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.
11. Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT)
On February 26, Bernstein raised its price recommendation on Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) to $91 from $80 and maintained an Underperform rating. The firm noted that Target is scheduled to report its Q4 results on March 3, followed by an Investor Meeting in Minneapolis. This will be the first investor event led by CEO Michael Fiddelke in the company’s home market. Bernstein expects the company to provide a clearer and more detailed update on its strategy than in previous years.
At the same time, Target announced plans to open seven new stores this spring. These locations will expand its presence while bringing its affordable and customer-focused shopping experience to more communities. The new stores will also create jobs across California, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Texas.
The company noted that five of the seven new stores will be larger than its average store size of 125,000 square feet. This reflects a shift toward operating bigger formats, which allow Target to offer a broader range of products and services under one roof. These openings are part of a longer-term expansion plan. Target said it intends to open more than 30 stores this year and build over 300 new locations by 2035. The goal is to reach more customers and strengthen its national footprint.
The company said its stores offer a mix of trendy merchandise and everyday essentials, giving customers both value and variety. Shoppers can visit stores in person or use same-day services such as Drive Up, Order Pickup, and same-day delivery through Target Circle 360.
Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) operates as a general merchandise retailer, serving customers through its physical stores and digital platforms. The company offers everyday essentials and distinctive merchandise at discounted prices.
10. Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR)
On February 26, Oppenheimer analyst Kristen Owen raised the price recommendation on Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR) to $78 from $76. The analyst maintained an Outperform rating on the stock. The firm said recent results came in lighter than expected, but progress on portfolio actions continues to support the long-term investment case. Oppenheimer believes the company is entering a year with several potential catalysts. Improving farmer fundamentals, along with decisions related to its Phosphate business, Trinidad nitrogen operations, and Brazil Retail segment, are expected to improve earnings stability and strengthen free cash flow over time.
Reuters reported on February 19 that Nutrien expects crop nutrient demand to increase in 2026. This outlook comes even as farmers reduce phosphate fertilizer use due to lower returns. During its fourth-quarter earnings call, the company said potash demand is likely to rise. This is tied to strong crop production in 2025, lower fertilizer application during the U.S. fall season, and the relatively lower cost of potash compared with other fertilizers.
CEO Ken Seitz said North American potash sales will be “driven by the need to replenish soil nutrients following a record crop and a shortened fall application window.” He also noted that favorable weather in Australia is expected to support potash demand, as farmers prepare for upcoming planting seasons.
Seitz added that retail farm product sales in Brazil remain under pressure due to weak farmer profitability. As a result, many growers are delaying purchases for as long as possible. Even so, he said potash demand is unlikely to decline. Its lower cost makes it a practical choice, especially after large crops in 2025 depleted soil nutrients. He explained that farmers facing tight margins or losses often focus on maximizing crop yields. Achieving that goal requires sufficient fertilizer use, which continues to support long-term demand.
Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR) operates as a global provider of crop inputs and agricultural services. The company runs a large network of production, distribution, and retail facilities, with operations across its Nutrien Ag Solutions, Potash, Nitrogen, and Phosphate segments.
9. Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O)
On February 26, Evercore ISI raised its price recommendation on Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) to $65 from $62. It maintained an In Line rating on the stock. The firm updated its estimates following the company’s Q4 results, reflecting adjustments based on recent performance and outlook.
During the Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Sumit Roy said that the company reported AFFO per share of $1.08 for the fourth quarter and $4.28 for the full year. These results were supported by strong portfolio fundamentals, including 98.9% occupancy and rent recapture of 103.9%. Roy said the company remained active on the investment front. Realty Income invested $2.4 billion in the fourth quarter alone. This included an $800 million perpetual preferred investment in Las Vegas CityCenter, made in partnership with Blackstone. For the full year, the company deployed $6.3 billion at an initial cash yield of 7.3%. Investment-grade tenants accounted for 30% of acquisition cash income, reflecting a continued focus on quality.
