In this article, we will take a look at some of the best dividend growth stocks for long-term investors.
Dividend stocks have long been popular among investors, though in recent years, they’ve taken a back seat to high-growth companies. Still, many long-term investors continue to see their value, as consistent dividend growth can provide lasting benefits.
Firms that regularly increasing payouts are often viewed as financially sound, with stable or improving competitive positions. Historically, dividend growth stocks also tend to be less volatile than the broader market, which has made them a favorite among investors seeking steady returns.
Morningstar recently noted that dividend growth strategies have offered smoother performance compared to the overall market. While not always synonymous with “quality,” these stocks still represent a solid, defensive investment option. For risk-conscious investors, companies that steadily raise their dividends remain a practical and appealing way to participate in the equity market. Given this, we will take a look at some of the best dividend aristocrat stocks to invest in.
Our Methodology
For this article, we scanned the list of dividend aristocrats, which are the companies that have raised their payouts for 25 consecutive years or more. From that list, we picked 15 companies with dividend yields above 2%, as of October 12. The stocks are ranked according to their dividend yields.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
15. Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL)
Dividend Yield as of October 12: 2.09%
An American insurance company, Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL), mainly focuses on supplemental health and life insurance. The Japanese market plays a vital role in Aflac’s overall performance, contributing a substantial share of its earnings. In the second quarter of 2025, Aflac Japan reported net earned premiums of ¥254.6 billion. The company recorded a 23.2% year-over-year increase in sales, supported by strong premium persistency. Much of this growth was driven by the success of its new cancer insurance product, Miraito.
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) continues to prioritize innovation, product development, and the expansion of its distribution network through strategic partnerships. The company’s current focus lies in strengthening its distribution channels and enhancing its product portfolio to align with changing customer needs. Success for the company depends on its ability to develop competitive products, deepen market penetration, and effectively manage regulatory requirements across both Japan and the United States.
In addition to its global presence, Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) is widely known because of its status as one of the best dividend aristocrat stocks. The company has been rewarding shareholders with growing dividends for the past 42 years and currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.58 per share. As of October 12, the stock has a dividend yield of 2.09%.
14. Cincinnati Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:CINF)
Dividend Yield as of October 12: 2.19%
Maintaining and increasing dividend payments through economic downturns is a rare accomplishment, achieved only by companies with reliable income streams and solid financial discipline. Cincinnati Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:CINF) stands out as one such company, having raised its dividend every year since 1960.
With a history that stretches back more than a century, Cincinnati Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:CINF) has built a strong presence in the US insurance industry. The company provides property and casualty coverage through a wide network of independent agents and also offers life insurance and specialty policies for higher-risk or unusual cases. It’s agent-driven model is one of its key advantages, fostering long-term relationships with local agencies and policyholders, which has helped sustain consistent growth over the years.
Even during recessions, Cincinnati Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:CINF) has continued to raise its dividend, though sometimes modestly, to maintain its track record. This consistency highlights the company’s solid financial position and careful cash management, qualities that few insurers can match during economic slowdowns.
The insurer’s 65-year streak of consecutive dividends increases reflects its conservative underwriting approach and management’s focus on long-term stability. Another factor supporting this achievement is its disciplined payout ratio, which provides a comfortable safety buffer and ensures the sustainability of its dividend policy. Cincinnati Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:CINF) currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.87 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.19%, as of October 12.
13. PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG)
Dividend Yield as of October 12: 2.88%
PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG) is a leading supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials, serving a wide range of industries including construction, consumer goods, industrial manufacturing, transportation, and aftermarket services.
In recent years, the company has invested billions in acquisitions to fuel its next phase of growth. While PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG) aims to maintain a balanced capital allocation approach, it remains willing to make sizable acquisitions when the right opportunities arise. The company has also devoted a significant portion of its cash toward share repurchases, a move that has contributed meaningfully to its earnings-per-share growth over time.
Acquisitions have long been central to PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG)’s expansion strategy, though they have also added to its debt levels. Today, the company operates almost entirely as a coatings-focused business, having moved away from its traditional glass and chemical operations. This transition has left the company with a streamlined coatings portfolio that has delivered stronger margins in recent years.
Due to these strategic shifts, PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG) was able to maintain its dividend policy over the years. The company has been increasing its dividends for 54 consecutive years, which makes it one of the best dividend aristocrat stocks. With a quarterly dividend of $0.87 per share, PPG has a dividend yield of 2.88%, as of October 12.
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