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. (NASDAQ:WASH) 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 (NYSE:HEI) 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).
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