Dividends · updated October 21, 2026
What consecutive years of dividend growth mean
The number of consecutive years of dividend growth shows how many years in a row the company has paid a higher dividend than the year before. Companies that have raised their dividend 25 years in a row are called "dividend aristocrats".
How it is calculated
We compare the total dividend paid in each calendar year with the year before. The streak stops in the first year the dividend fell or stayed flat. Special (one-time) dividends are not counted.
How to read years of dividend growth
A long streak shows a company with steady profit and management that cares about shareholders. It does not guarantee next year's raise.
When years of dividend growth can fool you
Token raises: some companies raise the dividend by 1% just to keep the streak alive.
Related terms
Questions about years of dividend growth
What are dividend aristocrats?
S&P 500 companies that have raised their dividend for at least 25 years in a row, such as Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson or Procter & Gamble.
These explanations are for information only. They are not a recommendation to buy or sell.
Back to the glossary