2026 Dividend Aristocrats List: All 69 Ranked & Analyzed
Dividend Aristocrats are S&P 500 companies that have increased their dividends annually for at least 25 consecutive years, earning a reputation for resilience and reliability.
These stocks have weathered major challenges such as the dot-com bubble, the 2008 financial crisis, the pandemic, and shifting inflation and interest rate cycles, all while continuing to raise their payouts.
Investors value Dividend Aristocrats for their financial strength and consistent cash flows, which support predictable dividend growth over time.
Below is the latest Dividend Aristocrats list, complete with updated dividend yields and Dividend Safety Scores™. You can also explore detailed reviews of all 69 Aristocrat stocks along with their key valuation metrics.
If you are looking for more companies with exceptional dividend track records, see our analysis of the Dividend Kings, firms with 50 or more consecutive years of payout increases.
2026 Dividend Aristocrats List by Yield
Here's a complete list of all S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats in 2026 along with up-to-date dividend yields and Dividend Safety Scores™.
You can download a free dividend aristocrats spreadsheet using the export button below.
Three companies joined the Dividend Aristocrats list in 2025: financial data and software company FactSet (FDS), property and casualty insurer Erie Indemnity (ERIE), and Eversource Energy (ES), New England's largest utility provider.
Southern Company (SO) looks poised to be the next new aristocrat as the regulated utility company is on track for its 25th consecutive dividend raise in 2026.
Dividend Aristocrats' Performance, Sector Mix, and Dividend Growth
Over most long-term periods, the group of Dividend Aristocrat stocks has delivered similar total returns to the S&P 500 but with lower volatility.
However, in recent years aristocrats have not kept up with the increasingly tech-heavy S&P 500 as investors have flocked to growth stocks and AI companies.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
This shortfall doesn't come as a big surprise since the Dividend Aristocrats Index looks nothing like the S&P 500, which is nearly half made up of tech stocks (including Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet, which are technically in other sectors).
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Only two aristocrats (IBM and Roper) are classified as tech stocks, and none are in the Communications sector. Instead, over half the group is concentrated in more stable sectors like consumer staples, industrials, healthcare, and utilities.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
But what aristocrats lack in excitement they make up for with consistency. The group has delivered steady annual dividend growth of 6% over the last decade.
While there is some survivorship bias since fallen aristocrats like Walgreens and 3M are excluded from the figures below, we expect a similar pace of dividend growth to continue over the long run.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Let's take a closer look at the many high-quality companies that make up this elite group of stocks.
All 69 Dividend Aristocrats Ranked
The Dividend Aristocrats analyzed below are ranked by how many consecutive years they have raised their payouts, starting with the shortest growth streaks.
You'll learn about each company's business to get a feel for what makes these iconic dividend growers so durable. Many of them have been around since the 1800s, and over half have raised their payouts for at least 45 straight years.
We've also included valuation metrics for each aristocrat to make it quick and easy to get some timely dividend growth stock ideas for your portfolio.
J.M. Smucker was founded in 1897 and is a leading U.S. packaged food company with major brands in at-home coffee (Folgers, Dunkin' packaged coffee), pet snacks and food (Milk-Bone, Meow Mix), and spreads and convenient foods (Jif, Smucker's, Uncrustables). Most sales are generated in the U.S. through grocery and mass retail, with a smaller portion coming from foodservice and away-from-home channels.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
* Note: S&P added J.M. Smucker to the dividend aristocrat index in January 2023 despite the firm having a 21-year dividend growth streak, which management also confirms. Smucker's dividend was frozen from June 1995 - March 1998 but has otherwise been paid without interruption since 1972.
