20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime

In this piece, we discuss the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime.

As employment growth slows and inflation rises, the EY US Economic Outlook, September 2025, projects that real GDP will grow by 1.7% this year and 1.4% in 2026, indicating a slowdown in U.S. economic growth. Strong company fundamentals, AI-driven investment, and robust consumer spending make companies with long-term competitive advantages attractive long-term holding options, even in the face of tariff threats and policy uncertainty.

The logic behind selecting our 20 best stocks to purchase and hold for a lifetime is strengthened by the likelihood of consistent returns from companies that can sustain strong cash flows, control expenses, and deal with rising inflation.

This technique is supported by the state of the market. On September 29, Wall Street ended the day higher, as investors bet on AI growth and further Fed rate cuts despite looming government shutdown risks. The Dow Jones rose 0.15%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.26%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.48%.

Consumer spending in August was more than expected, inflation increased slightly to 2.7%, and the labor market appeared to be slowing down, with only 22,000 new jobs added and unemployment at 4.3%. Technology stocks drive the S&P’s advance, while energy lagged on falling oil prices.

Looking ahead, traders see an 89% chance of a Fed rate cut, and cautious commentary from officials keeps inflation concerns in focus. With this backdrop, let’s move on to our list of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime.

20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime

Our Methodology

To curate our list of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime, we looked for dividend kings that have raised their dividends for at least ten years in a row. The list was then reduced to companies that had at least 15% revenue growth over the previous five years and had dividend yields that were within a manageable range.

Using Insider Monkey’s database of Q2 2025 filings, we finally evaluated these stocks according to hedge fund ownership. This was done since larger hedge fund involvement frequently signifies greater institutional confidence in a company’s long-term prospects. Our list is presented in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in each stock as of Q2 2025.

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 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).

20. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 6

5-Year Rev Growth: 23.61%

Dividend Yield: 5.19%

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP) makes our list of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime, recognized for significant dividend growth.

The $700 million medium-term note offering was announced by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP) on September 22, 2025. It was divided into $375 million Series 15 Notes due in 2031 at 3.7% interest and $325 million Series 16 Notes due in 2035 at 4.526% interest.

With net proceeds designated for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment, the notes, which are guaranteed by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP) and its subsidiaries, are anticipated to close on or around September 24.

In a separate deal, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (NYSE:BIP) agreed to pay Blackstone almost $7 billion, including debt, to acquire Hotwire Communications, an internet service provider. The acquisition strengthens the company’s focus on long-term, high-quality assets with steady, contracted, or regulated cash flows by expanding its global infrastructure portfolio throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, which includes utilities, transportation, midstream, and data sectors.

The infrastructure assets owned and operated by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE:BIP) produce steady, long-term financial flows. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

19. Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:PINE)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 9

5-Year Rev Growth: 28.72%

Dividend Yield: 8.10%

Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:PINE) is one of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime, known for its significant dividend growth.

With $4.0 million in seller financing at 8% interest over two years, Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:PINE) sold its former Century Theater Center in Reno, Nevada, for $5.0 million on September 4, 2025. The theater left the 52,474-square-foot property in November 2024, leaving it largely empty. The transaction improves portfolio occupancy to 99.4% and lowers carrying costs, both of which increase earnings.

Separately, Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:PINE) created a $24 million first mortgage loan with an 11% interest rate spread over 24 months to finance the conversion of a 127,380-square-foot building in East Bay, San Francisco, into an industrial space aimed at tenants in the fields of technology, life sciences, manufacturing, and logistics. Alpine Income Property Trust has made $109.9 million in structured investments and acquisitions so far this year, yielding an initial cash yield of 9.5% on average.

The single-tenant net-leased commercial properties owned and operated by Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:PINE) are primarily leased to publicly traded and credit-rated tenants. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

18. Postal Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:PSTL)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14

5-Year Rev Growth: 37.40%

Dividend Yield: 6.10%

Postal Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:PSTL) is one of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime, known for its significant dividend growth.

