What is Dividend Aristocrat?
An S&P 500 company that has raised its dividend for 25+ consecutive years.
Formal Definition
A Dividend Aristocrat is an S&P 500 member that has increased its dividend for at least 25 consecutive years. The distinction signals durable earnings, disciplined capital allocation, and resilience through recessions. Aristocrats are favored by income investors for reliability, though the long track record does not guarantee future increases.
In Simple Terms
It is a blue-chip company with a rare streak of raising its dividend every year for at least 25 years straight. That consistency signals a stable, shareholder-friendly business investors can lean on for income.
Example
Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson are longtime Dividend Aristocrats, having raised payouts for over 50 straight years.