Dividend Aristocrats are stocks of companies in the S&P 500 that have raised their dividends consecutively every year for at least 25 years. Investors flock to these dividend growth stocks for reliable and rising dividends, strong fundamentals, and lower overall risk compared to high-flying stocks that ride the roller coaster of news and economic cycles. These stocks are especially popular among long-term investors who load up on shares and then use dividend reinvestment strategies to compound their returns.

Dividend Aristocrats list

On this page, we've compiled a current list of all Dividend Aristocrats, including key valuation and dividend metrics to help you find the best aristocrats to buy. Note that this list only includes NYSE and NASDAQ-listed stocks.

Dividend Aristocrats yield overview

Dividend Aristocrats earn their reputation through decades of steady dividend growth. But that doesn’t mean they all offer frothy yields. In fact, these companies span a wide range of industries, each with its own approach to capital allocation that influences shareholder payouts.

As a result, yields can vary widely, from as low as 0.50% for growth-focused firms to nearly 7.00% for mature businesses with generous payout policies. It’s a reminder that not all Aristocrats are created equal. Some prioritize consistent income, while others balance dividends with reinvestment for future growth.

These yields approach the ranges more commonly characteristic of high-yield dividend stocks, which typically yield in the high single digits to low double digits.

Average yield

Reviewing the average yield for all stocks in this list paints a clearer picture of the probable yield potential when investing in any of the underlying companies. The average dividend yield for all Aristocrats is 1.81%, according to Dividend Watch data.

However, picking stocks based solely on yield isn’t a winning formula, especially when critical factors such as dividend growth and purchasing at an attractive valuation play a big role in return potential.

The average 3-year dividend growth CAGR for all stocks in our Dividend Aristocrats watchlist is 4.42%, which is an exceptional result when compared to less stable dividend payers. This high growth rate and associated investor demand can inflate valuations, which explains why the average P/E ratio stands at a reasonably lofty 28.70x.

How to invest in Dividend Aristocrats

Just as the companies comprising this list are well-rounded, so are the investing strategies that offer exposure to these sought-after stocks.

Aristocrats ETFs

In our opinion, dividend ETFs are the best option for most investors. ETFs offer low fees and instant diversification, which is ideal for beginner investors and others who prefer to rely on professional managers to pick stocks.

The ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL) is the only current ETF that holds only a basket of Aristocrat stocks.

In contrast, broader dividend growth ETFs from popular fund providers such as Charles Schwab and Vanguard invest in companies with solid fundamentals and a track record of growing dividends, regardless of whether they meet the 25-year dividend increase threshold. Many of the stocks in these funds are current Dividend Aristocrats, while others are strong contenders to land the coveted title in the future.

Direct stock ownership

If you want more control and targeted exposure to specific sectors or yield ranges, you’ll need to invest directly in individual stocks through a brokerage account.

The downside to direct stock ownership is that this approach requires significant stock-picking experience, as well as time to research and monitor individual stock performance. Picking individual dividend stocks requires time, skill, and a deep understanding of company fundamentals. Otherwise, you risk underperforming broader indexes.

Mutual funds

Investment vehicles become more expensive than ETFs when transitioning to mutual funds. The Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income Fund (KNGLX) invests exclusively in Dividend Aristocrat stocks, yet the mutual fund has a sky-high expense ratio. Combine the high expense ratio with the drawback that mutual funds are not highly liquid, and you can see why low-cost ETFs that are highly liquid are almost always a better option.

Dividend Aristocrats vs. Kings

Dividend Kings up the ante when it comes to dividend growth streaks. Dividend Kings are stocks of companies that have raised their dividends for an eye-watering stretch of at least 50 years. Unlike Aristocrats, Kings aren’t required to be S&P 500 stocks.

The longer and more resilient track record of consecutive dividend increases through wars, inflation cycles, economic cycles, and crashes explains why income investors often prefer the margin of safety that Kings offer over Aristocrats.

FAQ

Are there Dividend Aristocrats ETFs?

There is a mix of ETFs that directly invest in Dividend Aristocrats stocks, as well as several dividend growth ETFs that are a close proxy for overall performance. The ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL) invests exclusively in S&P 500 Aristocrats stocks. The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund (VIG) and the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) funds invest more broadly, but they also have exposure to many Aristocrats, as well as other dividend growth stocks.

Do any Dividend Aristocrats pay monthly?

There are no current Dividend Aristocrats that pay monthly dividends. The vast majority pay quarterly.