Highest Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold Long-Term

With markets continuing their upward trajectory through 2025, growth stocks often capture investor attention. Yet building a resilient portfolio requires balance. Including highest dividend stocks alongside growth investments helps protect against market volatility and provides steady income streams. Dividend-paying stocks typically demonstrate lower volatility during market downturns, making them essential portfolio components.

Coca-Cola: The Iconic Dividend Aristocrat

Coca-Cola stands as the classic choice for dividend investors seeking stability and longevity. The beverage giant has increased its dividend annually for 63 consecutive years—a remarkable track record that spans multiple economic cycles, including periods of high inflation, geopolitical events, and global disruptions. This unwavering commitment to shareholders demonstrates exceptional business resilience.

At the current price, Coca-Cola’s dividend yields 2.9%, providing meaningful income alongside capital appreciation potential. The company’s strength lies in its portfolio of globally recognized brands—26 billion-dollar labels including Coca-Cola, Minute Maid, and Fresca. These brands possess considerable pricing power and customer loyalty, allowing the company to maintain profitability even during challenging business environments. Historically, Coca-Cola stock often outperforms during market weakness, serving as a valuable defensive holding within diversified portfolios.

Realty Income: Monthly Dividend Payments for Decades

Realty Income operates as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), a structure that requires distributing at least 90% of taxable income to shareholders. As one of the world’s largest REITs, the company manages 15,500 global properties and distinguishes itself through monthly dividend payments—maintained consistently for more than 55 years without interruption.

While primarily focused on retail properties, Realty Income has expanded into gaming and industrial real estate. Approximately 20% of holdings comprise grocery and convenience stores, ensuring portfolio stability across economic cycles. The monthly dividend currently yields 5.3% at existing market prices, making Realty Income particularly attractive for income-focused investors seeking frequent distributions and proven dividend reliability.

Walmart: Growth with Consistent Dividend Increases

Walmart represents the world’s largest retailer yet continues delivering steady expansion despite operating nearly 11,000 stores globally and generating over $700 billion in trailing twelve-month sales. The company’s operational efficiency and profitability create ongoing expansion opportunities both domestically and internationally.

Walmart qualifies as a Dividend King, having raised its dividend annually for 52 consecutive years. Although the current dividend yield appears modest at 0.8%, this reflects the stock’s exceptional appreciation—shares have gained more than 155% over the past three years. The dividend grows consistently and adapts to various market conditions, demonstrating management’s confidence in sustained profitability.

Constructing Your Highest Dividend Stocks Portfolio

Selecting highest dividend stocks involves balancing yield with sustainability and growth potential. These three companies illustrate how dividend-paying stocks can anchor portfolios through market cycles while delivering rising income. Coca-Cola provides legendary dividend reliability, Realty Income offers monthly distributions with diversified real estate holdings, and Walmart combines retail dominance with steady dividend growth.

Rather than chasing maximum yields alone, successful investors diversify across dividend stocks offering different yield profiles, payment frequencies, and business models. This approach protects portfolio value during market uncertainty while positioning for long-term wealth accumulation through compounding dividends.