Who are the dividend aristocrats? Why invest in the stock market in high-dividend stocks? In this feature, you will discover the profile of dividend aristocrat companies, the list of American and European dividend aristocrat stocks in 2026, as well as our Top 3 US and European dividend aristocrats at the end of 2026. Also discover a concrete example of a stock market investment in Coca-Cola over 20 years, as well as investing in dividend aristocrats through ETFs.
If some investors focus on growth stocks that can potentially generate significant capital gains, dividend aristocrat-type stocks can also constitute a prudent investment strategy in the stock market.
The attractiveness of stock market investing is measured by two elements: what risk costs, and what yield it provides. Dividends can contribute significantly to the total return of an investment. There are many highly remunerative companies on the stock market that have consistently increased their dividends for at least 25 years.
What is a dividend aristocrat? In infographic
In the United States, under the designation “dividend aristocrats,” we gather the listed companies that meet these three criteria:
- Annual and consistent dividend growth for at least 25 years;
- Daily trading volume of at least $5 million;
- Market capitalization of at least $3 billion.
Among the stocks meeting these criteria, Coca-Cola or McDonald’s can be cited, for example.
In France, the criteria are less strict and one would qualify as dividend aristocrats leading listed companies that have paid a growing dividend to shareholders for decades. Here are a few examples of French dividend aristocrats: Air Liquide, Legrand, Sanofi or Bouygues.
What are the American dividend aristocrats? US dividend aristocrats list for 2026
Here is the complete list of the 68 American dividend aristocrats as of September 30, 2026:
- Altria Group, Inc.
- A. O. Smith Corporation
- Abbott Laboratories
- AbbVie Inc.
- Aflac Incorporated
- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
- Albemarle Corporation
- Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
- Atmos Energy Corporation
- Automatic Data Processing, Inc.
- Becton, Dickinson and Company
- Brown & Brown, Inc.
- Brown-Forman Corporation
- C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
- Casey’s General Stores, Inc.
- Caterpillar Inc.
- Chevron Corporation
- Chubb Limited
- Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
- Cincinnati Financial Corporation
- Cintas Corporation
- Colgate-Palmolive Company
- Consolidated Edison, Inc.
- Dover Corporation
- Ecolab Inc.
- Emerson Electric Co.
- Erie Indemnity Company
- Eversource Energy
- Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.
- ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation
- FactSet Research Systems Inc.
- Fastenal Company
- Federal Realty Investment Trust
- Franklin Templeton Inc.
- General Dynamics Corporation
- Genuine Parts Company
- Hormel Foods Corporation
- Illinois Tool Works Inc.
- International Business Machines Corporation
- Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.
- Johnson & Johnson
- Kimberly-Clark Corporation
- Linde plc
- Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
- McCormick & Company, Incorporated
- McDonald’s Corporation
- Medtronic plc
- NextEra Energy, Inc.
- Nordson Corporation
- Nucor Corporation
- Parker-Hannifin Corporation
- Pentair plc
- PepsiCo, Inc.
- PPG Industries, Inc.
- Roper Technologies, Inc.
- S&P Global Inc.
- Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
- Sysco Corporation
- T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.
- Target Corporation
- The Clorox Company
- The Coca-Cola Company
- The J. M. Smucker Company
- The Procter & Gamble Company
- The Sherwin-Williams Company
- W.W. Grainger, Inc.
- Walmart Inc.
- West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
What are the European dividend aristocrats? European dividend aristocrats list for 2026
Here is the list of the 40 European dividend aristocrats as of September 30, 2026:
- A2A S.p.A.
- Ageas SA/NV
- Allianz SE
- Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A.
- Bechtle AG
- Bouygues SA
- DHL AG
- EDP S.A.
- Elisa Oyj Class A
- ERG S.p.A.
- FUCHS SE Pref Registered Shs
- GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft
- Hannover Rueck SE
- Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
- Hera S.p.A.
- Huhtamaki Oyj
- Iberdrola SA
- Kemira Oyj
- KONE Oyj Class B
- Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V.
- Logista Integral S.A.
- Munchener Ruckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG
- NN Group N.V.
- OMV Aktiengesellschaft
- Orion Oyj Class B
- Poste Italiane SpA
- Recordati S.p.A.