Dividend Aristocrat #2: FactSet (FDS)
Sector: Financials – Financial Exchanges and Data
Dividend Growth Streak: 25 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.8%
Founded in 1978, FactSet sells subscription-based financial data, analytics, and workflow tools to investment professionals. Its platform helps clients research securities, monitor markets, manage portfolios, measure risk and performance, and integrate data through APIs and cloud delivery.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #3: Eversource Energy (ES)
Sector: Utilities – Electric Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 25 years
Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
Dividend Yield: 4.6%
Eversource Energy, established in 1927, is a regulated utility that delivers electricity and natural gas to customers across New England. The business earns most of its profits from state-regulated transmission and distribution, which tends to produce steady cash flow.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #4: Fastenal (FAST)
Sector: Industrials – Trading Companies and Distributors
Dividend Growth Streak: 26 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.1%
Fastenal, founded in 1967, distributes industrial and construction supplies, especially fasteners, safety products, tools, and maintenance items. It differentiates itself with dense local fulfillment, vending and on-site inventory programs, and integrated supply solutions for manufacturers and contractors.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #5: C.H. Robinson (CHRW)
Sector: Industrials – Air Freight and Logistics
Dividend Growth Streak: 27 years
Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.7%
C.H. Robinson, founded in 1905, is a large third-party logistics broker that arranges freight transportation for shippers using a wide network of carriers. The company generally does not own trucks or planes, and it earns revenue by managing shipments and capturing a spread between shipper prices and carrier costs.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #6: Church & Dwight (CHD)
Sector: Consumer Staples – Household Products
Dividend Growth Streak: 29 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.3%
Established in 1846, Church & Dwight sells household and personal care products anchored by leading consumer brands such as ARM & HAMMER, OxiClean, Trojan, and Waterpik. It also has a smaller specialty products business that includes baking soda-based ingredients used in certain industrial and agricultural applications.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #7: International Business Machines (IBM)
Sector: Information Technology – IT Consulting and Other Services
Dividend Growth Streak: 30 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.8%
IBM, founded in 1911, provides enterprise software, consulting, and infrastructure-focused services with an emphasis on hybrid cloud and AI-enabled solutions. The company’s software portfolio includes middleware and automation tools, and its consulting arm helps large organizations modernize systems, manage data, and improve cybersecurity.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #8: NextEra Energy (NEE)
Sector: Utilities – Electric Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 30 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.0%
Founded in 1984 as Florida Power & Light, NextEra Energy owns one of the largest regulated electric utilities in the U.S., and it also develops and operates a large portfolio of renewable generation and storage assets. The company sells power from many of these projects under long-term contracts, supporting relatively predictable cash flow.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #9: Albemarle (ALB)
Sector: Materials – Specialty Chemicals
Dividend Growth Streak: 31 years
Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.4%
Albemarle, founded in 1887, is a specialty chemicals company best known as a major producer of lithium used in electric vehicle and energy storage batteries. It also operates a bromine specialties business that supplies chemicals used in fire safety and other industrial applications.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #10: Essex (ESS)
Sector: Real Estate – Multi-Family Residential REITs
Dividend Growth Streak: 31 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.8%
Essex, founded in 1971, is an apartment REIT focused on high-quality multifamily communities on the U.S. West Coast, especially Northern California, Southern California, and the Seattle area. The company generates income primarily from rental revenue and aims to benefit from long-term housing demand in supply-constrained markets.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #11: Expeditors (EXPD)
Sector: Industrials – Air Freight and Logistics
Dividend Growth Streak: 31 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 0.8%
Expeditors, founded in 1979, is a global freight forwarder and customs broker that helps customers move goods across borders efficiently. It coordinates air and ocean shipments and related services through an asset-light network, earning fees and spreads on logistics arrangements.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #12: Realty Income (O)
Sector: Real Estate – Retail REITs
Dividend Growth Streak: 31 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 5.5%
Realty Income got its start in 1969 with a single investment in a Taco Bell. Today, the retail REIT owns a large portfolio of single-tenant properties leased under long-term, triple-net contracts. Tenants typically pay property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, which helps support stable rental cash flow and Realty Income’s monthly dividend.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #13: Caterpillar (CAT)
Sector: Industrials – Construction Machinery and Heavy Equipment
Dividend Growth Streak: 32 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 0.8%