At the same time, the company sold 425 properties for $744 million as part of its effort to strengthen overall asset quality. Roy highlighted the company’s proactive approach to risk management. He noted that early asset sales tied to At Home, completed before its Chapter 11 filing, helped limit exposure and preserve value.
Roy also discussed the company’s international expansion. Realty Income entered the Mexico market through partnerships with GIC and Hines and committed $200 million toward acquiring an industrial portfolio. He added that the company formed a $1.5 billion joint venture with GIC focused on U.S. industrial build-to-suit properties. The venture’s first transaction was a $58.5 million acquisition in Dallas.
He said Realty Income’s strategy continues to evolve. The company is combining its operating platform with partnership-driven capital to support long-term growth and expand its global reach.
Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) operates as a real estate investment trust. The company focuses on acquiring and managing freestanding commercial properties that generate rental income through long-term net lease agreements.
8. Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B)
On February 26, UBS lowered its price recommendation on Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) to $30 from $32. The firm reiterated a Neutral rating on the shares. The revision reflects the firm’s updated view on the company’s outlook and expected performance.
On February 18, Brown-Forman announced that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.2310 per share on both its Class A and Class B common stock. The dividend will be paid on April 1, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 9, 2026.
Brown-Forman remains part of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index. The company has paid regular quarterly dividends for 82 years and has increased its dividend for 42 consecutive years. This track record reflects its long-standing commitment to returning cash to shareholders.
Earlier, on February 4, the company said it would release its third-quarter and year-to-date fiscal 2026 financial results on March 4, 2026. This upcoming report will provide an updated view of its recent performance.
Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF-B) produces and sells a wide range of beverage alcohol products. Its portfolio includes more than 40 brands across spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails, and wine.
7. The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS)
On February 26, RBC Capital lowered its price recommendation on The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) to $28 from $29. It maintained a Sector Perform rating on the stock after the company reported weaker-than-expected Q4 earnings. The firm believes 2026 could remain a tough year. Phosphate margins are likely to stay under pressure, as high input costs continue to weigh on profitability. Challenges in Brazil’s agricultural market and increased capital spending are also expected to limit cash flow.
During the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Bruce Bodine acknowledged that the quarter did not meet expectations. He said weaker phosphate demand in the United States was the main reason behind the softer results. He also noted that conditions were starting to improve. Demand began to recover as farmers in North America prepared for the spring planting season. He added that global agricultural fundamentals remained supportive, which should help demand over time.
Bodine pointed to the company’s operational progress during the year. Mosaic stayed on track with its efforts to improve phosphate production performance and maintained steady potash output throughout 2025. He said the company made meaningful progress in controlling costs and improving efficiency. Management now expects to deliver additional cost savings in 2026. He also highlighted that North American sales volumes remained strong. This indicated that Mosaic was able to gain market share, even while operating in a challenging environment.
At the same time, the company continued to reshape its portfolio. Mosaic divested noncore assets, including its Patos de Minas and Taquari operations, and is moving ahead with the planned sale of its Carlsbad facility. These steps reflect its focus on strengthening core operations. Looking ahead, Bodine said Mosaic expects phosphate production to reach at least 7 million tonnes in 2026. Potash production is projected to be around 9 million tonnes, even after factoring in the Carlsbad divestiture.
The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) produces and markets concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Its operations are organized into three segments: Phosphates, Potash, and Mosaic Fertilizantes.
6. Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS)
On February 26, BofA raised its price recommendation on Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS) to $215 from $190. The firm reiterated an Underperform rating. It updated its estimates based on the company’s latest guidance and introduced its 2028 outlook. Even so, it kept its cautious stance. The analyst believes UHS faces greater exposure to potential policy changes, while its core operating performance remains under pressure.
During the Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Marc Miller said the company ended 2025 with strong momentum. He pointed out that fourth-quarter revenue increased 9%, while adjusted EBITDA net of NCI rose 10%. Adjusted EPS grew even faster, climbing 20% compared with the same period in 2024. Miller credited this performance to careful cost management in the acute care segment. He also noted steady patient volume recovery in behavioral health and favorable pricing trends across both divisions. Share repurchases also played a meaningful role in supporting earnings growth.