Postal Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:PSTL) extended maturities for its revolving, term, and delayed-draw loans and fixed interest rates at 4.73% until January 2030, when it closed on an expanded $440 million credit facility on September 22, 2025. The company is better positioned for strategic acquisitions, supports future growth ambitions, and improves liquidity with the new facility.

With sales of $22.73 million as opposed to the projected $20.62 million and earnings per share of $0.12, Postal Realty Trust (NYSE:PSTL)’s second-quarter 2025 results were 77% better than expected.

Stifel reaffirmed its Buy rating and $17.75 price target on Postal Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:PSTL) a week prior, citing the company’s solid dividend sustainability, 8.7% anticipated AFFO growth in 2024–2026, and well-covered 6.2% yield. The REIT’s financial situation and strategic vision are further strengthened by the management’s continued involvement in external growth activities.

An internally run REIT, Postal Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:PSTL), is dedicated to purchasing, holding, and overseeing USPS-leased buildings in order to supply vital last-mile logistical infrastructure throughout the US. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

17. Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (NYSE:AGM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18

5-Year Rev Growth: 15.32%

Dividend Yield: 3.47%

With significant revenue and dividend growth, Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (NYSE:AGM) makes our list of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime.

On September 25, 2025, Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (NYSE:AGM) announced that Carpenter will immediately assume greater responsibility as CEO following Nordholm’s retirement.

The announcement follows a year-long succession planning process in which Nordholm oversaw the doubling of annual earnings and the growth of outstanding business volume to over $30 billion. Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (NYSE:AGM) also reported second-quarter 2025 revenue of $102.63 million, exceeding the predicted $76.12 million, with an EPS of $4.32. Additionally, the company issued $100 million in Series H non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, which is expected to list on the NYSE with the moniker “AGM PRH” and features a dividend rate of 6.5%.

These initiatives show Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (NYSE:AGM)’s strong financial position, ongoing capital projects, and commitment to increasing financing availability and liquidity for rural infrastructure and American agriculture.

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (NYSE:AGM) provides secondary market financing solutions for American agriculture and rural infrastructure. It is divided into seven business categories, including Farm & Ranch and Corporate AgFinance. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

16. Terreno Realty Corporation (NYSE:TRNO)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 20

5-Year Rev Growth: 18.90%

Dividend Yield: 3.61%

Terreno Realty Corporation (NYSE:TRNO) is one of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime, selected for its consistent revenue and dividend growth.

The building project of the 214,000-square-foot industrial distribution center, Countyline Corporate Park Phase IV Building 36 in Hialeah, Florida, which is anticipated to be 51% pre-leased and finished in early 2027, was announced by Terreno Realty Corporation (NYSE:TRNO) on September 29, 2025.

With an expected investment of $511.5 million and a stable cap rate of 5.8%, the Phase IV project will encompass 121 acres and feature ten LEED-certified industrial buildings totaling 2.2 million square feet. At a 5.0% cap rate, Terreno Realty Corporation (NYSE:TRNO)’s multi-market portfolio now stands at 1.2 million square feet after spending about $194 million earlier in September to purchase industrial properties in Doral, Florida, and Kearny, New Jersey.

With a focus on industrial real estate growth with robust tenant pre-leasing and sustainability measures, these initiatives support Terreno Realty Corporation (NYSE:TRNO)’s strategic expansion throughout six major coastal regions in the United States.

Targeting premium distribution properties with long-term leases, Terreno Realty Corporation (NYSE:TRNO) focuses on purchasing, holding, and managing industrial real estate in six significant coastal cities in the United States. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

15. CareTrust REIT, Inc. (NYSE:CTRE)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26

5-Year Rev Growth: 17.60%

Dividend Yield: 3.85%

With significant revenue and dividend growth, CareTrust REIT, Inc. (NYSE:CTRE) makes our list of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime.

CareTrust REIT, Inc. (NYSE:CTRE) increased its global presence on September 24, 2025, when it paid about $27 million to acquire two care facilities in the UK. The properties are leased on triple-net long-term agreements with options for extensions and yearly rent escalators, and they have 265 beds for higher-acuity tenants.

