In this article, we will take a look at the 10 Best July Dividend Stocks to Buy.
Dividend stocks have remained a popular choice for investors over the years. They offer the potential for long-term returns while providing a steady stream of income. Research shows that dividends have been a key part of overall market gains. According to a T. Rowe Price report, they have accounted for nearly one-third of total US stock returns since 1926.
The same report found that dividends became even more important between 1980 and 2019, when interest rates were falling. During that period, they made up 75% of total market returns. The report also noted that dividend-paying stocks can provide reliable income when low interest rates make fixed-income investments less attractive.
S&P Global also highlighted the strength of dividend growth. Its report found that over the 15 years ending in August 2022, dividends grew at an average annual rate of 13.71%. Over the same period, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by an average of 2.21%.
Given this, we will take a look at some of the best dividend stocks to buy in July.
Our Methodology:
For this list, we selected dividend stocks that will trade ex-dividend in July 2026. The ex-dividend date indicates the cutoff day to buy a stock to receive its upcoming dividend payment. We picked companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These companies are also popular among elite funds and analysts. The stocks are ranked according to their ex-dividend dates.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Insider Monkey’s quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 599.2% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 372 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:WASH)
Ex-Dividend Date: July 1
On June 26, Piper Sandler raised its price recommendation on Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:WASH) to $35 from $32. It reiterated a Neutral rating on the stock. The firm updated its price targets across the Northeast banking group as part of its second-quarter earnings preview.
Earlier in May, BofA lowered its price goal on WASH to $31 from $34. It maintained a Neutral rating. In a research note, the analyst said that most mid-cap banks kept their 2026 net interest income (NII) and net interest margin (NIM) guidance unchanged, even after removing expected rate cuts from their assumptions. The analyst said this highlighted the sector’s sensitivity to a flattening yield curve. The firm also noted that it continues to see downside risk to NII because deposit costs could remain higher than previously expected.
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company of The Washington Trust Company, a state-chartered bank and financial services company. The company operates through two business segments: Commercial Banking and Wealth Management Services.
9. HEICO Corporation (NYSE:HEI)
Ex-Dividend Date: July 1
On June 1, UBS raised its price recommendation on HEICO Corporation (NYSE:HEI) to $390 from $371. It reiterated a Neutral rating on the stock. Following a strong second-quarter earnings beat, driven by 18% organic growth and segment EBIT margins that came in well above consensus, UBS increased its EBITDA estimates. Analyst Gavin Parsons said demand remains strong across both the commercial aerospace and defense markets, with no meaningful slowdown in the aftermarket business despite geopolitical tensions and higher fuel prices.
On May 29, RBC Capital also raised its price goal on HEI to $390 from $375. It maintained an Outperform rating. The firm said the company’s fiscal second-quarter results were strong, with revenue exceeding consensus estimates by 10%. RBC noted that Heico’s sales increased 25% year over year, including about 18% organic growth. Both of the company’s business segments posted high-teens organic growth, according to the analyst.
HEICO Corporation manufactures jet engines and aircraft component replacement parts. The company operates through two segments: the Flight Support Group (FSG) and the Electronic Technologies Group (ETG).
8. Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY)
Ex-Dividend Date: July 6
On June 24, Baird raised its price recommendation on Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) to $85 from $84. It reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares. The firm updated its model following the company’s fourth-quarter results.
During Korn Ferry’s fiscal Q4 2026 earnings call, President, CEO, and Executive Director Gary Burnison said the company will begin reporting its external operating segments by three geographic regions starting in the first quarter: the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.
Burnison also said the company will report its business across three solution categories. These include Search, which combines executive and professional search; Talent and Organizational Solutions, which covers digital and consulting services; and Workforce Solutions, which includes RPO and interim offerings.
Executive Vice President, CFO, and Chief Corporate Officer Robert Rozek said the company’s estimated remaining fees under existing contracts reached nearly $1.9 billion at the end of the fourth quarter, up 10% from a year earlier. He added that every solution category posted growth during the period.
