In this article, we will take a look at the 13 Best Long-Term Dividend Stocks to Invest in Right Now.
According to a recent report by WisdomTree, dividend growth is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Differences in sector exposure, profitability, and earnings growth expectations play a major role in shaping long-term results. In stable markets, these differences may seem less noticeable. During periods of volatility, their impact becomes much more visible.
Investors who worry about valuation risk often focus on durability. The goal is to own businesses that can sustain cash flows and continue operating effectively through different economic cycles. A focus on quality and consistent growth does not prevent market declines. Still, it can help build portfolios that are better prepared when uncertainty returns.
Nuveen reported that the S&P 500 delivered its third straight year of above-average returns in 2025. This performance was supported by strong interest in AI, solid corporate earnings, and a more supportive monetary policy environment. Dividend stocks, in comparison, have lagged in recent periods. Even so, dividend growers have historically outperformed companies that do not pay dividends. They have also shown lower volatility and remained competitive during market downturns.
The report noted that dividend growth stocks offer a combination of earnings growth, steady cash flow, and strong balance sheets. Their dividend policies tend to be more sustainable, which adds to their appeal. These companies have performed well during rising markets and have also helped limit losses during market declines and volatile periods. Over longer time horizons, dividend growers and companies that initiate dividends have delivered stronger returns with lower risk. Risk, measured by standard deviation, has generally been lower compared with companies that maintained flat dividends, paid no dividends, or reduced or eliminated their payouts.
Dividends are not guaranteed and can change over time. Still, they have played a meaningful role in overall equity returns. From 1930 to 2025, about 39% of the S&P 500’s annualized total return came from dividends and their reinvestment. The remaining portion came from capital appreciation.
Given this, we will take a look at some of the best long-term dividend stocks to invest in.
Our Methodology:
To compile this list, we thoroughly reviewed reputable sources such as Forbes, Morningstar, Barron’s, CNBC, The Times, and Business Insider. We aimed to identify the top long-term dividend stocks recommended by financial media, analysts, and experts. From our research, we picked 12 dividend stocks that are the most popular in the financial media these days. These stocks have strong dividend histories and are financially sound, indicating their ability to sustain dividend payments well into the future.
We limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds.
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. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
13. Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT)
On February 25, Wells Fargo raised its price recommendation on Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) to $870 from $756. It reiterated an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm increased its private non-residential construction forecasts by about 3% for 2026 and 2027. Its analysis points to improving conditions across several key areas. Wells Fargo sees signs of stabilization in semiconductor fabrication and electronics manufacturing, as well as in office and retail construction. It also expects stronger growth in power and data center construction.
During Caterpillar’s Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Joseph Creed described the company’s Centennial year as a major milestone. He said full-year sales and revenues reached $67.6 billion, the highest level in Caterpillar’s history. He also noted that the company generated $9.5 billion in MP&E free cash flow and returned $7.9 billion to shareholders. Backlog increased to a record $51 billion, marking a 71% increase from the previous year.
Creed said quarterly sales and revenues totaled $19.1 billion. This marked the strongest quarterly performance on record and represented an 18% increase compared with the prior year. Growth was supported by higher volumes across all business segments. Demand was especially strong in the Power and Energy segment. Sales to end users increased by 37%, while power generation rose by 44%.
He also reported a full-year adjusted operating profit margin of 17.2%. Adjusted earnings per share reached $19.06. The company expanded its autonomous haul truck fleet to 827 units by the end of 2025, up from 690 units a year earlier. Creed added that power generation sales exceeded $10 billion for the year. This reflected a growth of more than 30% compared with 2024.
Caterpillar Inc. manufactures construction and mining equipment, along with diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. The company operates through its Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Power and Energy segments. It also provides financing and related services through its Financial Products division.
12. Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL)
On February 23, BofA raised its price recommendation on Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) to $105 from $100. It maintained a Buy rating on the shares. The analyst said the company’s presentation at CAGNY highlighted key initiatives tied to its 2030 Strategic Plan. BofA raised its target to reflect stronger confidence in the company’s business momentum. The firm also pointed to Colgate’s focused action plan around innovation as a key driver of future growth. During the Q4 2025 earnings call, Chairman, CEO, and President Noel Wallace said the company delivered stronger-than-expected results in the fourth quarter. He noted that the outlook for 2026 would mark the beginning of Colgate’s new 2030 strategy.
Wallace said the company achieved growth across several financial measures in 2025. These included organic sales, net sales, gross profit, base business earnings per share, and free cash flow. This progress came despite weaker category growth, higher raw material costs, and increased tariff pressure. He outlined the company’s 2030 strategic framework, which focuses on five core priorities. He said Colgate plans to strengthen its global brands and accelerate innovation through scientific research. The company also aims to expand demand by improving its omnichannel capabilities.
Wallace added that Colgate will increase its use of digital tools, data, analytics, and AI. He said the company is also working to improve supply chain efficiency through predictive analytics and automation. He noted that Colgate has introduced a strategic growth and productivity program to support these efforts. He said the program will help drive organizational changes and provide funding to support the company’s long-term strategy.
Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) continues to position itself as a growth-focused business. The company operates across Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, and Pet Nutrition.