The acquisition, which was financed with cash on hand, fits with CareTrust REIT, Inc. (NYSE:CTRE)’s objective of making prudent investments in healthcare real estate and will yield steady, contractually predictable revenue.

Following its previous acquisition of Care REIT in May 2025, this is the CareTrust REIT, Inc. (NYSE:CTRE)’s first follow-on investment in the UK, and more pipeline potential is suggested. Investor confidence in the company’s growth trajectory across U.S. and U.K. healthcare properties is strengthened by the acquisition, which comes amid outstanding financial performance with a gross profit margin close to 95% and a year-to-date return above 30%.

Ownership, acquisition, development, and leasing of skilled nursing, senior housing, and other healthcare-related assets in the US and the UK are among the primary goals of CareTrust REIT, Inc. (NYSE:CTRE). It is one of the best stocks to buy.

14. Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:EPRT)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26

5-Year Rev Growth: 26.48%

Dividend Yield: 4.03%

Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:EPRT) is one of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime, selected for its consistent revenue and dividend growth.

Citing the company’s solid portfolio and financial standing, Stifel maintained its Buy rating on Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:EPRT) on September 17, 2025, but marginally lowered its price target to $35.00. With sales of $137 million and EPS of $0.32, the real estate company, which buys and maintains single-tenant properties leased to middle-market companies in several industries, achieved second-quarter 2025 results that were higher than anticipated.

A $400 million senior notes issue due in 2035 was also closed by Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:EPRT) at a 5.4% interest rate, demonstrating strong financing capabilities and a sound balance sheet with $1.7 billion in liquidity. The company’s anticipated 7.5% CAGR from 2024–2027, together with a third-quarter dividend of $0.30 per share, highlights durability and consistent income potential for investors, even if it has underperformed the Triple-Net sector year-to-date.

The mission of Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:EPRT) is to buy, hold, and manage single-tenant buildings in the US and lease them to middle-class companies for extended periods of time. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

13. Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27

5-Year Rev Growth: 27.89%

Dividend Yield: 5.35%

With significant revenue and dividend growth, Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) makes our list of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime.

In order to fund fundamental company needs, such as possible debt repayment, Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O), an S&P 500 Retail REIT, priced a $800 million public offering of senior unsecured notes on September 25, 2025. The issue consists of $400 million in 3.95% notes that are due in February 2029 and $400 million in 4.50% notes that are due in February 2033. The notes have a combined period of roughly 5.3 years and an average yield of 4.41%.

After emphasizing Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O)’s European acquisition prospects, improving credit outlook, and expansion through its open-ended fund, UBS maintained its Buy rating and $66 price target on September 15.

Over 15,600 properties are owned and managed by Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O), which serves leading international corporations. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

12. Sun Communities, Inc. (NYSE:SUI)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28

5-Year Rev Growth: 20.56%

Dividend Yield: 3.23%

With significant revenue and dividend growth, Sun Communities, Inc. (NYSE:SUI) makes our list of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime.

Leading Residential REIT Sun Communities, Inc. (NYSE:SUI) announced a new $2 billion revolving credit facility on September 22, 2025, to replace its previous $3.05 billion deal that was scheduled to mature in April 2026. The new facility permits borrowings in USD, Euros, Canadian dollars, and Australian dollars, with margins varying from 0% to 1.4% depending on the loan type. It has a maturity date of January 31, 2030, with potential six-month extensions. At closing, there were no outstanding borrowings.

This comes after Charles D. Young, Sun Communities, Inc. (NYSE:SUI)’s new CEO, was given a $1 million stock reward as a perk for joining on October 1, 2025. By supporting continued operations, possible acquisitions, and expansion plans throughout its portfolio of manufactured home and RV communities, the new credit arrangement increases the company’s financial flexibility.

