Many income investors are familiar with dividend growth stocks such as the Dividend Aristocrats, which are a group of 69 stocks in the S&P 500 Index that have raised their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years.

However, there are a number of lesser-known dividend growth stocks that do not get nearly as much coverage, and have much smaller followings.

These 3 dividend growth stocks have long histories of dividend growth, and solid current yields. And even though they do not get much attention from investors, they should continue to raise their dividends each year.

As a result, they could be 3 of the best dividend stocks you’ve never heard of.

Nordson Corp. (NDSN)

Nordson was founded in 1954. Today the company has operations in over 35 countries and engineers, manufactures, and markets products used for dispensing adhesives, coatings, sealants, biomaterials, plastics, and other materials, with applications ranging from diapers and straws to cell phones and aerospace. The company generated $2.7 billion in sales last fiscal year.

On May 28th, 2025, Nordson reported second quarter results for the period ending April 30, 2025. For the quarter, the company reported sales of $683 million, 5% higher compared to $651 million in Q2 2024, driven by an 8% positive acquisition impact, partly offset by 2% organic sales decrease.

The Medical and Fluid Solutions, and Advanced Technology Solutions segments saw sales increase by 20% and 18%, respectively, while Industrial Precision Solutions sales fell 8%. The company generated adjusted earnings per share of $2.42, a 3% increase compared to the same prior year period. The company’s backlog rose 5% sequentially.

From FY 2015 through FY 2024, Nordson grew earnings-per-share by a solid 12% annually. Nordson outlines an investment thesis for itself, citing best-in-class technology that boosts client output while lowering costs, a worldwide service model, a balanced income stream, and an exceptional business track record.

Areas for growth include increased use of disposable products, productivity investments, mobile computing, increased medical device usage and lightweight / lean manufacturing of vehicles, all of which benefit from the company’s adhesive and coating segments.

Additionally, with the acquisition of CyberOptics Corporation and Atrion, Nordson has expanded its position in the semiconductor and electronics industries, and proprietary medical products.

Nordson has increased its dividend for 61 consecutive years.

The Hanover Insurance Group (THG)

The Hanover Insurance Group is a holding company whose primary business is offering property and casualty insurance products and services.

The company markets itself through independent agents and brokers in the United States. In 2024, Personal Lines accounted for approximately 41% of segmented revenues; Commercial Lines, 36%; Other Property & Casualty, 23%. The company operates an investment portfolio that is primarily exposed to fixed-income securities.

On April 30th, 2025, The Hanover Insurance Group reported its financial results for the first quarter. The company announced net income of $128.2 million, or $3.50 per diluted share, which was a significant improvement from $115.5 million, or $3.18 per diluted share, in the same period the previous year.

Operating income for the quarter was $141.8 million, or $3.87 per diluted share, compared to $111.9 million, or $3.08 per diluted share, in the prior-year quarter.

The combined ratio for the first quarter, excluding catastrophes, was 87.8%, reflecting continued effective pricing and margin recapture initiatives across its three segments.

The company’s 2025 outlook projects accelerating net premium growth throughout the year, reflecting strong pricing and underwriting discipline. The expense ratio is expected to remain stable at 30.5%, emphasizing cost management efficiency.

THG has increased its dividend for 20 consecutive years.

Oshkosh Corporation (OSK)

Oshkosh Corporation is a leader in designing, manufacturing, and servicing a broad range of access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency, military and specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies.

Brands under the corporate umbrella include Oshkosh, JLG, Pierce, McNeilus, Jerr-Dan, Frontline, CON-E-CO, London and IMT.

The company operates in three segments – Access Equipment, Defense, and Vocational – with products offered in over 150 countries. It employs approximately 18,000 people.

On January 30th, 2025, Oshkosh declared a $0.51 quarterly dividend, which represented an 11% increase.

On April 30th, 2025, Oshkosh reported first quarter 2024 results. (The company changed their fiscal year to a calendar year beginning on January 1st and ending on December 31st, effective in 2022). For the quarter, the company recorded sales of $2.31 billion, down 9% compared to Q1 2024.

Sales were mixed across the company’s segments, with Access, and Defense seeing decreases of 23% and 9%, respectively, while Vocational increased by 12%. Adjusted net income equaled $125 million, or $1.92 per share, compared to adjusted net income of $191 million, or $2.89 per share in Q1 2024.

Oshkosh holds a competitive advantage in its niche and has essential offerings for a variety of industries such as aerial work platforms, fire truck ladders and refuse collection bodies.

The company has leading brands, with a reputation for reliability and longevity, to go along with a comprehensive product line.

Disclosure: No positions in any stocks mentioned

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Bob Ciura has worked at Sure Dividend since October 2016. He oversees all content for Sure Dividend and its partner sites. Bob received a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from DePaul.