Caterpillar, founded in 1925, manufactures heavy equipment used in construction, mining, energy, and transportation, and it supports sales through a global dealer network. It also provides engines, turbines, and related services, plus financing through its captive finance arm.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #14: Chubb (CB)
Sector: Financials – Property and Casualty Insurance
Dividend Growth Streak: 31 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.2%
Founded in 1882, Chubb is a global property and casualty insurer that sells commercial and personal insurance products, along with specialty coverage lines. The company earns profits from underwriting disciplined policies and investing its premium float before claims are paid.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #15: A. O. Smith (AOS)
Sector: Industrials – Building Products
Dividend Growth Streak: 32 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.5%
A. O. Smith, established in 1874, makes water heaters, boilers, and related water treatment products for residential and commercial markets. It sells primarily through wholesale distribution and retail channels, with meaningful operations in North America and other international markets.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #16: Brown & Brown (BRO)
Sector: Financials – Insurance Brokers
Dividend Growth Streak: 31 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.0%
Brown & Brown, founded in 1939, is an insurance brokerage that helps individuals and businesses place insurance coverage with carriers. It earns commissions and fees through retail brokerage, specialized insurance programs, wholesale brokerage, and related services such as claims administration.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #17: Linde (LIN)
Sector: Materials – Industrial Gases
Dividend Growth Streak: 33 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.4%
Linde, founded in 1879, supplies industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide to customers across healthcare, manufacturing, electronics, and energy. Many gas volumes are delivered through long-term contracts and on-site plants, which tends to support stable, recurring revenue.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #18: Roper (ROP)
Sector: Information Technology – Application Software
Dividend Growth Streak: 32 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 0.9%
Roper, founded in 1981, is a diversified software and technology company that owns a portfolio of niche, mission-critical businesses. Most revenue is generated from recurring software and data subscriptions, and the company has historically used acquisitions to expand its collection of market-leading platforms.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #19: West Pharmaceutical (WST)
Sector: Healthcare – Life Sciences Tools and Services
Dividend Growth Streak: 32 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 0.3%
West Pharmaceutical, founded in 1923, makes packaging components and delivery systems used to administer injectable drugs, including stoppers, seals, and self-injection devices. Its products are designed to improve drug safety and reliability for pharmaceutical and biotech customers.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #20: Ecolab (ECL)
Sector: Materials – Specialty Chemicals
Dividend Growth Streak: 33 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.1%
Founded in 1923, Ecolab provides water treatment, cleaning, sanitation, and infection prevention solutions for customers in foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries. The company combines chemicals, equipment, and service teams to help customers improve efficiency, safety, and compliance.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #21: General Dynamics (GD)
Sector: Industrials – Aerospace and Defense
Dividend Growth Streak: 32 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.8%
Formed in 1899, General Dynamics is a major defense contractor with businesses spanning submarines, combat vehicles, military IT, and aerospace. It also owns Gulfstream, a leading manufacturer of business jets, and most revenue is tied to government defense spending and long-term programs.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #22: Erie Indemnity (ERIE)
Sector: Financials – Property and Casualty Insurance
Dividend Growth Streak: 37 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.4%
Founded in 1925, Erie Indemnity manages operations for the Erie Insurance Exchange, including underwriting, policy issuance, claims handling, and distribution support. The company earns management fees tied to the premium volume written by the Exchange.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #23: Chevron (CVX)
Sector: Energy – Integrated Oil and Gas
Dividend Growth Streak: 38 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 4.1%
Chevron was born from the 1879 discovery of an oilfield near Los Angeles that yielded 25 barrels of oil per day. Today, Chevron is an integrated energy company with upstream operations that produce oil and natural gas and downstream operations that refine crude into fuels and other products. It also participates in chemicals and other energy-adjacent activities, which helps diversify cash flow across commodity cycles.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #24: T. Rowe Price (TROW)
Sector: Financials – Asset Management and Custody Banks
Dividend Growth Streak: 38 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 4.3%
Founded in 1937, T. Rowe Price is a global asset manager offering equity, fixed income, multi-asset, and retirement solutions. Revenue is primarily generated from management fees based on assets under management, which are influenced by market performance and net client flows.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #25: McCormick (MKC)
Sector: Consumer Staples – Packaged Foods and Meats
Dividend Growth Streak: 39 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.7%