A real estate investment trust (REIT), Sun Communities, Inc. (NYSE:SUI) owns or manages 501 developed properties with around 174,450 units throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

11. Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31

5-Year Rev Growth: 10.63%

Dividend Yield: 2.07%

Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) is one of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime, delivering consistent revenue and dividend growth.

Mizuho maintained a Neutral rating on Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) and increased its price target from $164 to $170 on September 26, 2025, in response to the company’s fiscal third-quarter 2025 earnings and the expected effects of Texas House Bill 4384 on future earnings. Strong investor confidence is seen in the stock’s 22.30% year-to-date gain, which is currently close to a 52-week high of $168.86.

The upper end is seen as a prudent floor given strong capital plans and anticipated 13–15% annual rate base growth, even though Mizuho has maintained growth guidance of 6–8%. With the help of 32 years in a row of dividend increases, solid fundamentals, including a 57.95% gross profit margin, and revenue growth of 12.9% over the last 12 months, Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) recently hit an all-time high of $169.02.

Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) operates pipelines, storage facilities, and regulated natural gas distribution in eight U.S. states. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

10. Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 40

5-Year Rev Growth: 10.65%

Dividend Yield: 5.50%

With significant revenue and dividend growth, Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) makes our list of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime.

On September 25, 2025, Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) announced a strategic partnership with Binance to create digital asset projects. The partnership combines Binance’s global trading infrastructure with Franklin Templeton’s proficiency in compliance securities tokenization. In order to bridge traditional and decentralized finance, the company will make use of Franklin Templeton’s Benji Technology Platform. This will improve settlement, collateral management, and portfolio construction efficiency while opening up institutional-grade solutions for a wider range of investors.

This comes after a previous collaboration with Actis, DigitalBridge, and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners on September 18 to improve private wealth solutions, namely in private infrastructure investments. When taken as a whole, these programs strengthen Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN)’s plan to increase access to digital assets, alternative investments, and cutting-edge wealth management solutions, fostering long-term growth and putting the company at the forefront of financial technology integration.

Global asset management holding company Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) offers investment services to partnerships, pension plans, individuals, and institutions. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

9. Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42

5-Year Rev Growth: 11.16%

Dividend Yield: 1.13%

With significant revenue and dividend growth, Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL) makes our list of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime.

JPMorgan began covering Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL) on September 26, 2025, with an Overweight rating and a price target of $70, which indicates a 24% increase from the present level. At the JPMorgan U.S. All Stars Conference on September 17, the company, a prominent supplier of pest and wildlife control services, highlighted its strategic growth. It highlighted its strong organic growth of 7% to 8%, its expansion of its margins, and the contributions from recent acquisitions like Saela and Fox Pest Control.

Along with boosting payouts by 70%, Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL) is also investing in AI to improve customer experience and operational efficiency, and about 80% of the company’s revenue comes from recurring service contracts, which puts it in a strong position to profit from the $20 billion, low household penetration pest management market in the United States.

In the United States and abroad, Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL) offers residential and commercial clients pest and wildlife control services. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

8. Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42

5-Year Rev Growth: 26.01%

Dividend Yield: 2.75%

Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES) is one of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime, delivering consistent revenue and dividend growth.

After a thorough sell-side teach-in on September 25, TD Cowen reaffirmed its Buy recommendation on Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES) on September 26, 2025, with a $205 price target. Updates in five major growth areas—wealth management, secondaries, real estate, digital infrastructure, and asset-based finance—were highlighted throughout the event.

In addition to targets linked to the October 2024 GCP digital infrastructure acquisition, Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES) increased its 2028 projections for assets under management and fee-related earnings.

“Ares is positioned to capture outsized share gains in massive addressable markets, which are estimated to be worth $200 trillion combined, where Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES) currently represents less than 0.5%,” the investment group stressed.

Although the company’s second-quarter 2025 sales of $1.35 billion were about 30% higher than anticipated, its earnings per share (EPS) of $1.03 were only marginally higher than the $1.09 prediction, indicating a mixed short-term financial performance.