- Royal KPN NV
- Royal Vopak NV
- Rubis SCA
- Sanofi SA
- Talanx AG
- Teleperformance SE
- Terna S.p.A.
- UNIPOL ASSICURAZIONI SPA
- UPM-Kymmene Oyj
- Valmet Corp
- Warehouses De Pauw SA
- Wienerberger AG
- Wolters Kluwer N.V.
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Why invest in dividend aristocrats?
A steady yield to spend or reinvest
Investing in dividend aristocrat stocks offers undeniable advantages. Indeed, these are equities that can generate a stable and rising income for the investor, which they can use as quarterly or annual supplemental income (depending on the frequency of dividend payments by the company in the market) or they can choose to reinvest to take advantage of the magic of compound interest. By systematically reinvesting profits over the long term, via a snowball effect, the profits themselves generating profits, the initial capital grows exponentially.
Solid companies on the stock market
Dividend aristocrats are solid companies whose regular dividend payouts for decades prove their financial health. Some companies like Coca-Cola or Colgate-Palmolive have increased their dividends every year for more than 50 years. Thus, choosing stocks among the dividend aristocrats increases the chances of gains over the long term. However, it remains necessary to diversify one’s portfolio to reduce risk.
What is the benefit of investing in a dividend aristocrat? Practical case with Coca-Cola stock
How to multiply your initial yield by 8 over 20 years like Coca-Cola?
The American company Coca-Cola is a good example of a dividend aristocrat. The company has indeed increased its annual dividend systematically for 58 years.
Here is the dividend history from 2006 to 2025.
Coca-Cola annual dividends over 20 years
The Coca-Cola annual dividend was $0.56 in 2006 and is set at $2.04* per share in 2025. It has thus multiplied by almost 4 in 20 years. An investor who bought Coca-Cola shares on January 3, 2006 at a market price of $20.45 could have multiplied their return by 8.2, provided they were patient and reinvested all their dividends.
Simulation and scenario of investing in Coca-Cola stock
Dividends, yields and evolution of a 100-share Coca-Cola investment at 20.45$, i.e. $2,045 in total at the start of 2006 (20 years)
Scenario 1: the investor did not reinvest dividends
On January 3, 2006, he purchases 100 Coca-Cola shares at a market price of $20.45, for a total amount of $2,045.
The first year (2006), he received $0.56 per share in dividends, i.e. $56 for 100 Coca-Cola shares held, which corresponds to a yield of 2.74% relative to the initial investment value.
The 20th year (2025), he received $2.04 in dividends per share on 225.48* Coca-Cola shares held, i.e. $459.98**, which corresponds to a 20.19% yield relative to the initial investment value.
Without opting for dividend reinvestment, the investor therefore multiplied his starting yield by 3.64 (9.98% / 2.74%).
Scenario 2: the investor reinvested dividends
On January 3, 2006, he purchases 100 Coca-Cola shares at a market price of $20.45, for a total amount of $2,045.
The first year (2006) he reinvests the equivalent of 2.74 Coca-Cola shares, then in the 20th year, following this reinvestment principle each year, he will benefit from 125.48 new shares.
The 20th year (2025), he received $2.04 in dividends per share on 225.48 * Coca-Cola shares held, i.e. $459.98**, which corresponds to a 20.19% yield relative to the initial investment value.
By opting for the dividend reinvestment option, the investor has therefore multiplied his starting return by 8.21 over 20 years.
What are the best dividend aristocrats for 2026? Our Top 3 US and Top 3 Europe
How did Café de la Bourse compile the Top 3 American and European dividend aristocrats for 2026?
Café de la Bourse studied the financial ratios of American and European dividend aristocrats. The four main criteria we retained are:
- a good dividend yield;
- dividend growth over 10 years;
- current dividend yield above 3.5%;
- a positive price movement over 1 year.
Top 3 American dividend aristocrats of 2026
Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT) stock
Federal Realty Investment Trust is a major American real estate investment trust (REIT), a member of the S&P 500, and specialized in open-air shopping centers and mixed-use urban districts. Its model rests on the acquisition and redevelopment of high-end complexes located exclusively in large, densely populated, high-income cities (Silicon Valley, Washington D.C., Boston, New York).
Overall, the company relies on real estate assets valued at about $9.1 billion on the balance sheet (and an enterprise value of nearly $14 billion when counting its market capitalization and debt).