He also discussed the company’s expansion efforts. UHS opened two new acute care hospitals during the year. At the same time, the company is preparing three inpatient expansion projects that will add 178 licensed beds across Florida, California, and Nevada. Miller added that UHS is developing a new 156-bed hospital in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The facility is expected to begin operations in the second quarter.
In behavioral health, the company continues to expand its footprint. Miller said UHS is advancing two new facilities that will add a combined 264 beds. One of these projects is being developed through a joint venture partnership with Jefferson Health System in Pennsylvania.
Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS) operates as a holding company through its subsidiaries. It owns and manages acute care hospitals, outpatient facilities, and behavioral healthcare facilities.
5. Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM)
On February 26, Argus raised its price recommendation on Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) to $210 from $190. It reiterated a Buy rating on the stock. The firm said the company’s ZYN nicotine pouches are expected to play a bigger role in driving revenue growth. Based on this outlook, the analyst believes the stock still has room to move higher.
During the Q4 2025 earnings call, Group CEO Jacek Olczak said PMI delivered another exceptional year in 2025. He pointed to the company’s continued leadership in smoke-free products and steady growth across its portfolio. Smoke-free product volumes increased by 12.8%, while organic smoke-free gross profit rose 18.7%. This showed that these products are not only growing but also becoming more profitable.
Olczak said IQOS remained the company’s main growth driver. Shipment volumes and adjusted in-market sales both increased by around 11%. He also noted that PMI expanded its smoke-free product presence to 106 markets, reflecting the company’s ongoing global rollout. He also discussed progress under PMI’s multi-category strategy. Shipment volumes for ZYN outside the Nordic region and VEEV in international markets more than doubled. ZYN gained meaningful market share in several regions, while VEEV became the fastest-growing closed pod brand globally.
Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) operates as a global tobacco company. Its product portfolio includes cigarettes and a growing range of smoke-free products. The smoke-free business also includes wellness and healthcare products, along with consumer accessories such as lighters and matches.
4. Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK)
On February 26, Mizuho analyst Brett Linzey raised the price target on Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK) to $110 from $90. The analyst reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares. The analyst said the stock offers an intriguing risk and reward balance at current levels. The decision was supported by the company’s solid execution and improving valuations across its peer group.
Stanley Black & Decker reported its Q4 2025 results on February 4. Net sales came in at $3.7 billion, down 1% from the prior year. On an organic basis, sales declined 3%, reflecting continued pressure on demand. Margins showed clear improvement during the quarter. Gross margin increased to 33.2%, rising 240 basis points from the same period last year. Adjusted gross margin also moved higher, reaching 33.3%, up 210 basis points.
The company reported EPS of $1.04, while adjusted EPS came in stronger at $1.41. This reflected the impact of ongoing cost control and operational improvements. Cash generation remained a key strength. Operating activities produced $956 million in cash, and free cash flow totaled $883 million. These figures showed the company’s ability to generate solid cash even in a slower sales environment.
During the quarter, Stanley Black & Decker also announced an agreement to sell its Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing business for $1.8 billion in cash. This move reflects the company’s continued effort to simplify its portfolio and focus on core operations.
SG&A expenses accounted for 21.8% of total sales, improving by 120 basis points from the prior year. Adjusted SG&A expenses declined by 100 basis points to 21.5%. The improvement came from disciplined cost control, which helped offset ongoing investments to support future growth.
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK) operates globally and supplies hand tools, power tools, outdoor products, and related accessories. The company also provides engineered fastening solutions through its Tools & Outdoor and Engineered Fastening segments.
3. L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX)
On February 26, Baird raised its price target on L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) to $420 from $385. It reiterated an Outperform rating on the stock. The firm updated its model after the company’s investor day, where management introduced 2028 targets that came in above Street expectations. This reinforced confidence in the company’s longer-term growth outlook.
During the Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Christopher Kubasik pointed to the company’s record backlog and steady demand trends. He said these factors give the company a strong foundation for continued growth. The size of the order backlog, in his view, reflects consistent customer demand and offers clear visibility into future revenue.
