In this article, we will take a look at some of the best dividend aristocrat stocks.
Dividend-paying stocks are regaining popularity this year as investors look for ways to soften the blow of current market challenges. The S&P Dividend Aristocrats Index, which tracks the performance of companies with at least 25 consecutive years of dividend growth, has fallen by a little over 1.2% since the start of 2025, compared with a 4.1% decline of the broader market. Analysts point out that dividends not only help boost overall returns early on, but there’s also clear evidence that companies with growing dividends tend to deliver stronger performance. These stocks often provide better returns with less risk, stay ahead of inflation, and hold up well whether interest rates are climbing or falling.
According to S&P Indices’ “Research Insights,” dividends have accounted for roughly a third of total returns since 1926. This is largely because, unlike stock prices that can fluctuate, dividends represent a guaranteed gain once paid out. Even in strong bull markets like the 1950s, 1980s, and 1990s, dividends played a meaningful role in enhancing investor returns. However, their true value becomes especially clear in weaker market cycles, when capital gains are modest or even negative, dividends have often made up more than half of the total return. In some cases, they’ve been the deciding factor in keeping returns positive. In essence, dividends tend to matter most when market performance falls short.
A report from Fenimore Asset Management reveals that between 1972 and 2016, companies that either raised or initiated dividends consistently outperformed those that did not. Historically, a dividend hike has often been viewed as a sign that management is confident in the company’s future. This concept is even the basis of the “Dividend Discount Model,” which values a company based on expected dividend growth.
On average, firms that grew or introduced dividends delivered annualized returns of 9.8%, outpacing businesses that didn’t pay dividends. These companies typically enjoy rising sales and earnings, generating more cash than they need for reinvestment, allowing them to reward shareholders regularly. This pattern also reflects a strong commitment by management and the board to return value to investors.
In contrast, companies that cut or eliminate dividends often struggle financially. These underperformers posted annualized returns of -0.6% during the said period, and such reductions usually point to a weakening business, limited growth prospects, or a need to redirect cash toward internal needs rather than shareholder payouts.
The report also highlighted that one of the key advantages of a growing dividend is its ability to preserve purchasing power over time. As inflation gradually pushes up the cost of living, dividend income needs to grow just to keep up. Assuming a long-term inflation rate of 2%, dividends must increase by at least that much to avoid losing value in real terms.
While investors seeking income may be drawn to stocks with high current yields, it’s just as important to consider how fast those dividends are growing. Focusing solely on yield without looking at growth can be short-sighted. In the long run, companies that steadily raise their dividends provide income that keeps pace with or even exceeds inflation, offering greater financial security. Given this, we will take a look at some of the best dividend aristocrat stocks.
Our Methodology
For this list, we scanned the list of the S&P Dividend Aristocrats– the stocks that have raised their payouts for 25 years or more– and identified stocks with low forward P/E ratios. From there, we picked 11 dividend aristocrats with forward P/E ratios below 20, as of May 7, and ranked them accordingly.
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11. Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV)
Forward P/E Ratio as of May 7: 18.52
Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV) is an American manufacturing company that produces a wide array of industrial equipment and components. The company provides cutting-edge equipment and components, consumable supplies, aftermarket parts, software, digital solutions, and support services across five key segments: Engineered Products, Clean Energy & Fueling, Imaging & Identification, Pumps & Process Solutions, and Climate & Sustainability Technologies.
In the first quarter of 2025, Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV) reported revenue of $1.9 billion, down 1% from the same period last year. The company’s adjusted earnings from continuing operations came in at $$283 million, up 18% from the prior-year period. During the quarter, the company experienced strong and widespread demand and order activity, with notable momentum in markets tied to long-term growth trends such as single-use biopharma components, thermal connectors, and CO2 systems. A significant portion of revenue for the second quarter has already been secured in the backlog. The company also delivered outstanding margin performance, supported by a favorable mix from its high-margin, fast-growing platforms, along with effective cost control and productivity initiatives.
Dover Corporation (NYSE:DOV)’s cash position remained strong. The company generated $157.4 million in operating cash flow, and its free cash flow came in at over $109 million. On May 2, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.515 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. Overall, it has been growing its dividends for the past 68 years, which makes it one of the best dividend aristocrat stocks on our list. The stock has a dividend yield of 1.2%, as of May 7.
10. General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD)
Forward P/E Ratio as of May 7: 18.35
General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) is a Virginia-based aerospace and defence corporation. The company provides a wide range of products and services across several sectors, including business aviation, shipbuilding and maintenance, land-based combat vehicles, weapons and ammunition, as well as technology solutions and services. The stock has surged by over 3% since the start of 2025.
In the first quarter of 2025, General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) reported revenue of $12.22 billion, up nearly 14% from the same period last year. The revenue also surpassed analysts’ estimates by $279.2 million. The EPS of $3.66 also beat consensus by $0.18. All four segments reported year-over-year growth in both revenue and operating earnings, with particularly strong performance in the Aerospace segment. Aerospace revenue rose by 45.2%, operating earnings jumped 69.4%, and profit margins improved by 210 basis points, reaching 14.3%.
General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) also demonstrated a solid cash position in the most recent quarter. The company ended the quarter with $1.2 billion available in cash and cash equivalents. Moreover, it returned $383 million to shareholders through dividends. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $1.50 per share, having raised it by 5.6% in March. This was the company’s 28th consecutive year of dividend growth, which makes GD one of the best dividend aristocrat stocks. The stock has a dividend yield of 2.23%, as of May 7.
9. Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR)
Forward P/E Ratio as of May 7: 18.21
Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR) is an American manufacturing company that offers products and services related to commercial, industrial, and consumer markets. In its latest quarterly results, the company reported that Emerson achieved solid underlying orders in the second quarter, with margin expansion and adjusted earnings surpassing expectations. The quarter also marked another record in gross profit and adjusted segment EBITA margins, reflecting the effectiveness of the Emerson Management System and the strong value customers place on the company’s advanced technologies. Building on a strong first-half performance and successful navigation of the tariff landscape, Emerson expressed confidence in revising its 2025 outlook upward.
In fiscal Q2 2025, Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR) reported an EPS of $1.48 and revenue of $4.43 billion, both exceeding analysts’ estimates by $0.07 and $48.5 million, respectively. The revenue also showed a 1.28% growth from the same period last year. The company also announced the completion of Emerson’s portfolio transformation, marked by the finalized buy-in of AspenTech on March 12. The fiscal year 2025 guidance framework now incorporates full ownership of AspenTech. Net sales guidance has been raised to approximately 4%, reflecting a neutral impact from foreign exchange, while underlying sales remain positioned at the midpoint of the forecast range.
Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR) is a strong dividend payer with a robust balance sheet. In the most recent quarter, the company generated $825 million in operating cash flow, and its free cash flow amounted to $738 million. On May 7, it declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5275 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. Overall, the company has raised its payouts for 67 years in a row. With a dividend yield of 1.88%, as of May 7, EMR is one of the best dividend aristocrat stocks to buy.