Founded in 1889, McCormick sells spices, seasonings, condiments, and flavor solutions under brands such as McCormick and French’s, and it also supplies seasonings to food manufacturers and restaurant customers. The business benefits from a wide distribution footprint and consistent household demand.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #26: Cardinal Health (CAH)
Sector: Healthcare – Health Care Distributors
Dividend Growth Streak: 40 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 0.9%
Founded in 1971 as a small food distributor, Cardinal Health is a healthcare distributor that supplies pharmaceuticals and medical products to hospitals, pharmacies, and other providers. The company operates on thin margins and depends on scale, logistics efficiency, and contract relationships to generate profits.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #27: Brown-Forman (BF.B)
Sector: Consumer Staples – Distillers and Vintners
Dividend Growth Streak: 41 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.6%
Established in 1870, Brown-Forman produces and markets premium spirits, led by Jack Daniel's and other whiskey and tequila brands. It sells largely through a global distributor network and benefits from brand strength and premium pricing in the spirits category.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #28: Aflac (AFL)
Sector: Financials – Life and Health Insurance
Dividend Growth Streak: 42 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.0%
Founded in 1955, Aflac sells supplemental health and life insurance, primarily in the U.S. and Japan. Its policies pay cash benefits directly to policyholders, and profits come from underwriting results and investment income on collected premiums.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #29: Amcor (AMCR)
Sector: Materials – Paper and Plastic Packaging Products and Materials
Dividend Growth Streak: 41 years
Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
Dividend Yield: 5.9%
Founded in 1926, Amcor makes flexible and rigid packaging used in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, and personal care products. The company generates demand from consumer staples end markets and often works closely with customers on packaging design, performance, and sustainability goals.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #30: Atmos Energy (ATO)
Sector: Utilities – Gas Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 41 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.3%
Atmos Energy, established in 1906, is a regulated natural gas utility that distributes gas to customers across multiple U.S. states and also operates gas transmission and storage assets. Most earnings come from regulated rate structures that aim to provide steady returns.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #31: Exxon Mobil (XOM)
Sector: Energy – Integrated Oil and Gas
Dividend Growth Streak: 42 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.9%
Exxon Mobil was formed in 1870 as part of business magnate John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil empire. The firm is an integrated energy and petrochemical company with operations spanning upstream production, refining, chemicals, and product distribution. Its integrated model can help smooth earnings across commodity cycles, although results still depend heavily on oil and gas prices.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #32: Air Products (APD)
Sector: Materials – Industrial Gases
Dividend Growth Streak: 43 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.4%
Air Products and Chemicals, founded in 1940, supplies industrial gases and builds on-site gas production facilities for customers, often under long-term contracts. It also has engineering capabilities tied to gas processing and industrial infrastructure projects.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #33: Cintas (CTAS)
Sector: Industrials – Diversified Support Services
Dividend Growth Streak: 42 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.0%
Cintas , formed in 1929, provides uniforms, facility services, first aid and safety supplies, and fire protection services through recurring route-based delivery. Its model benefits from long-term customer relationships and the ongoing nature of workplace service needs.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #34: Franklin Resources (BEN)
Sector: Financials – Asset Management and Custody Banks
Dividend Growth Streak: 44 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.8%
Founded in 1947, Franklin Resources is a global asset manager offering mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment strategies. It earns management fees primarily based on assets under management and has expanded into alternatives and multi-asset products over time.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #35: Sherwin-Williams (SHW)
Sector: Materials – Specialty Chemicals
Dividend Growth Streak: 47 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 0.9%
Sherwin-Williams was founded in 1866 and sells paints, coatings, and related products to professional contractors, industrial customers, and do-it-yourself consumers. A large portion of sales runs through its company-operated store network, with additional revenue from industrial coatings and specialty brands.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #36: Medtronic (MDT)
Sector: Healthcare – Health Care Equipment
Dividend Growth Streak: 47 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.4%
Formed in 1949, Medtronic designs and sells medical devices used to treat chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Revenue is driven by implanted devices and consumables, along with ongoing procedure volumes in global healthcare systems.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #37: Clorox (CLX)
Sector: Consumer Staples – Household Products
Dividend Growth Streak: 47 years
Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
Dividend Yield: 5.1%
