Dividend Aristocrats List 2026: All 69 Stocks Ranked by Yield
Last updated: March 2026
Quick Answer
Dividend Aristocrats are S&P 500 companies that have raised their dividend every year for at least 25 consecutive years. As of 2026, 69 companies qualify. The list is maintained by S&P Global and reconstituted each January.
What Makes a Dividend Aristocrat
Three criteria determine membership:
1. S&P 500 Membership
The company must be in the S&P 500 index. Companies that get acquired, go private, or are removed from the index lose Aristocrat status regardless of their dividend history.
2. 25+ Consecutive Years of Dividend Increases
The company must have increased its annual dividend payment every year for at least 25 years without a single cut or freeze. A company that held its dividend flat in any year — even during a crisis — does not qualify.
3. Minimum Market Cap and Liquidity
S&P Global requires a minimum $3 billion float-adjusted market cap and at least $5 million in average daily trading volume. This excludes very small companies from diluting the index quality.
The methodology is sourced from S&P Global's index methodology document, updated annually. The index was created in 2005 but the selection criteria reach back 25+ years, meaning every member has a dividend record spanning multiple recessions.
Why the Track Record Matters
Raising dividends for 25 consecutive years means surviving the 2001 dot-com crash, the 2008-2009 financial crisis, the 2020 COVID lockdowns, and every recession in between — without cutting shareholder payments. Most companies could not do it for five years, let alone twenty-five.
That track record signals something real: durable competitive advantages, pricing power, disciplined capital allocation, and management teams that treat shareholders seriously. These are not lottery tickets. They are businesses that have proven, over decades, that they generate reliable free cash flow.
The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index has historically outperformed the broader S&P 500 on a total return basis with lower volatility — though past performance does not guarantee future results. The outperformance is more pronounced during down markets, when investors pay a premium for reliability.
Top 15 Dividend Aristocrats by Current Yield
Yields fluctuate with stock prices. This table reflects approximate yields as of early 2026. Higher yield does not always mean better investment — evaluate payout ratios and recent earnings alongside yield.
| # | Company (Ticker) | Approx. Yield |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Realty Income O | 5.7% |
| 2 | AbbVie ABBV | 3.6% |
| 3 | IBM IBM | 3.4% |
| 4 | Chevron CVX | 4.3% |
| 5 | Amcor AMCR | 5.1% |
| 6 | Cardinal Health CAH | 2.0% |
| 7 | Federal Realty FRT | 4.2% |
| 8 | Amgen AMGN | 3.1% |
| 9 | Leggett & Platt LEG | 8.0%† |
| 10 | Walgreens Boots WBA | 6.1%† |
| 11 | Exxon Mobil XOM | 3.5% |
| 12 | 3M (legacy) MMM | 2.2%* |
| 13 | Johnson & Johnson JNJ | 3.1% |
| 14 | Coca-Cola KO | 3.1% |
| 15 | Consolidated Edison ED | 3.3% |
† High yield warrants caution — evaluate payout ratio before investing. * Removed from or not yet qualifying for index. Yields approximate as of early 2026. Sources: company investor relations, S&P Global index methodology.
Two important notes on this table. First, Leggett & Platt (LEG) shows an elevated yield that deserves scrutiny — high yields in the 7-9% range on non-REIT stocks often reflect a depressed share price, not a generous payout. Verify the current payout ratio before purchasing. Second, Walgreens cut its dividend in 2024 and was subsequently removed from the index.
Top 15 Dividend Aristocrats by Dividend Growth Rate
Growth rate investors care more about how fast the dividend is increasing than what it pays today. A stock with a 1.5% yield growing at 12%/year will surpass a 3.5% yield growing at 2%/year within about 9 years on income generated from the same initial investment.
