14 Best Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold in 2026

In this article, we will take a look at some of the best dividend aristocrat stocks to invest in.Dividends play a real role in equity returns. Over long stretches of time, they add up. Since 1926, dividends have made up about 31% of the S&P 500’s total return, while capital appreciation accounts for the remaining 69%. That split matters when thinking about long-term results.For most investors, total return is not just about price gains. Steady dividend income and the ability for a stock to grow over time bo ...