In this article, we will take a look at some of the best dividend stocks for the best retirement portfolio.
As a growing number of Americans approach retirement, many still have not fully considered how inflation and Social Security benefits could affect their long-term finances.
A recent global survey by Prudential revealed that 89% of affluent US adults feel confident about meeting essential expenses in retirement. However, rising costs for housing, food, and health care continue to erode savings, and only 55% of respondents said they have accounted for inflation in their retirement planning.
Research from Goldman Sachs Asset Management indicates that retirees’ spending has risen faster than inflation in recent years. Prudential’s survey also showed that 63% of Americans worry about whether government programs like Social Security will be able to provide benefits when they retire.
Many retirees continue to favor dividend-paying stocks, which have long been valued for their reliability and steady returns. Given this, we will take a look at some of the best dividend stocks for a retirement portfolio.
Our Methodology
For this article, we searched the internet for widely recommended retirement stocks and selected those with strong dividend histories and sound financials. The stocks are ranked according to their dividend yields as of October 27.
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).
12. Roper Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROP)
Dividend Yield as of October 27: 0.71%
Roper Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROP) operates as a collection of technology-driven businesses with leading positions in various niche markets. Its diverse portfolio includes application and network software, along with technology-based products that provide essential solutions deeply embedded in clients’ daily operations.
On October 27, RBC Capital downgraded Roper Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROP) from Outperform to Sector Perform and lowered its price target from $644 to $539. The firm cited limited upside potential, noting that investors currently favor higher-risk assets. RBC also pointed to uncertainties surrounding how artificial intelligence may affect Roper’s broad-based application software model.
While acknowledging Roper Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROP) reputation as a “high-quality compounder” with strong free cash flow, recurring revenues, and disciplined capital allocation, RBC Capital said that market sentiment has shifted toward more cyclical, high-beta names.
RBC also highlighted a few short-term headwinds for the company, such as dilution from recent acquisitions, weaker government spending affecting its Deltek division, and copper tariffs weighing on its Neptune business.
Although the stock is now trading below its three-year relative P/E support level, RBC concluded that Roper’s risk-reward outlook appears balanced, warranting the downgrade. Still, the company maintains a strong track record as a dividend payer, having raised its dividend for 33 consecutive years. The stock supports a dividend yield of 0.71%, as of October 27.
11. Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)
Dividend Yield as of October 27: 0.90%
Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is an American multinational retail corporation that runs a vast network of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery outlets.
On October 23, UBS increased its price target for Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) from $110 to $122 while reaffirming a Buy rating on the stock. The upgrade reflects UBS’s confidence in the company’s expanding data strategy, especially through its Walmart Data Ventures division, established in 2021 to leverage insights from roughly 270 million customers and members across 10,500 stores and online platforms in 19 countries.
UBS described Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)’s data infrastructure as a key driver of both its daily operations and long-term vision, noting that it influences nearly every part of the business. The firm added that Walmart Data Ventures offers high-quality, actionable first-party data to brands, suppliers, and merchants, enhancing efficiency and value throughout Walmart’s ecosystem.
The report further highlighted that these data assets fuel Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)’s retail media operations and support better inventory management, calling them “a rare competitive advantage that would be difficult for rivals to duplicate.”
Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT)’s consistent dividend payouts also keep the stock firmly in investors’ sight. The company has been rewarding shareholders with growing dividends for the past 52 years, which makes it an attractive option for the best retirement portfolio. As of October 27, the stock has a dividend yield of 0.90%.
10. Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB)
Dividend Yield as of October 27: 1.38%
Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) is a global insurance provider offering a broad portfolio of products, including property and casualty coverage, personal accident, supplemental health, and life insurance.
On October 27, Cantor Fitzgerald lifted its price target on Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) from $290 to $300 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock. The firm’s analysts anticipate stronger premium growth ahead and expect the company to boost its share repurchases in 2026.
Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) consistent dividend policy continues to make it a favorite among income-focused investors. The company has maintained a solid cash position over the years, generating $3.64 billion in operating cash flow during the most recent quarter. It also returned $385 million to shareholders through dividends during the same period. Notably, Chubb has raised its dividend payouts for 32 consecutive years, underscoring its long-standing commitment to shareholder returns. The company currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.97 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.38%, as of October 27.
9. General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD)
Dividend Yield as of October 27: 1.70%
General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) is a global aerospace and defense company involved in designing, developing, and producing a broad range of products focused on safety and security.
On October 27, UBS raised its price target for General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) from $369 to $381 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock. The firm highlighted the company’s strong performance in its Marine and Aerospace divisions, which continue to be the main growth engines behind the positive outlook. UBS noted that the solid growth prospects in these segments have justified the stock’s recent re-rating.