| # | Company (Ticker) | 5-Yr DGR |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lowe's LOW | 18% |
| 2 | S&P Global SPGI | 15% |
| 3 | Sherwin-Williams SHW | 14% |
| 4 | Brown & Brown BRO | 14% |
| 5 | Caterpillar CAT | 13% |
| 6 | Cintas CTAS | 20% |
| 7 | Visa V | 17% |
| 8 | Microsoft MSFT | 11% |
| 9 | Automatic Data Processing ADP | 12% |
| 10 | Aflac AFL | 11% |
| 11 | Essex Property Trust ESS | 5% |
| 12 | West Pharmaceutical WST | 8% |
| 13 | Roper Technologies ROP | 10% |
| 14 | A.O. Smith AOS | 10% |
| 15 | Expeditors International EXPD | 8% |
DGR = Dividend Growth Rate, approximate 5-year CAGR. Sources: company investor relations, Dividend Channel data. Growth rates vary year to year.
How to Use This List
The Dividend Aristocrats list is a starting point, not a buy list. It filters 500 companies down to roughly 70 that have demonstrated long-term dividend discipline. From there, you still need to evaluate individual names.
For income investors who need cash now: Focus on higher-yield Aristocrats with payout ratios below 70% and stable recent earnings. Chevron, JNJ, Consolidated Edison, and Realty Income are common income-oriented Aristocrat picks.
For growth investorsbuilding a portfolio for 10-20 years out: Focus on lower-yield, high-growth-rate Aristocrats. Cintas, Lowe's, S&P Global, and Visa all yield under 2% today but have compounded dividends at double-digit rates. The income 15 years from now will dwarf current high-yield alternatives.
For diversification: The ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (ticker: NOBL) holds all qualifying members equally weighted at a 0.35% expense ratio. It rebalances quarterly. For investors who do not want to pick individual names, NOBL provides broad Aristocrat exposure in a single purchase.
Dividend Kings: 50+ Years
Above the Aristocrats sits a smaller club: Dividend Kings, companies with 50+ consecutive years of dividend increases. Names like Coca-Cola (62 years), Johnson & Johnson (62 years), Procter & Gamble (68 years), 3M (until its 2024 spin-off disruption), and Colgate-Palmolive (61 years) qualify. Dividend Kings do not require S&P 500 membership, so the list includes some smaller companies not in the Aristocrats index.
Notable Recent Removals
Two high-profile removals illustrate the risks of assuming Aristocrats are permanent:
3M (MMM) was removed after spinning off its healthcare business (Solventum) in 2024. The spin-off restructured how dividends were paid, breaking the consecutive-increase streak under the strict index methodology. 3M had been on the Aristocrats list for over 65 years.
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) was removed after cutting its dividend in 2024 amid persistent operational challenges and declining pharmacy reimbursement rates. This ended a streak that stretched back decades.
AT&T is a frequent example of a former dividend favorite that eventually cut — though it was never formally in the Aristocrats index because it had already broken its streak. These removals are a reminder that no list of stocks is a substitute for ongoing due diligence.
Model your Aristocrat growth
Use the Dividend Growth Calculator to see how a 12% annual growth rate on a 1.5% yield compares to a static 4% yield over 20 years. The numbers are often surprising.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dividend Aristocrats?
S&P 500 companies that have increased their dividend every year for at least 25 consecutive years. The index is maintained by S&P Global and reconstituted each January. As of 2026, 69 companies qualify.
How do I buy Dividend Aristocrats?
Buy individual stocks through any brokerage account, or purchase the ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL) for instant diversification across all 69 members at a 0.35% annual expense ratio.
What is the average yield of the Dividend Aristocrats?
Roughly 2.5-3% as of early 2026, which is higher than the S&P 500's overall yield of approximately 1.3-1.5%. Individual members range from under 1% to over 5% depending on price movements.
Is a high yield within the Aristocrats a good sign?
Not automatically. A high yield often means the share price has fallen. The Aristocrats' primary value is consistent dividend growth, not the highest current payout. Always check the payout ratio and recent earnings trend alongside yield.
Can a company be removed from the Dividend Aristocrats?
Yes. Companies are removed if they cut or freeze dividends, drop out of the S&P 500, or fall below market cap and liquidity minimums. 3M was removed in 2024 after its spin-off disrupted dividend continuity. Walgreens was removed the same year after cutting its dividend.