Dividend aristocrat definition: a Dividend Aristocrat is an S&P 500 company that has increased its annual dividend for at least 25 consecutive years. This status, managed by S&P Dow Jones Indices, highlights exceptional financial resilience, strong cash flows, and a proven commitment to shareholders across economic cycles.Key Criteria:

• Membership in the S&P 500.
• 25+ years of consecutive dividend increases.
• Minimum size (market cap) and liquidity requirements.

As of December 2025, there are 69 Dividend Aristocrats.

Investment Appeal:

• Reduced income volatility and natural inflation protection through growing payouts.
• Often form the defensive core of dividend growth portfolios.
• Easily accessible via ETFs like ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL).

Dividend Growth Hierarchy:

Dividend growth investors often categorize stocks by consecutive years of increases, forming a “pyramid” of reliability:

• Dividend Kings: 50+ years (most elite; ~55-56 companies in 2025). Not required to be in S&P 500.
• Dividend Champions: 25+ years (broader list; includes non-S&P 500 stocks; ~130+ companies).
• Dividend Aristocrats: S&P 500 members with 25+ years (69 companies).
• Dividend Contenders: 10–24 years (mid-tier; hundreds of companies).
• Dividend Challengers: 5–9 years (emerging; higher growth potential but more risk; hundreds of companies).

All S&P 500 Dividend Kings are also Aristocrats, but the categories widen as the streak requirement shortens.