Clorox started in 1913 when five businessmen invested $100 each to manufacture and sell the firm's namesake bleach. Impressively, Clorox remained a one-product business for its first 56 years. Today, Clorox sells household and lifestyle consumer products across cleaning, disinfecting, trash bags and wraps, charcoal, cat litter, and select personal care items. Many brands hold strong market positions, and most revenue is generated in the U.S.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #38: McDonald's (MCD)
Sector: Consumer Discretionary – Restaurants
Dividend Growth Streak: 49 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.6%
Founded in 1940, McDonald's franchises restaurants worldwide, earning most of its income from franchise fees and royalties. This model insulates it from short-term shifts in restaurant profitability. McDonald's targets value-conscious customers seeking quick, affordable meals, offering menu staples like burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, breakfast items, and beverages.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #39: Pentair (PNR)
Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
Dividend Growth Streak: 49 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.4%
Pentair was founded in 1966 and makes water-related equipment such as pumps, filtration systems, pool products, and flow control solutions. The business serves residential and commercial customers and benefits from recurring demand for pool maintenance, water quality, and fluid management.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #40: Consolidated Edison (ED)
Sector: Utilities – Multi-Utilities
Dividend Growth Streak: 51 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.1%
Consolidated Edison was formed in 1823 as the New York Gas Light Company, providing gas rather than whale oil to power New York's street lamps. The utility now provides energy for the 10 million people who live in and around New York City. Almost all of Con Ed's earnings are generated from regulated activities involving the transmission and distribution of electric, gas, and steam power.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #41: Automatic Data Processing (ADP)
Sector: Industrials – Human Resource and Employment Services
Dividend Growth Streak: 50 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.8%
Automatic Data Processing (ADP) was founded in 1949 and provides payroll processing, HR software, benefits administration, and workforce management solutions. It generates recurring revenue from payroll services and also benefits from interest earned on client funds held temporarily before payroll is remitted.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #42: Nucor (NUE)
Sector: Materials – Steel
Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.0%
Founded in 1940, Nucor is a leading U.S. steel producer and a major recycler of scrap metal. It produces steel products used in construction, manufacturing, and automotive markets, and its flexible, mill-based model can help it respond to changing demand.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #43: S&P Global (SPGI)
Sector: Financials – Financial Exchanges and Data
Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 0.9%
Founded in 1860, S&P Global provides credit ratings, market indices, financial data, and analytics. Its businesses include ratings, index licensing, commodity and energy data, and other information services used broadly across financial markets.
With roots tracing back to 1945, Walmart is the world's largest retailer, anchored by groceries and everyday essentials sold through supercenters, neighborhood stores, and e-commerce. It also operates Sam's Club and has expanded higher-margin businesses such as advertising, delivery, and membership services.
Sector: Consumer Staples – Agricultural Products and Services Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years Dividend Safety Score: Safe Dividend Yield: 2.7%
Established in 1902, ADM processes agricultural commodities such as corn, wheat, and oilseeds into ingredients used in food, animal feed, and industrial products. The company earns money through a mix of merchandising, processing margins, and value-added nutrition offerings.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #46: Kimberly-Clark (KMB)
Sector: Consumer Staples – Household Products
Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 5.2%
Kimberly-Clark, founded in 1872 as a paper mill in Wisconsin, sells tissue and personal care products such as diapers, wipes, toilet paper, and paper towels under brands like Huggies, Kleenex, and Cottonelle. Demand is relatively steady because many products are everyday necessities, though results depend on pricing and input costs.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #47: PepsiCo (PEP)
Sector: Consumer Staples – Soft Drinks and Non-alcoholic Beverages
Dividend Growth Streak: 52 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 4.3%
The first Pepsi soda was created in 1898 by a pharmacist in North Carolina, inspired by Coca-Cola's recent success. The drink quickly gained popularity, and in 1902, the Pepsi-Cola Company was officially incorporated. Today, PepsiCo is a global leader in various snack and beverage categories and boasts more than 20 brands that each generate over a billion dollars in sales, including Frito's, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Quaker, Lay's, Cheetos, Bubly, Aquafina, and Rockstar.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #48: AbbVie (ABBV)
Sector: Healthcare – Biotechnology
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.7%
AbbVie was formed in 2013 when healthcare giant Abbott Laboratories spun off its branded biopharma business. AbbVie focuses on branded prescription drugs across immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and other categories. Growth has increasingly been supported by newer therapies beyond Humira, including key immunology products.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #49: Abbott (ABT)
