Dividend-paying stocks remain a popular choice for investors seeking passive income, but it's critical to look at the longevity and sustainability of a company's dividend, as opposed to simply seeking out the highest possible yield. For investors seeking out the best dividend stocks, there are Dividend Aristocrats and Dividend Kings.
Dividend Aristocrats are companies in the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) that have raised their dividend payouts for at least 25 years consistently. As for Dividend Kings, these companies have raised their dividend payout for at least 50 consecutive years. Notably, membership in the S&P 500 is mandatory for Aristocrat status, though that's not the case for the title of King.