The firm also pointed out that margin expansion could be the next growth catalyst for General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD), though achieving this may be difficult amid ongoing supply chain challenges in both key segments. UBS added that Gulfstream margins hold the greatest potential for improvement, with room to return to their historical averages.
However, despite showing year-over-year expansion so far, General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) trimmed its 2025 outlook for the second straight quarter, signaling slightly weaker margins, excluding G650 operations, than previously expected.
With 28 consecutive years of dividend growth, General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD) continues to be a reliable pick for income-focused investors. As of October 27, the stock has a dividend yield of 1.70%.
8. QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM)
Dividend Yield as of October 27: 1.90%
QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) is a leading developer and manufacturer of semiconductors, software, and wireless technology solutions, with a strong focus on 5G, Wi-Fi, and artificial intelligence.
In recent quarters, QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) had hinted at expanding into datacenter accelerator cards and system-on-a-card solutions. The company has now officially introduced its AI200 and AI250 accelerator cards and racks, designed specifically for AI inference. Wells Fargo analyst Aaron Rakers noted that Qualcomm’s emphasis on rack-scale systems came as a surprise.
The analyst highlighted that competition in the space is intensifying, with Intel’s Crescent Island, AMD’s MI platform and upcoming Helios rack-scale design, and Nvidia’s Rubin CPX all targeting similar markets. Wells Fargo also pointed out QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM)’s recent deal with Saudi Arabia’s Humain, which plans to deploy 200MW of Qualcomm AI systems beginning in 2026, a contract estimated to carry about $2 billion in potential revenue.
Wells Fargo maintains an Underweight rating on QCOM with a $140 price target. Despite competitive pressures, QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) remains an attractive choice for income investors, supported by its consistent dividend payouts. The company has raised its dividends for 21 consecutive years.
7. Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON)
Dividend Yield as of October 27: 2.21%
Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON) ranks among the leading names in the diversified industrial space, offering a broad range of products and solutions across multiple sectors and global markets.
On October 27, RBC Capital Markets upgraded Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON) shares from Sector Perform to Outperform and lifted its price target from $235 to $253. The firm cited a strong third-quarter performance in 2025, viewing it as the start of a “catalyst-rich phase” as the company prepares to separate its Aerospace and Automation units in the latter half of 2026.
According to RBC, the upgrade reflects growing strength across Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON) core operations, greater clarity around execution, and a credible plan to unlock value. The firm’s sum-of-the-parts analysis points to meaningful upside potential, supported by solid management execution and ongoing strategic progress.
RBC also expects investor attention to increasingly center on the long-term opportunities in the two independent entities to be created after the split, each expected to deliver steady growth and margin improvement once the uncertainty around the transition fades.
In addition, Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON) continues to appeal to income investors with its reliable dividend payments. The company has raised its dividends 16 times in the past 15 years, which makes it an attractive option for the best retirement portfolio.
6. Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP)
Dividend Yield as of October 27: 2.53%
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) stands among the largest railroad companies in the United States. Over time, the holding company has consolidated numerous acquired railroads under its main subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad, creating a vast network that stretches across 23 states and covers more than 32,000 miles. The system manages bulk, industrial, and premium freight shipments across the country.
On October 27, Benchmark Co. analyst Nathan Martin reaffirmed his Buy rating on Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) shares, maintaining a price target of $260.
Martin’s bullish stance reflects the company’s strong operational momentum and strategic positioning. In the third quarter, Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) reported adjusted earnings per share of $3.08, exceeding both his forecast and market expectations. The performance was driven by lower operating costs and gains from real estate sales.
Operationally, Union Pacific achieved record levels in key efficiency metrics such as train velocity and dwell times. The company also enjoys solid backing from its customers and labor unions, a factor expected to be important as it moves through merger-related regulatory reviews. While certain challenges may arise, the company’s strategic progress and favorable conditions support its growth outlook, reinforcing the Buy recommendation and $260 target.
In addition, Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP)’s reliable dividend stream makes it a compelling choice for long-term, income-oriented investors, particularly those building retirement portfolios. The company has paid regular dividends to shareholders for 125 consecutive years and also holds a 19-year streak of dividend growth. The stock has a dividend yield of 2.53%, as of October 27.
5. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)
Dividend Yield as of October 27: 2.73%
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is among the stocks for the best retirement portfolio.
On October 22, Freedom Capital Markets has lowered its rating on Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) from Buy to Hold, even as it raised the stock’s price target from $180 to $190 following a solid third-quarter performance.