Sector: Healthcare – Health Care Equipment
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.5%
Founded in 1888, Abbott sells medical devices, diagnostics, nutritional products, and branded generic pharmaceuticals around the world. Major franchises include diabetes monitoring, cardiovascular devices, lab diagnostics, and nutrition brands such as Ensure and Similac.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #50: Becton Dickinson (BDX)
Sector: Healthcare – Health Care Equipment
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.4%
Founded in 1897, Becton Dickinson supplies a wide range of medical devices and consumables used in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. Its portfolio includes syringes, needles, infusion systems, specimen collection tools, and diagnostic products, many of which are recurring-use items.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #51: W.W. Grainger (GWW)
Sector: Industrials – Trading Companies and Distributors
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 0.8%
Established in 1927, W.W. Grainger distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products to businesses and institutions. It benefits from broad product availability, reliable fulfillment, and a strong mix of online and branch distribution serving diverse end markets.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #52: Illinois Tool Works (ITW)
Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.6%
Formed in 1912, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) is a diversified industrial manufacturer selling specialized products into categories such as automotive components, food equipment, welding, adhesives, and construction products. The company focuses on high-margin niche positions and operational discipline across its portfolio.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #53: PPG (PPG)
Sector: Materials – Specialty Chemicals
Dividend Growth Streak: 53 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.8%
PPG, founded in 1883, manufactures paints and coatings used in industrial, automotive, aerospace, packaging, and architectural applications. Its products protect surfaces, improve durability, and enhance appearance, with demand tied to manufacturing activity and renovation cycles.
Established in 1902, Target is a major U.S. retailer selling general merchandise and essentials, including apparel, home goods, beauty, and groceries. It operates a national store footprint and a large digital platform, with a brand identity centered on value and style.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #55: Sysco (SYY)
Sector: Consumer Staples – Food Distributors
Dividend Growth Streak: 56 years
Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.6%
Founded in 1969, Sysco is the largest foodservice distributor, supplying restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, and other institutions. It earns profits through scale purchasing, logistics efficiency, and service levels, with demand tied to food-away-from-home activity.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #56: Federal Realty (FRT)
Sector: Real Estate – Retail REITs
Dividend Growth Streak: 57 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 4.1%
Founded in 1962, Federal Realty is one of the oldest REITs in the world. The company owns over 100 shopping centers and mixed-use properties located primarily in coastal markets such as Silicon Valley, New York, and Washington, D.C. Most of the firm's centers have a grocery component that drives consistent foot traffic for Federal Realty's retail tenants, which include drugstores, restaurants, apparel retailers, gyms, banks, and home furnishings stores. The firm also owns some apartments and offices.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #57: Stanley Black & Decker (SWK)
Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
Dividend Growth Streak: 57 years
Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.8%
Founded in 1843, Stanley Black & Decker sells power tools, hand tools, and outdoor products under brands such as DeWalt, Craftsman, and Black+Decker. Demand is influenced by construction activity and consumer DIY spending, while the company also has a smaller industrial-focused business.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #58: Hormel (HRL)
Sector: Consumer Staples – Packaged Foods and Meats
Dividend Growth Streak: 58 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 5.7%
Hormel Foods was founded in 1891 and is a branded food company focused on packaged meats, refrigerated foods, and convenient meal solutions. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Spam, Applegate, Jennie-O, and Skippy, with distribution across retail and foodservice.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #59: Colgate-Palmolive (CL)
Sector: Consumer Staples – Household Products
Dividend Growth Streak: 62 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.4%
Founded in 1806, Colgate-Palmolive sells toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, cleaning products, and pet food through retail stores and online. The firm's popular brands include Colgate, Palmolive, Irish Spring, Softsoap, and Hill’s Science Diet. Most of the company's revenue is derived outside the U.S., with a focus on emerging markets.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #60: Kenvue (KVUE)
Sector: Consumer Staples – Personal Care Products
Dividend Growth Streak: 62 years **
Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
Dividend Yield: 4.7%
Kenvue was separated from Johnson & Johnson in 2022 and sells consumer health products, including Tylenol, Listerine, Band-Aid, and Neutrogena. The firm is in the process of being acquired by fellow dividend aristocrat Kimberly Clark.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
** Note: S&P added Kenvue to the dividend aristocrats index in August 2023 after the consumer healthcare firm was spun off by Johnson & Johnson. Kenvue was given credit for J&J's dividend growth streak.