Direct lending and private equity investments are the main areas of focus for Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES), an alternative asset management firm with operations in the US, Europe, and Asia. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

7. Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ:STLD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 44

5-Year Rev Growth: 12.43%

Dividend Yield: 1.43%

Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ:STLD) is one of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime, delivering consistent revenue and dividend growth.

After Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ:STLD) reported third-quarter 2025 earnings guidance of $2.60 to $2.64 per diluted share, topping both BMO and consensus projections of $2.55 and $2.58, BMO Capital reaffirmed its Outperform rating on the company on September 16, 2025, with a $150 price target. Since raw material costs are expected to drop more quickly than steel prices, the expected earnings beat is ascribed to solid steel shipments, wider metal spreads, and excellent profitability in the metals recycling division.

Strong order backlogs from the commercial, data center, manufacturing, warehouse, and healthcare sectors are likely to support improved steel fabrication operations on greater volumes and stable spreads. Early-stage performance has also exceeded expectations as Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ:STLD)  continues to commission its aluminum plant in Columbus, Mississippi, and its recycled slab facility in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. In the third quarter, the company also bought back $185 million worth of ordinary shares.

Through its Steel Operations, Metals Recycling, Steel Fabrication, and Aluminum companies, Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ:STLD) manufactures steel and recycles metals in the United States. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

6. Xylem Inc. (NYSE:XYL)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45

5-Year Rev Growth: 12.02%

Dividend Yield: 1.12%

Xylem Inc. (NYSE:XYL) is one of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime, delivering consistent revenue and dividend growth.

Mizuho maintained a Neutral rating on Xylem Inc. (NYSE:XYL) and increased its price target from $125 to $140 on September 12, 2025, citing the company’s restructuring and efficiency improvements.

A week prior, Xylem Inc. (NYSE:XYL) and Amazon (AMZN) collaborated to implement smart water technology in Mexico City and Monterrey with the goal of recovering approximately 1.3 billion liters of water per year. The project makes use of Xylem Vue, a software platform that optimizes pressure management throughout municipal water systems and detects leaks using real-time data analytics.

These programs demonstrate Xylem Inc. (NYSE:XYL)’s capacity to deploy scalable, data-driven solutions that enhance sustainability and efficiency in water management globally, as well as the company’s role in tackling important urban water concerns.

Worldwide utility, industrial, and residential and commercial building services are served by the engineered products and solutions designed, manufactured, and provided by Xylem Inc. (NYSE:XYL). It is one of the best stocks to buy.

5. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45

5-Year Rev Growth: 19.77%

Dividend Yield: 2.21%

With significant revenue and dividend growth, Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) makes our list of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime.

Morgan Stanley downgraded Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) from Equal-Weight to Underweight on September 29, 2025, and dropped its price target from $53.20 to $42. The analyst cited a “tough path ahead” due to pricing pressures, escalating competition, and slowing U.S. prescription patterns. In premarket trade, shares dropped more than 3%.

Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus weekly volume stagnation was noted by analysts, along with heightened competition from Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, tirzepatide, and forthcoming oral and generic GLP-1 substitutes in foreign markets. There are still issues with pricing and positioning, even though Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO)’s oral Wegovy launch in 2026 might generate $1 billion in sales.

Morgan Stanley projects a 5% increase in group sales in 2026, which is less than the 8.5% consensus. The company also warns that impending trial findings, Medicare Part D pricing, and patent expirations might compress valuation multiples, indicating short-term challenges for Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO)’s expansion and stock performance.

With a focus on diabetes and obesity care as well as treatments for rare diseases, Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) conducts research, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceutical products worldwide. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

4. SouthState Bank Corporation (NYSE:SSB)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 47

5-Year Rev Growth: 31.70%

Dividend Yield: 2.37%

With significant revenue and dividend growth, SouthState Bank Corporation (NYSE:SSB)  makes our list of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime.

