Top 25 Dividend Aristocrats Among Billionaires

Investing in dividend stocks has become increasingly popular for investors seeking consistent income. Amidst fluctuating market sentiments, dividends offer a reliable source of regular income. Dividend aristocrats, companies that have consistently increased dividends for 25 consecutive years or more, are particularly favored. In this article, we’ll delve into the top 25 dividend aristocrats among billionaires, exploring their performance and the insights of prominent investors.

The Significance of Dividends

Dividends historically have been a vital component of investors’ returns. The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrat Index, despite trailing its benchmark, has outperformed most US active managers in the last decade. Rupert Watts from S&P Dow Jones Indices highlights the significance, stating, “Raising your dividend for 25 plus years is no easy feat. These are high-quality companies.”

Over the last five decades, reinvested dividends have contributed significantly to the total return of the S&P 500 Index, comprising about 72%. Firms consistently increasing dividends or initiating payments have generally offered higher overall returns with lower volatility compared to those maintaining steady or reduced dividends.

Dividend Aristocrats’ Resilience

Although dividend stocks may trail the overall market in certain years, they have historically outperformed during specific periods. The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrat Index has demonstrated strength in both upward and downward market movements, with notable resilience during market downturns. In 2022, it surpassed the broader S&P 500 by 12%, showcasing its ability to weather market challenges.

Top 25 Dividend Aristocrats Among Billionaires

25. Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (NYSE: CHD)

• Billionaire Investors: 13
• Hedge Fund Holders: 33
• Dividend Yield: 1.17%

24. Linde plc (NASDAQ: LIN)

• Billionaire Investors: 13
• Hedge Fund Holders: 71
• Dividend Yield: 1.27%

23. A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS)

• Billionaire Investors: 13
• Hedge Fund Holders: 37
• Dividend Yield: 1.66%

22. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO)

• Billionaire Investors: 13
• Hedge Fund Holders: 40
• Dividend Yield: 9.44%

21. Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE: BDX)

• Billionaire Investors: 13
• Hedge Fund Holders: 57
• Dividend Yield: 1.63%

20. International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE: IBM)

• Billionaire Investors: 14
• Hedge Fund Holders: 53
• Dividend Yield: 4.14%

19. Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT)

• Billionaire Investors: 14
• Hedge Fund Holders: 58
• Dividend Yield: 3.31%

18. Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL)

• Billionaire Investors: 14
• Hedge Fund Holders: 53
• Dividend Yield: 1.11%

17. Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT)

• Billionaire Investors: 14
• Hedge Fund Holders: 50
• Dividend Yield: 2.03%

16. NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE)

• Billionaire Investors: 15
• Hedge Fund Holders: 58
• Dividend Yield: 3.11%

15. 3M Company (NYSE: MMM)

• Billionaire Investors: 16
• Hedge Fund Holders: 54
• Dividend Yield: 5.83%

14. Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT)

• Billionaire Investors: 16
• Hedge Fund Holders: 59
• Dividend Yield: 3.49%

13. Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE: CL)

• Billionaire Investors: 16
• Hedge Fund Holders: 52
• Dividend Yield: 2.48%

12. McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE: MCD)

• Billionaire Investors: 17
• Hedge Fund Holders: 70
• Dividend Yield: 2.33%

11. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM)

• Billionaire Investors: 17
• Hedge Fund Holders: 79
• Dividend Yield: 3.83%

Stay tuned for the top 10 dividend aristocrats among billionaires, where we’ll explore the insights and strategies of some of the most successful investors.

Top 10 Dividend Aristocrats Among Billionaires

10. The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG)

• Billionaire Investors: 17
• Hedge Fund Holders: 69
• Dividend Yield: 2.67%
• Dividend Streak: 65 years

The Procter & Gamble Company is a household name known for its diverse range of consumer goods. With a dividend streak of 65 years, the company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.8698 per share. As of December 6, the stock boasts a dividend yield of 2.67%. It attracted investments from 17 billionaires, with a notable presence in 69 hedge fund portfolios.

9. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO)

• Billionaire Investors: 17
• Hedge Fund Holders: 66
• Dividend Yield: 3.34%
• Dividend Streak: 59 years

The Coca-Cola Company, an iconic beverage giant, has a dividend streak of 59 years. With a quarterly dividend of $0.44 per share, the stock yields 3.34% as of December 6. It’s a favorite among billionaires, with 17 investors holding stakes and 66 hedge funds having positions in the company.

8. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ)

• Billionaire Investors: 18
• Hedge Fund Holders: 67
• Dividend Yield: 2.55%
• Dividend Streak: 59 years

Johnson & Johnson, a global healthcare conglomerate, maintains a dividend streak of 59 years. Offering a quarterly dividend of $1.06 per share, the stock yields 2.55%. In Q3 2023, 18 billionaires invested in the company, while 67 hedge funds held positions.

7. Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX)

• Billionaire Investors: 18
• Hedge Fund Holders: 78
• Dividend Yield: 3.99%
• Dividend Streak: 35 years

Chevron Corporation, a major player in the energy sector, has been consistently increasing dividends for 35 years. With a quarterly dividend of $1.34 per share, the stock yields 3.99%. Eighteen billionaires and 78 hedge funds found value in Chevron during Q3 2023.

6. The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX)

• Billionaire Investors: 19
• Hedge Fund Holders: 52
• Dividend Yield: 2.69%
• Dividend Streak: 51 years

The Clorox Company, renowned for its household and cleaning products, has an impressive dividend streak of 51 years. Offering a quarterly dividend of $1.16 per share, the stock yields 2.69%. Nineteen billionaires and 52 hedge funds recognize the value in The Clorox Company.

5. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV)

• Billionaire Investors: 19
• Hedge Fund Holders: 76
• Dividend Yield: 3.88%
• Dividend Streak: 9 years

AbbVie Inc., a pharmaceutical giant, has a more recent but robust dividend streak of 9 years. With a quarterly dividend of $1.41 per share, the stock yields 3.88%. Nineteen billionaires and 76 hedge funds have shown confidence in AbbVie during Q3 2023.

4. PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP)

• Billionaire Investors: 19
• Hedge Fund Holders: 66
• Dividend Yield: 2.82%
• Dividend Streak: 50 years

PepsiCo, Inc., a global food and beverage powerhouse, boasts a dividend streak of 50 years. Offering a quarterly dividend of $1.075 per share, the stock yields 2.82%. Nineteen billionaires and 66 hedge funds are among its investors.

3. Realty Income Corporation (NYSE: O)

• Billionaire Investors: 20
• Hedge Fund Holders: 74
• Dividend Yield: 4.1%
• Dividend Streak: 52 years

Realty Income Corporation, known as “The Monthly Dividend Company,” has an impressive dividend streak of 52 years. With a monthly dividend of $0.2355 per share, the stock yields 4.1%. Twenty billionaires and 74 hedge funds recognize the stability in Realty Income.

2. The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS)

• Billionaire Investors: 20
• Hedge Fund Holders: 76
• Dividend Yield: 1.26%
• Dividend Streak: 65 years

The Walt Disney Company, an entertainment conglomerate, maintains a dividend streak of 65 years. Offering a semi-annual dividend of $0.88 per share, the stock yields 1.26%. Twenty billionaires and 76 hedge funds find value in Disney’s diversified entertainment portfolio.

1. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT)

• Billionaire Investors: 22
• Hedge Fund Holders: 157
• Dividend Yield: 0.87%
• Dividend Streak: 19 years

Microsoft Corporation, a technology giant, has been steadily increasing dividends for 19 years. With a quarterly dividend of $0.62 per share, the stock yields 0.87%. It stands as the top choice among billionaires, with 22 investors and a staggering 157 hedge funds holding positions.

Conclusion

These top 10 dividend aristocrats among billionaires represent a blend of industry leaders across various sectors. As we navigate the complex landscape of investing, the appeal of these companies lies not only in their consistent dividend payments but also in their ability to withstand market challenges and deliver long-term value to investors.