Considered one of the strongest financial signatures in the commercial sector, it holds the status of “Dividend King” with more than 56 consecutive years of dividend increases—the longest streak in the entire REIT industry.
Annual dividends of Federal Realty Investment Trust over 10 years
Dividend payment frequency of Federal Realty Investment Trust: quarterly
Stock price of Federal Realty Investment Trust and market capitalization as of September 30, 2026: $108.29 and $9.41 billion
2025 dividend yield at current price: 4.12%
Forecast 2026 dividend (one remaining payment): $4.52 (Yield: 4.17%)
Dividend growth over 10 years: + 16%
1-year price change (Sept 30, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026): + 6.89%
Gross return for the investor over 1 year (price change + dividends received): + 14%
Franklin Templeton stock (BEN)
Franklin Templeton is one of the global heavyweights in asset management, a member of the S&P 500 and founded in 1947. The company operates through a model of specialized subsidiaries (ClearBridge, Western Asset, Brandywine) to cover all markets (equities, fixed income, non-listed).
Its financial footprint rests primarily on more than $1.8 trillion in assets under management (AUM) steered for its clients. For its own equity, the company holds about $32 billion of assets on the balance sheet and around $16 billion in market capitalization.
Generating the bulk of its revenue via management fees on an international scale, the firm benefits from strong financial stability and holds the status of “Dividend Aristocrat” with more than 40 years of dividend increases.
Annual dividends of Franklin Templeton over 10 years
Dividend payment frequency: quarterly
Stock price of Franklin Templeton and market capitalization as of September 30, 2026: $32.12 and $16.32 billion
2025 dividend yield at current price: 4.02%
Forecast 2026 dividend (one remaining payment): 1.31 (Yield: 4.08%)
Dividend growth over 10 years: + 74%
1-year price change (Sept 30, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026): + 39%
Gross return for the investor over 1 year (price change + dividends received): + 46%
Stanley Black & Decker Inc (SWK)
Stanley Black & Decker is the global leader in hand and power tools, outdoor equipment, and industrial fasteners. A member of the S&P 500 and founded in 1843, the group owns flagship brands such as DeWalt, Stanley, Craftsman, Black+Decker, or Cub Cadet.
Essential in construction, DIY, and industry, the company also benefits from the status of “Dividend King” with more than 56 consecutive years of dividend increases.
Annual dividends of Stanley Black & Decker over 10 years
Dividend payment frequency: quarterly
Stock price of Stanley Black & Decker and market capitalization as of September 30, 2026: $88.59 and $13.38 billion
2025 dividend yield at current price: 3.72%
Dividend forecast 2026 (one remaining payment): $3.32 (Yield: 3.75%)
Dividend growth over 10 years: + 46%
1-year price change (Sept 30, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026): + 20%
Gross return for the investor over 1 year (price change + dividends received): + 24%
Top 3 European dividend aristocrats of 2026
Rubis (RUI.PA) stock
Rubis is an independent French group specialized in energy distribution (fuels, LPG, bitumen, lubricants) and in the development of renewable energies (notably photovoltaic production through its subsidiary Rubis Photosol). Founded in 1990, the company operates in niche markets with high entry barriers, mainly in Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe.
Dividends, Rubis over 10 years
Dividend frequency: annual
Stock price of Rubis and market capitalization as of September 30, 2026: €35.22 and €3.65 billion
2025 dividend yield at current price: 5.76%
Dividend 2026: €2.07 (Yield: 5.88%)
Dividend growth over 10 years: + 68%
1-year price change (Sept 30, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026): + 11%
Gross return for the investor over 1 year (price change + dividends received): + 17%
NN Group stock (NN.AS)
NN Group N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: NN) is one of the leaders in financial services and insurance in the Netherlands. Resulting from the 2014 spin-off of ING’s insurance activities, the company is a member of the AEX index and specializes in life insurance, non-life insurance, retirement management, and retail banking services (NN Bank).
Annual dividends of NN Group over 10 years
Dividend frequency: bi-annual
Stock price of NN Group and market capitalization as of September 30, 2026: 78.02€ and 20.29 billion€
2025 dividend yield at current price: 4.54%
Dividend 2026: 4.05 $ (Yield: 5.19%)
Dividend growth over 10 years: + 115%
1-year price change (Sept 30, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026): + 30%
Gross return for the investor over 1 year (price change + dividends received): + 37%
Bouygues stock (EN.PA)
Bouygues SA is a diversified French industrial conglomerate present in more than 80 countries. Founded in 1952 by Francis Bouygues, the group is structured around three main pillars: construction and multi-technical services, telecommunications, and media.
