10 Best Dividend Stocks To Buy and Hold Forever

2. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 139

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is an American multinational healthcare and insurance company. The company is facing short-term challenges, mainly due to rising medical costs, especially in its Medicare Advantage plans. To address this, the company plans to raise premiums— some of which will take effect next year—while also tightening provider networks and improving cost controls. Its Optum segment is also undergoing changes, including pricing adjustments and reducing patient volume.

In addition, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is rolling out cost-cutting measures and expanding the use of AI to improve efficiency. Despite current issues, the company expects to return to earnings growth in 2026, with further acceleration in 2027. Former CEO Stephen Hemsley is back at the helm, bringing experienced leadership during this transition.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a solid dividend company. In June, the company declared a 5.2% hike in its quarterly dividend to $2.21 per share. This was the company’s 15th consecutive year of dividend growth, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks to invest in. The stock has a dividend yield of 3.54%, as of July 31.