palm and olive oils, forming the Colgate-Palmolive Company we know today.

Why Dividend Investors Love the Big 12

What ties these companies together is their resilience. During market downturns, people still buy toothpaste, snacks, and detergent, ensuring steady cash flows.

These cash flows translate into reliable and often growing dividends, making these companies the backbone of a solid dividend portfolio.

For dividend growth investors, the Big 12 aren’t just stocks—they’re essential. Whether it’s Nestlé’s dominance in emerging markets or Procter & Gamble’s stranglehold on personal care, these titans deliver stability, diversification, and income year after year. Now that’s a portfolio worth savoring.

That’s all for to today.

With respect for your well-being, Max

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