Korn Ferry is a global consulting firm. The company provides services across five solution areas: consulting, digital, executive search, professional search and interim, and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO).
7. McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC)
Ex-Dividend Date: July 6
On June 26, TD Cowen lowered its price recommendation on McCormick & Company, Incorporated to $60 from $64. It reiterated a Buy rating on the shares. Analyst Robert Moskow updated the firm’s model following the company’s second-quarter results. Management maintained its full-year guidance and said Americas Consumer volume is expected to return to positive growth in the fourth quarter as a result of its marketing initiatives.
Also on June 26, Bernstein lowered its price goal on McCormick to $68 from $77. It kept an Outperform rating on the stock. Analyst Alexia Howard said in a research note that while the recovery in the Flavor Solutions business could support performance for some time, the Consumer segment has been “underwhelming.”
McCormick & Company, Incorporated manufactures, markets, and distributes herbs, spices, seasonings, condiments, and flavors to the food and beverage industry, serving retailers, food manufacturers, and foodservice businesses.
6. The New York Times Company (NYSE:NYT)
Ex-Dividend Date: July 8
On June 24, BofA lowered its price recommendation on The New York Times Company (NYSE:NYT) to $80 from $87. It reiterated a Neutral rating on the stock. The firm said the lower target reflects multiple compressions across its peer group. While it believes The Times deserves to trade at a premium to both the broader media sector and the market because of its stable business, subscription-driven revenue, and strong free cash flow profile, the analyst sees the stock’s current risk/reward as balanced at its present valuation.
During the company’s Q1 2026 earnings call, CEO, President, and Director Meredith Kopit Levien described the quarter as another strong one for The Times. She said digital subscription revenue increased 16%. The company added 310,000 net new digital subscribers, bringing its total subscriber base to more than 13 million. She added that the company was making steady progress toward its next milestone of 15 million subscribers and beyond.
Levien also discussed the challenges of operating in a media landscape shaped by a small number of technology companies. She noted that changes made by these platforms continue to affect publisher traffic. While she said The Times was not immune to those shifts, she emphasized that the company also saw meaningful opportunities to benefit from changing audience demand.
She also pointed to the company’s strong advertising performance, saying digital advertising revenue rose 32% during the quarter. Levien added that The Times continued to invest in its journalism and product offerings, including video. She noted that the company more than doubled its production of reporter-led videos in the first quarter.
The New York Times Company is a global media company focused on creating and distributing news and information that helps its audience understand and engage with the world.
5. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL)
Ex-Dividend Date: July 9
On June 26, Citi raised its price recommendation on Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) to $106 from $79. It reiterated a Buy rating on the stock as part of its Q2 earnings preview for the airline sector. The firm expects nearly every airline to beat second-quarter estimates and issue third-quarter guidance above consensus expectations. Even so, the analyst said much of that optimism already appears to be reflected in recent share price gains.
On June 25, Barclays also raised its price goal on DAL to $105 from $85. It kept an Overweight rating. The firm updated its airline price targets as part of its Q2 earnings preview. Analyst Brandon Oglenski said airlines are likely to guide third-quarter unit revenues higher, which could support a stronger margin outlook in 2027, especially if energy prices continue to trend lower. Barclays sees the strongest outlooks and the greatest potential share upside this quarter for United Airlines and Southwest. The firm also said Middle East peace has “revived interest” in US airline stocks as “robust” travel demand continues alongside flat industry capacity growth.
Delta Air Lines, Inc. provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo throughout the United States and around the world.
4. Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN)
Ex-Dividend Date: July 10
On June 16, UBS lowered its price recommendation on Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) to $94 from $107. It reiterated a Neutral rating on the stock. The firm updated its model following the company’s second-quarter earnings report.
The same day, JPMorgan reduced its price goal on Lennar to $77 from $80. It kept an Underweight rating. The firm said the company lowered its fiscal 2026 closings guidance after a weaker-than-expected spring selling season. Following the earnings report, JPMorgan also revised its estimates for the company.