The new quick payment solutions that SouthState Bank Corporation (NYSE:SSB) unveiled on September 17, 2025, allow Treasury customers to make safe, real-time transactions that enhance cash flow management and reconciliation. The announcement comes after a pilot program in which payroll startup Hourly.io participated and completed over 600,000 quick payment transactions worth over $400 million, showcasing the ability to pay employees in as little as 15 seconds. The technology, which complies with the ISO 20022 global standard for smooth integration with company structures, makes use of the FedNow and RTP networks of The Clearing House.

With its correspondent banking segment, SouthState Bank Corporation (NYSE:SSB), which has its headquarters in Winter Haven, Florida, offers consumer, company, mortgage, and wealth management products in nine states as well as nationally. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

3. Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 56

5-Year Rev Growth: 15.97%

Dividend Yield: 3.54%

With significant revenue and dividend growth, Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD) makes our list of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime.

In order to raise about $1.2 billion for general business objectives, such as debt repayment and refinancing, Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD), a global leader in logistics real estate, closed a $1.17 billion dual-tranche notes offering due 2032 and 2037 on September 22, 2025.

The offering comes after Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD) was upgraded by BofA Securities from Neutral to Buy on September 16, with a price target lifted to $130, noting a solid five-year revenue CAGR of 19% and high-single-digit annual FFO growth potential. Data center conversions, fund business, development projects, transactions, embedded escalators, and market rent growth are some of the main growth drivers.

Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD)’ strategic positioning in high-barrier, high-demand logistics markets globally, along with its robust operations and diverse customer base, supports investor confidence in its industrial real estate platform and underpins the company’s long-term growth outlook, despite difficulties in Southern California markets and refinancing headwinds.

With an emphasis on high-barrier, high-growth areas, Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD) leases state-of-the-art logistics facilities to around 6,500 clients in industrial markets worldwide. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

2. Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 59

5-Year Rev Growth: 10.78%

Dividend Yield: 1.91%

Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) is one of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime, delivering consistent revenue and dividend growth.

Melius Research raised Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) from Hold to Buy on September 3, 2025, pointing to the demand for artificial intelligence (AI) as a major growth driver. With a $54.46 billion market valuation and $33.72 billion in yearly revenue, Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI)  is a multinational company that operates in the Engine, Distribution, Components, Power Systems, and Accelera areas.

Melius said that in the midst of the prolonged downturn in the truck market, operational enhancements, capacity expansion in large engines for generator sets, and a price of about 18 times profits were all appealing. After 55 consecutive years of dividend payments returning about 2%, Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) shares reached an all-time high of $408.71 a week later, reflecting a 41% one-year total return and ongoing shareholder commitment. Analysts anticipate that continued operational efficiency and AI-driven infrastructure growth will boost sales and profits.

Diesel and natural gas-powered engines, drivetrain systems, and truck, trailer, and off-highway equipment are all supplied globally by Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI). It is one of the best stocks to buy.

1. Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 76

5-Year Rev Growth: 12.04%

Dividend Yield: 4.27%

With significant revenue and dividend growth, Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) makes our list of the 20 Best Stocks to Buy and Hold for a Lifetime.

Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB), a well-known international insurance provider, joined forces with Endeavor on September 25, 2025, to assist high-impact company owners in developing nations. The partnership would link Endeavor’s network of almost 2,900 entrepreneurs, who have created over four million jobs and earned $88.5 billion in revenue, with Chubb’s insurance expertise.

Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) has shown resilience in the face of market difficulties, generating $57.5 billion in revenue annually through continuous growth in the property, casualty, and specialty insurance companies as well as outstanding underwriting performance. Chubb’s global expansion plan and digital distribution activities, which comprise more than 200 collaborations worldwide, are in line with this relationship.

For investors, the action demonstrates Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB)’s capacity to blend scalable, innovative solutions with industry knowledge, bolstering its position in rapidly expanding emerging markets and creating prospects for sustained development.

In over 50 countries, Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) offers health, life, accident, property, and liability insurance products. It is one of the best stocks to buy.

While we acknowledge the potential of CB 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 CB and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 12 Best Retail Dividend Stocks to Buy Now and 11 Cheap Quarterly Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now.

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