Best Dividend Aristocrats this May 2026

Clorox (CLX) stands out as a leading dividend aristocrat, recognized for its strong presence in consumer goods and currently trading below its fair value. With a robust dividend yield of 5.12%, this stock is ideal for investors seeking reliable income from financially healthy companies, despite its recent 1-year return of -29.02% and a 5-year return of -47.13%. Analysts have set a median price target of $117.00, reflecting a cautious optimism about its potential recovery.

Automatic Data Processing (ADP) stands out as a leader in payroll and HR services, consistently demonstrating growth potential. With a dividend yield of 3.38%, it appeals to investors seeking reliable income from financially healthy companies. However, the stock has experienced a downturn, posting a -32.77% return over the past year, which might raise some valuation concerns despite analysts rating it B+ and setting a median price target of $257.00.

FactSet Research (FDS) stands out as a financial data provider known for its quality and reliability in dividend payouts. Despite a challenging year, reflected in a 46.09% decline, it offers a dividend yield of 2.03%, appealing to investors seeking consistent income from financially healthy companies. Analysts maintain a median price target of $295, with the consensus rating leaning towards a Hold, indicating cautious optimism amidst recent earnings guidance that fell short of expectations.

FDS has a consensus rating of Hold from 10 analysts, with 10% recommending a Strong Buy, 60% suggesting Hold, and 30% advising to Sell.

Viridian Therapeutics has a consensus rating of Strong Buy, with all 16 analysts recommending to buy the stock.

FDS dropped 6.08% due to disappointing earnings guidance, underperforming the broader financial sector's 0.7% decline.

PepsiCo (PEP) emerges as a top dividend aristocrat for 2026, highlighting its status as a solid choice for investors seeking reliable income from financially healthy companies. With a dividend yield of 3.57% and a remarkable 54 consecutive years of dividend increases, PEP demonstrates a commitment to consistent payouts. Analysts maintain a Hold consensus rating, with a median price target of $170, indicating confidence in the stock's continued performance.

PepsiCo (PEP) has a Hold consensus rating from 12 analysts as of March 25, 2026, indicating it may not be a strong buy at this time.

PepsiCo has paid dividends quarterly and increased them for 54 consecutive years, suggesting strong financial stability and a sustainable dividend.

The average twelve-month price target for PepsiCo is $170.26, with a potential upside of 10.71% from its current price of $153.79.

Becton Dickinson (BDX), a medical technology firm recognized for its narrow or wide moat, is currently trading at a discount, presenting an attractive opportunity for value-focused investors. With a 2.28% dividend yield and a recent 1-year return of 21.07%, it showcases solid performance amid a challenging 5-year return of -1.59%. Analysts maintain a median 12-month price target of $168.01, with some projecting an average target of $191.46, indicating potential upside from its current valuation.

Analysts project a 12-month price target for Becton Dickinson (BDX) at an average of $191.46, with estimates ranging from a low of $157 to a high of $225.

Kimberly-Clark (KMB) is a consumer products giant recognized for over 25 years of consistent dividend increases, making it an attractive option for income-focused investors. With a current dividend yield of 4.84%, the company remains financially sound, as its earnings and free cash flow comfortably cover dividend payments. Although KMB has faced a challenging year with a 25.06% decline in stock value, analysts maintain a positive outlook, setting a median price target of $110, reflecting its undervalued status in the market.

KMB is currently trading near the bottom of its 52-week range and has risen 0.89% since the last market close.

Kimberly-Clark's earnings and free cash flow exceed its dividend expenses, indicating that the dividend is sustainable, especially after the recent increase announced alongside its 2025 results.

Analysts have set an average price target of $114.86 for KMB, suggesting a potential upside of 18.22% from its current price of $97.15.

West Pharmaceutical (WST) stands out as a specialty pharmaceutical packaging leader, recognized among top aristocrats for its commitment to sustained increases. With a solid dividend yield of 0.28% and impressive 1-year returns of 41.76%, it appeals to investors looking for reliable income from financially healthy companies. Analysts maintain a positive outlook, with 43% recommending a Strong Buy and a median 12-month price target set at $312.50, indicating strong growth potential in the near term.

43% of analysts recommend a Strong Buy, 29% recommend Buy, and 29% suggest Holding, indicating a generally positive outlook for WST stock.

The stock is expected to rise by 13.70% over the next three months, with a 90% probability of trading between $283.31 and $352.37 at that time.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products, operating through Proprietary and Contract-Manufactured Products segments.

Air Products and Chemicals (APD) stands out as a strong player in the industrial gases sector, boasting a competitive edge that appeals to investors. With a dividend yield of 2.38% and a solid 1-year return of 13.32%, APD is ideal for those seeking reliable income and growth potential. Analysts have a generally favorable outlook, with a median 12-month price target of $290, reflecting a consensus rating of Buy, indicating confidence in the company's future performance.

APD has a consensus rating of Buy from 12 analysts, with 17% recommending Strong Buy, 50% Buy, and 33% Hold.

The average 12-month price target for APD is $318.47, with a high of $350.00 and a low of $282.00, indicating a potential increase of 7.23% from its current price of $297.00.

The fair value of APD is estimated at $315.43, suggesting that the stock is currently undervalued.