During the Q2 2026 earnings call, Executive Chairman, CEO, and President Stuart Miller said Lennar delivered 20,519 homes during the quarter, around the midpoint of its guidance. New orders reached 21,749 homes, near the high end of the company’s projected range. He also noted that gross margin improved sequentially to 15.6%.
Miller highlighted lower sales incentives as an encouraging development. He said the sales incentive rate on home deliveries declined to 12.9% during the quarter, down from 14.1% in the first quarter and 14.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025. He added that the company was beginning to see what could be the first meaningful and potentially sustainable decline in incentive levels.
Management changes were also a focus during the call. Miller introduced Jim Parker as Lennar’s newly promoted and appointed Chief Operating Officer and David Grove as its newly promoted and appointed Executive Vice President for Homebuilding. He said the two executives would jointly oversee the company’s homebuilding operations across the country.
Lennar Corporation is a homebuilder and an originator of residential and commercial mortgage loans. The company also provides title insurance and closing services and develops multifamily rental properties.
3. Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI)
Ex-Dividend Date: July 10
On June 26, Piper Sandler raised its price recommendation on Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) to $212 from $208. It reiterated a Neutral rating on the stock. Following Darden’s fourth-quarter results, analyst Brian Mullan said the company’s Q4 performance and initial FY27 guidance were broadly in line with expectations. He noted that the upper end of the adjusted EPS guidance came in close to the pre-print consensus. In a research note, Mullan said management pointed to the company’s ongoing scale advantages across its brands, which continue to support stronger traffic and same-store sales growth than the broader restaurant industry. The firm expects those trends to continue.
Also on June 26, BTIG raised its price goal on Darden to $235 from $225. It maintained a Buy rating on the shares. The analyst said Darden’s Q4 comparable sales exceeded expectations, reflecting a resilient consumer as traffic increased across all income groups despite elevated gas prices and broader economic pressures. The firm added that sales trends appeared stronger than earnings, as higher marketing costs, pre-opening expenses, and diesel costs weighed on profitability.
Darden Restaurants, Inc. owns and operates full-service dining restaurants in the United States under the trade names Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Chuy’s, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Ruth’s Chris), The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood (Eddie V’s), Bahama Breeze, and The Capital Burger.
2. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV)
Ex-Dividend Date: July 15
On June 27, AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) said the Food and Drug Administration approved Skyrizi for pediatric patients with psoriasis. The company said Skyrizi, or risankizumab-rzaa, can now be used in patients aged six years and older to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis or active psoriatic arthritis.
AbbVie also received approval for a new 55 mg pre-filled syringe for patients weighing less than 40 kg, or about 88 pounds. Patients weighing 40 kg or more can continue using the currently available 150 mg pre-filled syringe (PFS) and Pen.
According to AbbVie, about 30% of people who develop psoriasis experience symptoms before the age of 18. Skyrizi is also approved to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, moderate to severe Crohn’s disease, and moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.
AbbVie Inc. is a global, diversified, research-based biopharmaceutical company. It focuses on the research and development, manufacturing, commercialization, and sale of medicines and therapies.
1. Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:CASY)
Ex-Dividend Date: July 31
On June 25, RBC Capital raised its price recommendation on Casey’s General Stores, Inc. to $850 from $794. It reiterated a Sector Perform rating on the stock. The firm said the company’s Investor Day struck a constructive tone and highlighted the strength of its senior leadership team. It also gave analysts a chance to refine their expectations for key performance metrics, especially new store development. In a research note, RBC said the assumptions supporting Casey’s projected 8% to 10% EBITDA compound annual growth rate through fiscal 2029 appear achievable, backed by the company’s strong momentum, growth drivers, and planned investments.
On the same day, Goldman Sachs raised its price goal on CASY to $795 from $695. It kept a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm said Casey’s target of 8% to 10% EBITDA growth should be achievable and could even prove conservative. In a research note, Goldman Sachs said management has executed its flywheel growth strategy effectively and used the company’s scale to balance volume and margin growth despite changing industry conditions. The firm added that this strength already seems to be reflected in Casey’s current valuation.
Casey’s General Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate approximately 2,900 convenience stores across 19 states.
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