Kubasik also discussed the company’s decision to sell a 60% stake in its civil Space Propulsion and Power business to AE Industrial Partners. He explained that this step allows L3Harris to focus more directly on its core priorities, especially supporting the Department of War and its allied partners. He also highlighted recent changes to the company’s structure. L3Harris reduced its reporting segments from four to three, aiming to improve operational alignment and efficiency. This move is expected to simplify operations and sharpen focus across its main business areas.
Kubasik added that the company plans to pursue an initial public offering of its Missile Solutions business in the second half of 2026. He noted that the Department of War will act as the anchor investor. This is expected to help establish a majority-owned public company with projected revenue of more than $4 billion and sustainable double-digit growth.
L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) provides advanced technology solutions across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains, supporting national security missions.
2. Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW)
On February 26, Telsey Advisory analyst Joseph Feldman raised the price recommendation on Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) to $295 from $285. He reiterated an Outperform rating on the stock. The analyst said the company delivered better-than-expected Q4 results, with demand holding steady across regions. At the same time, the firm noted that Lowe’s FY26 guidance came in below expectations. Even so, Telsey said it remains confident in the company’s ability to manage ongoing challenges and continue gaining market share in a difficult housing environment.
On February 25, Lowe’s projected full-year sales and profit below Wall Street estimates. The outlook reflected a more cautious stance compared with larger rival Home Depot, as the U.S. housing market remains sluggish and consumers continue to limit spending. The company’s DIY segment has faced pressure, as many households delayed major renovation projects such as kitchen upgrades and flooring installations. Many customers appear to be waiting for clearer direction on mortgage rates and the broader economy before committing to larger projects.
CEO Ellison said the tariff policy remains uncertain and that the company is still assessing the potential impact. The US introduced a new 10% tariff on all non-exempt goods starting Tuesday, following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a temporary global 10% tariff after a Supreme Court ruling against earlier duties.
Looking ahead, Lowe’s expects 2026 comparable sales to range from flat to up 2%. This outlook falls slightly below analysts’ average expectation of 2% growth, according to LSEG data. The company also forecast adjusted earnings per share between $12.25 and $12.75, compared with expectations of $12.95. Despite the cautious outlook, Lowe’s delivered solid fourth-quarter results. Same-store sales increased 1.3%, marking the strongest growth since the third quarter of 2022 and exceeding expectations. Adjusted earnings came in at $1.98 per share, ahead of estimates of $1.94.
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) operates as a home improvement retailer. The company offers a full range of products used in construction, maintenance, repair, remodeling, and home improvement projects.
1. The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX)
On February 26, Telsey Advisory raised its price target on The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX) to $175 from $170. The firm kept an Outperform rating on the shares. The analyst said the company delivered another strong quarter and continues to perform well, even with ongoing macro uncertainty. TJX has managed to stay steady while many retailers are still facing uneven demand.
During the Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Ernie Herrman said the company closed the year on a high note. Sales, profitability, and earnings per share all came in ahead of expectations. Comparable sales increased 5% in the quarter, with solid performance across every division. This showed that demand remained broad-based and consistent. Herrman also noted that the company crossed an important threshold. TJX exceeded $60 billion in net sales for the full year for the first time. He described this as a major achievement. Full-year comparable sales rose 5%, profitability improved meaningfully, and earnings per share grew at a double-digit rate. All of this came in above the company’s original expectations.
He also spoke about the company’s continued focus on growth. TJX invested in marketing, introduced new store formats, and continued remodeling stores to improve the shopping environment. These efforts are designed to keep stores fresh and maintain customer interest over time. Herrman said the company remains confident in the long-term strength of physical retail. He emphasized that in-store shopping continues to matter. TJX’s treasure-hunt-style experience, where customers regularly find new and changing merchandise, remains central to its strategy and continues to draw shoppers.
The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX) operates as an off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and international markets. Its business includes Marmaxx and HomeGoods in the U.S., along with TJX Canada and TJX International, which covers Europe and Australia.
While we acknowledge the potential of TJX to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TJX and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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