Annual dividends of Bouygues over 10 years
Dividend frequency: annual
Stock price of Bouygues and market capitalization as of September 30, 2026: €41.63 and €15.91 billion
2025 dividend yield at current price: 4.80%
Dividend 2026: €2.10 (Yield: 5.04%)
Dividend growth over 10 years: + 25%
1-year price change (Sept 30, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026): + 9%
Gross return for the investor over 1 year (price change + dividends received): + 14%
How to invest in dividend aristocrats in practice?
You can invest directly in dividend aristocrat stocks by selecting the titles yourself. You can then use a stock screener to identify the stocks most generous in terms of dividends. It will be appropriate to choose the best stock exchange broker to invest in these stocks with reasonable fees, but also benefiting from tools and services suited to your investor profile. We also invite you to carefully choose your wrapper and favor one of the best PEA accounts to invest in European dividend aristocrat stocks to benefit from the tax advantages of the equity savings plan. However, stocks whose registered office is outside the European Economic Area, not eligible, must be held in one of the best standard stock accounts.
It may be wise to position yourself with a DCA strategy, possibly by setting up an investment plan to smooth entry points. You can, for example, turn to brokers like Trade Republic or eToro to make scheduled deposits. It will also be possible to invest in dividend aristocrats with an ETF replicating the performance of a basket of dividend aristocrats. You can do this very simply via online brokers such as XTB, Boursorama or Freedom24, for example.
How to invest in dividend aristocrats with ETFs?
Which ETFs to invest in dividend aristocrats?
It is also possible to use ETFs or trackers to position oneself on the dividend aristocrats, in a diversified and low-cost manner.
The American site spglobal.com offers a descriptive sheet for the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index. The “Data” tab then “Constituents” allows you to obtain the top 10 constituents of the index.
spglobal.com also offers the European equivalent with the S&P Europe 350 dividend aristocrats index.
There exist many ETF variants such as S&P Developed ESG dividend aristocrats, an ETF oriented toward the American dividend aristocrats taking into account ESG criteria (Environmental, Social and Governance).
Do dividend aristocrats ETFs outperform their benchmarks?
Discover here our comparison of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats (Price Return) VS S&P 500 (Price Return) and the S&P Europe 350 Dividend Aristocrats (Price Return) VS the S&P Europe 350 (Price Return) benchmark to answer this question of outperformance.
S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats (Price Return) VS S&P 500 (Price Return) over 10 years (close as of September 30, 2026)
On an annualized basis over a 10-year period, the S&P 500 index (the 500 largest US companies) outperformed the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF by 6.31% per year.
Graph S&P Europe 350 Dividend Aristocrats (Price Return) VS index S&P Europe 350 (Price Return) over 10 years (as of September 30, 2026)
On an annualized basis over a 10-year period, the S&P Europe 350 index outperformed the S&P Europe Dividend Aristocrats ETF by 2.80% per year.
There is also a notable difference in performance between the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats (American dividend aristocrats) and the S&P Europe 350 Dividend Aristocrats (European dividend aristocrats).
Indeed, over 10 years, the annualized performance stands at 7.13% versus 3.60%, which is more than double in favor of the American dividend aristocrats.
*100 initial shares plus 125.48 new shares acquired between 2006 and 2025
**Note: this second scenario is based on the assumption of a median price over 20 years and that it remained stable throughout the analysis period; in reality, the investor choosing dividend reinvestment would have experienced variations in the quantities of shares acquired due to price movements. For example, they would have obtained more in 2008 when markets were low and, conversely, less when Coca-Cola shares were highly valued.
All of our information is, by nature, generic. It does not take into account your personal situation and does not constitute personalized recommendations for the execution of transactions and cannot be regarded as financial investment advice, nor as any incentive to buy or sell financial instruments. The reader is solely responsible for using the information provided, and no recourse against the publisher of Cafedelabourse.com is possible. The publisher’s liability cannot be engaged in any case in the event of an error, omission or inappropriate investment.
