When it comes to the best dividend stocks in the S&P 500, Dividend Aristocrats may first come to mind. As you may know, Dividend Aristocrats are S&P 500 stocks with a 25-year or longer track record of annual dividend increases. While those stocks represent many of the best dividend stocks to buy and hold, many other non-aristocratic S&P 500 components are worth a closer look due to their merits as long-term dividend stocks. Weighing all factors (not just dividend yield), a few names stand out in terms of bo ...