If fewer than 40 stocks meet criteria, the index may include companies with shorter dividend growth histories. (proshares.com)
I usually look at the past 5 years dividend growth history to see how the company has been doing and read more about management's dividend policy in their annual statement. (dividendstocksrock.com)
9 % = Companies with a very strong competitive advantages + stellar balance sheet + strong dividend growth history (10 years + with consecutive increase). (dividendstocksrock.com)