Dividend Aristocrats are companies in the S&P 500 index that have increased their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years.

These companies are known for their stability, reliability, and commitment to returning value to shareholders through consistent dividend growth.

Key Characteristics

• Must be a member of the S&P 500.
• Must have increased annual dividends for at least 25 consecutive years.
• Tend to be large-cap, established companies.
• Typically have resilient business models and strong cash flows, supporting their ability to maintain and grow dividends.

Current List and Top Yielders as of July 2025:

There are 69 Dividend Aristocrats as of July 2025, spanning sectors such as health care, consumer staples, financials, and industrials.

The top 7 by current dividend yield are:

There are currently 69 dividend aristocrats. Some notable names include:

• Procter & Gamble (PG)
• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
• Coca-Cola (KO)
• PepsiCo (PEP)
• McDonald’s (MCD)
• Chevron (CVX)
• Abbott Laboratories (ABT)

Why Invest in Dividend Aristocrats?

• Reliability: These companies have proven resilient through various economic cycles.
• Growing Income: Dividends have historically risen each year, often outpacing inflation.
• Potential Outperformance: Historically, dividend aristocrats as a group have delivered attractive long-term returns compared to the broader market.

Terminology

• Dividend Kings: Companies that have increased dividends for at least 50 years; a subset of aristocrats but even rarer.

Final Notes

Dividend aristocrats offer a compelling blend of income stability, financial strength, and long-term growth potential for investors focused on dividends and reliability.

Source:  https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/10-best-dividend-aristocrats-buy-now