Don't Miss Out: How Many Dividend Aristocrats Are Shaping the Market Today?

There are currently 69 Dividend Aristocrats in the S&P 500—companies that have raised their dividends every year for at least 25 consecutive years. These reliable income providers have built robust cash flows over decades, allowing them to compound dividend growth and deliver long-term, dependable returns.

In early 2025, the index was rebalanced with notable new additions like FactSet Research Systems, Erie Indemnity, and Eversource Energy, ensuring that the group stays dynamic and up to date.

If you're looking for stability in your portfolio, discover why these 69 companies continue to serve as the backbone of a strong dividend income strategy or directly check out our list of popular dividend aristocrats.

Understanding What Makes a Dividend Aristocrat

Dividend Aristocrats are S&P 500 companies that have increased their dividends every year for at least 25 consecutive years. This impressive track record reflects their stability, consistent cash flow growth, and ability to deliver compounded dividend returns over time.

These companies are celebrated for their resilient business models and their capacity to generate growing cash flows, which allow them to not only pay but also increase dividends consistently. In essence, Dividend Aristocrats serve as a cornerstone for investors seeking reliable income and long-term wealth accumulation.

Key Criteria for Dividend Aristocrats:

• S&P 500 Membership: They must be among the top 500 U.S. companies.
• 25+ Consecutive Years of Dividend Increases: Only firms with a minimum of 25 straight years of dividend growth qualify.
• Strict Liquidity & Market Capitalization Standards: These companies meet rigorous requirements to ensure sufficient liquidity and size.
• Consistent Cash-Flow Growth: Their steady growth in cash flows supports sustainable dividend increases, driving the power of compounding.

Moreover, these companies come from a diverse range of sectors. Notably, the index is heavily weighted toward sectors such as Industrials, Consumer Staples, and Financials, while the Communications sector is mostly absent. This diverse composition underscores that Dividend Aristocrats are among the most resilient and high-quality businesses in the market.

By focusing on these criteria, Dividend Aristocrats offer investors a proven blueprint for steady, income-generating investments that can weather various economic cycles.

Top Three Sectors Represented

Dividend Aristocrats span a variety of industries, but three sectors stand out for their significant representation in the index:

• Industrials (~24% Weight): Companies in this sector produce essential machinery, infrastructure, and equipment that remain in high demand, regardless of economic cycles. Their stable cash flows underpin their ability to consistently raise dividends.
• Consumer Staples (~23% Weight): These firms provide everyday necessities—such as food, beverages, and household products—that offer steady revenue and reliable dividend payouts, even during economic downturns.
• Financials: This sector, which includes leading banks and insurers, is known for disciplined capital allocation and strong risk management. Their consistent earnings and stable cash flows support sustainable dividend growth.

Together, these sectors highlight the diversity and resilience of the Dividend Aristocrats, ensuring that investors have exposure to companies with robust, long-term income potential.

Recent Changes in the Dividend Aristocrats Index

The Dividend Aristocrats Index is periodically rebalanced to ensure that it only includes companies that meet its strict criteria.

In the latest rebalancing in early 2025, three new members were added: FactSet Research Systems (FDS), Erie Indemnity (ERIE), and Eversource Energy (ES). These additions bring the total count to 69 Dividend Aristocrats, reinforcing the index's reputation for including companies with a long history of consistent dividend growth.

Maintaining Index Quality Through Removals

The Dividend Aristocrats Index maintains its high standards through strict removal criteria, ensuring that only companies meeting the rigorous requirements remain included.

Key Removal Triggers:

• Dividend Cuts or Suspensions: Any company that fails to increase its dividend in a given year is immediately removed from the index, preserving the core requirement of consecutive annual dividend increases.
• Acquisitions and S&P 500 Status: Companies that are acquired or no longer meet S&P 500 membership criteria are excluded from the index, maintaining its focus on large, established U.S. corporations.

This disciplined approach to index maintenance has proven effective over time. For example, between 2017 and 2019, several companies were removed following dividend cuts or acquisitions, demonstrating the index's commitment to including only the most financially resilient businesses.

Spotlight on Key Companies

Below are profiles of a few standout Dividend Aristocrats that exemplify the index's commitment to steady dividend growth and reliable cash flows:

Genuine Parts Co. (GPC)

• Business Model: A global distributor of automotive and industrial parts—well-known for its NAPA brand—that serves a broad network across North America and beyond.
• Key Metrics: Boasts 35 consecutive years of dividend increases with a current yield of about 3.2%.
• Investment Case: Its widespread distribution network and robust cash flows make it a reliable income stock with long-term growth potential.

Cincinnati Financial Corp. (CINF)

• Business Model: A leading property and casualty insurer renowned for disciplined underwriting and steady profitability.
• Key Metrics: Achieves 26 consecutive years of dividend increases, offering a yield around 2.3%.
• Investment Case: Its consistent earnings and conservative risk management provide a defensive income play for long-term investors.

Dover Corp. (DOV)

• Business Model: A diversified industrial conglomerate operating across engineered products, digital solutions, and more.
• Key Metrics: Maintains 35 consecutive years of dividend increases with a yield near 1.7%.
• Investment Case: With diversified revenue streams and strong operational efficiency, Dover offers a stable foundation for compounding dividend growth.

FactSet Research Systems (FDS)

• Business Model: A premier provider of financial data and analytics, offering a subscription-based service that's critical for investment professionals worldwide.
• Key Metrics: Recently added to the index after recording 25 years of dividend growth, with a current yield of approximately 0.9%.
• Investment Case: Its scalable and recurring revenue model positions FactSet as a defensive growth play in a data-driven world.

Eversource Energy (ES)

• Business Model: A major regulated utility delivering electric, gas, and water services to millions of customers in New England.
• Key Metrics: Demonstrates 27 consecutive years of dividend increases and offers a robust yield of around 5%.
• Investment Case: Thanks to its stable, regulated environment, Eversource provides predictable cash flows that support attractive dividend payouts, making it an ideal defensive investment.

For more detailed profiles and a complete list of Dividend Aristocrats, check out the list of popular dividend aristocrats.

Conclusion

The updated Dividend Aristocrats Index—now featuring 69 companies—showcases some of the most stable and reliable businesses in the S&P 500. Spanning key sectors like Industrials, Consumer Staples, and Financials, these firms have demonstrated a remarkable ability to generate growing cash flows and deliver compounding dividend growth over decades.

If you're seeking a core component for a dividend income strategy, consider these proven, consistent income providers. For more high-quality dividend opportunities, explore our top dividend aristocrats analysis.

For more details on specific strategies, consider exploring:

• Dividend aristocrats with low debt for financially stable options
• Dividend aristocrats with growth potential for companies showing strong expansion
• Dividend aristocrats with low pe for attractively valued opportunities