The 3 Best Dividend Aristocrats To Buy In 2026

Investing in Dividend Aristocrats can anchor your portfolio by providing solid dividend growth from proven, successful businesses that have endured multiple business cycles. These companies, part of the S&P 500, have increased dividends for at least 25 consecutive years, demonstrating their durability through economic challenges like recessions, world wars, and market shifts. The steady income they offer helps offset the volatility that stock prices experience during market downturns, allowing investors to maintain returns even when capital gains falter. 

This approach supports long-term wealth building with lower risk compared to non-dividend stocks. In 2026, of the 69 stocks counted among the dividend royalty, Aflac (NYSE:AFL), Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW), and Nordson (NASDAQ:NDSN) stand out as the three best Dividend Aristocrats to buy today.

Aflac (AFL)

Aflac provides supplemental health and life insurance products, focusing on policies that cover expenses not handled by major medical plans, such as out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatment or accidents. The company operates primarily in the U.S. and Japan, serving individuals and groups through agents and brokers. 

It is understandable why an insurer would make the list, given the significant cash flows generated from premiums collected upfront and paid out only when claims are made. They use these cash piles to invest, buy back stock, and pay dividends. This is how Warren Buffett turned Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK-A)(NYSE:BRK-B) into the massive conglomerate it is today, even though it doesn’t pay dividends.

Aflac has raised its dividend for 43 consecutive years, with a current yield of 2.1%. The 10-year dividend growth CAGR is 11.9%, while the five-year CAGR is 16.9%, showing an accelerating pace. While the current yield may seem low, the yield on cost for long-term holders becomes a dividend flywheel as payouts grow substantially over time. Investors who bought Aflac stock a decade ago now enjoy an 8.6% yield on those shares, making Aflac a stock to buy and hold. 

Lowe’s (LOW)

Lowe’s is the second-largest home improvement retailer behind Home Depot (NYSE:HD), with over 1,700 stores in the U.S. and Canada. It serves both do-it-yourself customers and professional contractors, and as a Fortune 100 company, Lowe’s benefits from a strong consumer brand and healthy balance sheet, positioning it well in the $1 trillion home improvement market. Its decades-long success stems from its ability to handle approximately 16 million customer transactions weekly, supported by a robust supply chain and plans to open 10 to 15 new stores annually to expand market share.

Lowe’s has increased dividends for 62 straight years, also making it a Dividend King, offering a current yield of 2%. Its dividend growth shows consistency, with a 10-year CAGR of 16.51% and a five-year CAGR of 15.9%. Although the yield appears modest at present, the 10-year yield on cost bumps that up to 3%, as repeated hikes compound returns far beyond initial levels.

Nordson (NDSN)

Nordson is a manufacturer of precision dispensing equipment, systems, and components used in industrial applications, such as adhesives, coatings, and sealants for packaging, electronics, and medical devices. The company delivers fully integrated systems, after-market parts, and consumables worldwide. 

Nordson’s success comes from its focus on world-class precision engineering and superior global service, including consultative sales and application expertise. Its Ascend strategy aims to double company value every five years through innovation and growth, supporting self-renewing operations that benefit stakeholders.

Nordson has 63 years of consecutive dividend payments and 62 years of annual increases, ranking among the top 10 companies with the longest histories of raising the payout. The dividend currently yields 1.7%. The growth rate, though, is also accelerating, with a 10-year CAGR of 13.3% and a five-year CAGR of 15.8%.

The post The 3 Best Dividend Aristocrats to Buy in 2026 appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..