3 Best Dividend Aristocrat Stocks to Buy Now, 03/18/2026

2026-03-18 23:06:30

The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has investors on edge. However, dividend aristocrats offer investors shelter, as these companies have consistently raised their dividend for at least 25 years.

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The article uses the TipRanks Dividend Aristocrat tool to identify three such names: Stanley Black & Decker SWK -0.68% ▼ , PPG Industries PPG -1.94% ▼ , and PepsiCo PEP -1.73% ▼ .

Which Dividend Aristocrat Stocks Are the Best to Buy?

According to Wall Street analysts, the three stocks listed below are worth buying. Each stock currently has a dividend payout ratio of at least 70%, meaning that each company recently distributed at least two-thirds of its net earnings to shareholders as dividends. Furthermore, each company currently has a Buy rating based on consensus from top analysts or broader Wall Street agreement, with significant upside potential.

Be sure to click on any ticker to thoroughly research the stock before you decide whether to add it to your portfolio. Here are today’s top dividend aristocrat stock picks from TipRanks.

Stanley Black & Decker SWK -0.68% ▼ — This is an American tools and accessories company that manufactures a diverse range of products from precision hand tools such as screwdrivers and rustless rulers to heavy-duty industrial machinery. The Connecticut-based company currently has a dividend payout ratio of 141.75%. SWK paid 83 cents per share in its last dividend issuance, with a dividend yield of 4.66%. Its shares currently have a Moderate Buy consensus rating from 11 analysts, with an average price target of $89.90 that implies about 26% upside.
PPG Industries PPG -1.94% ▼ — This U.S. specialty chemicals company produces and distributes paints, coatings, and other specialty materials across the world. The Pennsylvania-based company currently has a dividend payout ratio of 74.14%. It paid 71 cents per share in its last dividend issuance, with a dividend yield of 0.71%. PPG stock currently holds a Moderate Buy consensus rating from 14 Wall Street analysts, with an average price target of $127.54, suggesting about 25% upside.
PepsiCo PEP -1.73% ▼ — PepsiCo is known across the world as a non-alcoholic beverage producer, especially for its Pepsi cola soft drink. The American company also sells snacks and other convenient food items. PepsiCo currently has a dividend payout ratio of 140.67%. It paid $1.42 per share in its last dividend issuance, with a dividend yield of 3.64%. PEP stock currently holds a Moderate Buy consensus rating from 14 Wall Street analysts. This comes with an average price target of $174.86, which implies about 14% upside.

What Are Dividend Aristocrats?

Companies known as dividend aristocrats in the S&P 500 (SPX) form a select club of names that have raised and paid their dividend every year for at least 25 years, which naturally appeals to investors seeking reliable income.

Some observers also contend that newly listed spin-offs deserve a place in this group, since they are often seen as inheriting their former parent companies’ long histories of uninterrupted dividend growth.

Interested in More Dividend Aristocrat Stocks?

To find more stocks like these, take a look at TipRanks’ Dividend Aristocrats tool.

The page provides an exhaustive list of all dividend aristocrats, including their most recent dividend yields, previous dividend amounts, payout ratios, and other details.

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