In this article, we will take a look at the 5 Best July Dividend Stocks to Buy. For deeper discussion and analysis, read 10 Best July Dividend Stocks to Buy.
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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. (NYSE:DAL) 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 (NYSE:LEN) 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. (NYSE:DRI) 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. (NYSE:ABBV) 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. (NASDAQ:CASY) 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. (NASDAQ:CASY) and its subsidiaries operate approximately 2,900 convenience stores across 19 states.
While we acknowledge the potential of CASY 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 CASY and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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