The healthcare company delivered results that surpassed both analyst expectations and market consensus, leading J&J to boost its revenue guidance for the third time this year while keeping its adjusted EPS forecast unchanged. Growth during the quarter was largely driven by the Oncology division within Innovative Medicine and the Cardiovascular business under MedTech. A key highlight was the FDA approval of INLEXZO, a new treatment for bladder cancer.
In addition, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) revealed plans to separate its Orthopedics division into an independent company, a strategic move aimed at sharpening its focus on faster-growing and higher-margin areas. Freedom Capital Markets noted that the downgrade was primarily due to the stock trading close to its fair value estimate. The firm also pointed to ongoing uncertainty surrounding US-China tariffs, which could weigh on global supply chains and profitability.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is popular among income investors because of its 63-year-long dividend growth streak. As of October 27, the stock has a dividend yield of 2.73%.
4. The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG)
Dividend Yield as of October 27: 2.79%
The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), a leading American company in the consumer goods industry, continues to demonstrate financial stability and shareholder commitment.
On October 27, JPMorgan raised its price target on The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) to $165 from $163 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The firm updated its financial model following the company’s fiscal first-quarter 2026 results, noting that P&G’s outlook appears conservative.
In its latest quarterly report, The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) posted net earnings of $4.8 billion and operating cash flow of $5.4 billion. Adjusted free cash flow productivity stood at 102%, underscoring strong financial discipline. The company also returned $3.8 billion to shareholders during the quarter, including $2.55 billion in dividend payments and $1.25 billion in share buybacks.
With its consistent cash generation and dependable dividend payouts, The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) remains a reliable choice for income-focused investors. It is among the stocks for the best retirement portfolio as the company has increased its payouts for 69 years straight. The stock has a dividend yield of 2.79%, as of October 27.
3. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO)
Dividend Yield as of October 27: 2.91%
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is among the stocks for the best retirement portfolio.
On October 22, TD Cowen raised its price target on The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) from $75 to $80 while reaffirming a Buy rating after the company’s strong third-quarter performance. The firm pointed to better-than-expected organic sales and earnings per share, which helped ease concerns about potential volume weakness amid challenging economic conditions.
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) unit case volume rose 1% during the quarter, surpassing market expectations of 0.3%. Management also reaffirmed its full-year organic revenue growth target of 5% to 6%.
TD Cowen praised The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO)’s “all-weather” business model, emphasizing the company’s ability to navigate regional challenges effectively and maintain stability across markets. The firm’s updated outlook reflects confidence in the company’s resilience and adaptability across diverse market environments.
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO)’s dividend makes it stand out in the industry, which it has raised for 63 consecutive years. As of October 27, the stock has a dividend yield of 2.91%.
2. Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC)
Dividend Yield as of October 27: 3.13%
Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC) operates a global network of stores and distribution centers that supply replacement parts for the automotive, industrial, and office equipment markets.
On October 21, Truist Securities raised its price target on Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC) shares from $143 to $146 while maintaining a Buy rating after the company reported its third-quarter results. The firm highlighted the first positive comparable sales in eight quarters for the US Auto segment, which grew 2.2%, supported by roughly 2.5% same-SKU inflation.
The Industrial division also showed encouraging signs, posting its first positive comparable sales in six quarters despite the broader manufacturing slowdown, reflected by a Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) below 50.
Truist describes the Industrial business as “a coiled spring” poised to deliver meaningful leverage once industrial activity rebounds. Meanwhile, the Auto division is expected to sustain steady gains through continued operational improvements and modest price inflation.
The firm’s optimism also stems from activist investor Elliott Management’s involvement, which could pave the way for a potential separation of Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC)’s key business segments to unlock further value.
In addition, Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC) continues to attract income-focused investors with its reliable and appealing dividend. The company has been rewarding shareholders with growing dividends for the past 69 years.
1. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)
Dividend Yield as of October 27: 4.52%
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), a global leader in automotive manufacturing, produces and sells vehicles across a broad range of models, sizes, and powertrains.
On October 27, Barclays analyst Dan Levy recently raised the firm’s price target on Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) shares from $11 to $12 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating. In a research note, Levy noted that the company’s third-quarter results came in well ahead of expectations and expressed optimism about the company’s setup heading into 2026.
In its third-quarter 2025 report, Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) posted record revenue of $50.5 billion, with net income of $2.4 billion and adjusted EBIT of $2.6 billion, despite facing $0.7 billion in tariff-related headwinds. Operating cash flow stood at $7.4 billion, while adjusted free cash flow reached $4.3 billion.
The automaker also announced a fourth-quarter dividend of $0.15 per share, payable on December 1 to shareholders of record as of November 7. The stock has a dividend yield of 4.52%, as of October 27.
While we acknowledge the potential of F 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 F and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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