Dividend Aristocrat #61: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
Sector: Healthcare – Pharmaceuticals
Dividend Growth Streak: 63 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.0%
Established in 1886, Johnson & Johnson is a global healthcare company focused on pharmaceuticals and medical technology. It develops branded drugs in areas such as oncology and immunology and sells medical devices used in surgery, orthopedics, and vision care.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #62: Coca-Cola (KO)
Sector: Consumer Staples – Soft Drinks and Non-alcoholic Beverages
Dividend Growth Streak: 63 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.4%
Coca-Cola, founded in 1892, is a leading global beverage corporation. It offers a diverse portfolio of over 200 drink brands, including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta, Dasani, and Minute Maid, available in more than 200 countries. The firm operates on a franchised distribution system, producing syrup concentrate sold to licensed bottlers worldwide, who then manufacture, package, and distribute the finished beverages.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #63: Nordson (NDSN)
Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
Dividend Growth Streak: 63 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.2%
Incorporated in 1954, Nordson makes precision dispensing and processing equipment used to apply adhesives, coatings, and other materials in manufacturing. It serves end markets like packaging, electronics, and medical devices, and it also sells certain inspection and test systems.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Sector: Financials – Property and Casualty Insurance
Dividend Growth Streak: 65 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.2%
Established in 1950, Cincinnati Financial is a property and casualty insurer selling commercial and personal coverage, plus surety and life insurance products. Earnings come from underwriting results and investment income, with performance influenced by catastrophe losses and market conditions.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #65: Lowe's (LOW)
Sector: Consumer Discretionary – Home Improvement Retail
Dividend Growth Streak: 65 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 2.5%
Founded in 1921, Lowe's is a leading home improvement retailer selling building materials, tools, appliances, and home goods to homeowners and professionals. It generates revenue through a large store base and digital channels, with demand tied to home repair, remodeling, and construction activity.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #66: Genuine Parts (GPC)
Sector: Consumer Discretionary – Distributors
Dividend Growth Streak: 69 years
Dividend Safety Score: Borderline Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.2%
Founded in 1928, Genuine Parts distributes automotive and industrial replacement parts through brands such as NAPA and other international operations. Its business benefits from ongoing maintenance needs, since vehicles and equipment require parts regardless of the economic cycle. Note that the firm is separating its auto and industrial businesses into two companies, with the split expected to take place in early 2027.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #67: Dover (DOV)
Sector: Industrials – Industrial Machinery and Supplies and Components
Dividend Growth Streak: 69 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.1%
Dover, established in 1947, is a diversified industrial company selling equipment and components across areas such as fueling and convenience retail systems, fluid handling, refrigeration, identification and coding, and engineered products. It operates through multiple specialized platforms that serve a wide range of industrial end markets.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #68: Procter & Gamble (PG)
Sector: Consumer Staples – Household Products
Dividend Growth Streak: 69 years
Dividend Safety Score: Very Safe
Dividend Yield: 3.0%
With roots tracing back to 1837, Procter & Gamble is among the oldest dividend aristocrats. The company is one of the world's largest manufacturers of laundry detergents, baby wipes, diapers, paper towels, cleaning products, shampoos, deodorants, toothpaste, and other consumer goods. Some of the firm's top brands include Luvs, Pampers, Tampax, Charmin, Downy, Tide, Cascade, Dawn, Febreze, Head & Shoulders, Old Spice, Pantene, Gillette, Braun, Crest, and Oral-B. Around half of P&G's sales occur outside of North America.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Dividend Aristocrat #69: Emerson Electric (EMR)
Sector: Industrials – Electrical Components and Equipment
Dividend Growth Streak: 69 years
Dividend Safety Score: Safe
Dividend Yield: 1.5%
Incorporated in 1890, Emerson Electric provides industrial automation and control solutions, including measurement instruments, valves, software, and systems that help factories and process industries operate more efficiently. Its customers include energy, chemicals, refining, pharmaceuticals, and other process-oriented industries.
Source: Simply Safe Dividends
Many of these companies generate predictable cash flow, maintain prudent balance sheets, and have shareholder-friendly management teams.
Investors considering dividend aristocrats just have to believe that the future remains as bright as the past for these impressive dividend growth stocks.
