The dividend investing world has three elite clubs: Aristocrats, Kings, and Champions. Each requires a different consecutive dividend increase streak. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right stocks for your portfolio.
25+ Years
S&P 500 members with 25+ consecutive years of dividend increases. Maintained by S&P Dow Jones Indices.
50+ Years
Any US stock with 50+ consecutive years of dividend increases. No S&P 500 membership required.
25+ Years
Any US stock with 25+ consecutive years of dividend increases. Not limited to S&P 500.
| Criteria | Aristocrats | Kings | Champions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Years | 25 years | 50 years | 25 years |
| S&P 500 Required? | Yes | No | No |
| Market Cap Minimum | ~$14 billion+ | None | None |
| Number of Stocks | ~67 | ~54 | ~140+ |
| Maintained By | S&P Dow Jones | Community tracking | DRIP Investing Resource |
| ETF Available? | Yes (NOBL) | No dedicated ETF | No dedicated ETF |
| Avg. Yield | ~2.5% | ~2.8% | ~2.6% |
| Includes Small Caps? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Most Prestigious? | Most recognized | Most elite | Most inclusive |
Many stocks qualify for multiple lists. A Dividend King with 50+ years that is also in the S&P 500 earns all three titles simultaneously. Here are the most elite stocks that hold every designation.
These stocks are in the S&P 500 and have 25+ years of increases, but have not yet reached the 50-year King threshold.
Inherited streak from Abbott spin-off (2013)
Not yet at 50-year King status
30 years, well above 25-year minimum
Strong growth, approaching King territory
These stocks have 50+ years of consecutive increases but are NOT in the S&P 500, so they cannot be Aristocrats. Some are small-cap or mid-cap companies.
Longest active streak of any US stock
Industrial diversified manufacturer
Small-cap utility, too small for S&P 500
Tool maker, not in S&P 500 Aristocrats
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The designation itself matters less than the underlying business quality. A 26-year Aristocrat like Caterpillar is not automatically better than a 24-year near-miss. Focus on these fundamentals instead:
The Aristocrat list is best for investors who want large-cap, liquid, S&P 500 companies. The NOBL ETF makes it easy to own all of them. Perfect for a "set it and forget it" core holding.
The Kings list is best for ultra-conservative income investors who want the longest possible track records. These companies have survived recessions, wars, and pandemics for 50+ years. Maximum reliability for retirement portfolios.
The Champions list is best for value hunters. It includes smaller companies not in the S&P 500 that often trade at lower valuations. Hidden gems with 25-49 year streaks that fly under the radar of most investors.
Beyond the three main categories, the DRIP Investing Resource also tracks two more tiers:
10-24 Years
Companies with 10 to 24 years of consecutive dividend increases. The "farm team" for future Champions. About 350+ stocks qualify.
5-9 Years
Companies with 5 to 9 years of consecutive increases. Newer dividend growers that may become future Contenders and Champions. About 250+ stocks qualify.
Yes! Aristocrat status requires S&P 500 membership and minimum liquidity. Companies like American States Water (AWR) have 69 consecutive years of dividend increases (King status) but are too small for the S&P 500, so they do not qualify as Aristocrats. About 20 Kings are not Aristocrats.
It gets removed from the index immediately. This happened to AT&T in 2022 when it cut its dividend after the WarnerMedia spinoff. The NOBL ETF sells the stock, which can create additional downward price pressure. Getting kicked off the list is a significant reputational blow that companies try hard to avoid.
NOBL (ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF) is the most popular way to own all Aristocrats with a 0.35% expense ratio. It equal-weights all holdings and rebalances quarterly. Performance has roughly matched the S&P 500 with lower volatility. It is a solid core holding for conservative dividend investors.
Historically, the difference is small. Kings tend to be more defensive (utilities, consumer staples) with higher yields but lower growth. Aristocrats include more growth-oriented companies with lower yields but faster dividend increases. Over 20+ year periods, total returns are similar, but Kings provide slightly more current income.
Typically 2-5 companies reach the 25-year milestone and join the Aristocrats list annually. The list is reviewed each January. Recent additions include companies like Nordson (NDSN) and Church & Dwight (CHD). Conversely, 1-3 companies are usually removed each year due to dividend cuts, freezes, or being acquired.