15 Dividend Zombies to Invest in

2. Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK)

Consecutive Years of Dividend Payments: 148

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK) is an American manufacturing company, headquartered in Connecticut. The company specializes in industrial tools, household hardware, and security products. As economic conditions deteriorate, consumers are looking for ways to reduce expenses, often by postponing repairs, maintenance, and home improvement projects. In response, the company is focusing on cost-cutting measures, improving profit margins, and lowering its debt burden—efforts that could make it more appealing to cautious investors. By the end of the year, the company’s long-term debt stood at $5.6 billion.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK) reported revenue of $3.7 billion, which remained flat as compared to the same period last year. Amid a mixed macroeconomic environment, the company remains optimistic about the growth and market share gains achieved by DEWALT and certain segments of engineered fastening. As it progresses, the company takes pride in meeting key financial milestones, including an adjusted gross margin surpassing 31% in the fourth quarter and strong cash flow generation.

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK) generated an operating cash flow of $679 million in Q4 2024 and its free cash flow for the period came in at $565 million. This cash position allowed the company to reduce its debt by $1.1 billion at the end of the year. Moreover, it has paid dividends for 148 years while maintaining a dividend growth streak of 158 years. The company’s per-share dividend comes in at $0.82 every quarter and has a dividend yield of 4.12%, as of March 23.