In this article we will be taking a look at the 5 best buy and hold forever dividend stocks. To read our detailed analysis of dividend investing, you can go directly to see the 10 Best Buy and Hold Forever Dividend Stocks.
5. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 72
Dividend Yield: 3.1%
Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) is a multinational technology company, making processors for most computers, alongside a swathe of other tech-related products. The company has a focus on cloud data infrastructure products and chips as well. Having raised its dividend yield for the past 19 years, it is also one of the most secure buy and hold forever dividend stocks today.
Raymond James’ Chris Caso upgraded Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) shares from Underperform to Market Perform just this February.
The company’s EPS in the fourth quarter of 2021 was $1.1, beating estimates by $0.3. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) also had revenue of $19.5 billion, beating estimates by $1.2 billion.
In the fourth quarter of 2021, 72 hedge funds were long Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC), with a total stake value of $5.5 billion.
4. Clearway Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CWEN.A)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21
Dividend Yield: 3.8%
Clearway Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CWEN.A) is a lucrative investment option for growth and income investors alike, because of its focus on renewable energy and its attractive dividend yield. The company owns and operates utility-scale wind and solar assets. The company has raised its dividend for two years so far.
Clearway Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CWEN.A) just this February reaffirmed its 2022 full-year CAFD guidance of $395 million. This guidance factors in the company’s committed growth investments, and promises a contribution of about $40 million from the Thermal Business alone.
Out of 924 hedge funds, 21 hedge funds were long Clearway Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CWEN.A) in the fourth quarter. Their total stake value was $182 million. In comparison, in the previous quarter, 17 hedge funds were long the stock, with a total stake value of $151 million.
3. Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NYSE:WBA)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42
Dividend Yield: 4%
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NYSE:WBA) is a health and beauty retail company operating through its United States and International segments. The company sells prescription drugs and other retail products such as health, wellness, and personal care products. The company has raised its dividend for the past seven years.
In January, Mizuho analyst Ann Hynes reiterated a Neutral rating on Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NYSE:WBA).
The company’s EPS in the fiscal first quarter of 2022 was $1.7, beating estimates by $0.3. Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NYSE:WBA) also had revenue of $33.9 billion, also beating estimates by $946.8 million.
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NYSE:WBA) had 42 hedge funds holding stakes in it in the fourth quarter. Their total stake value was over $1 billion.
2. Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 30
Dividend Yield: 4.5%
Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is a real estate investment trust that provides its stockholders with a highly dependable monthly income, making it one of the best buy and hold forever dividend stocks. The company’s dividends are dependent upon cash flow from over 6,500 real estate properties owned by it, and have been raised for 25 years in a row.
Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) was upgraded from Peer Perform to Outperform just this March by Wolfe Research analysts.
The same month, Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) announced a dividend increase, bringing its current dividend up to $0.24 per share. The company has a record of sustainable dividend growth, which makes it an attractive dividend stock pick for the future as well.
Our fourth quarter hedge fund data shows 30 hedge funds long Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) in that quarter, with a total stake value of $398 million.
1. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 63
Dividend Yield: 4.9%
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a US-based multinational telecommunications company, is last on our list of the best buy and hold forever dividend stocks. The company is an active dividend-payer, having raised its dividend yield for the past 17 years in a row.
Deutsche Bank’s Bryan Kraft has a Hold rating on Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) shares as of this January.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) had an EPS of $1.3 in the fourth quarter of 2021, and revenue of $34.1 billion. Both beat consensus estimates by $0.03 and $30.6 million respectively.
There were 63 hedge funds long Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) in the fourth quarter, and 57 hedge funds long the stock in the third quarter of 2021. Their total stake values were $10.9 billion and $10.4 billion, respectively.
See also 15 Largest Chemical Companies in the World and 15 Best Gourmet Coffee Brands in the world.
