7 Dividend Stocks to Hold On Tight to for the Next Decade

Group 1: Dividend Stocks Overview - Seven outstanding dividend stocks are highlighted for their attractive yields and solid fundamentals, making them ideal for long-term investment strategies [1] - These companies exhibit solid dividend yields, strategic growth initiatives, and diversified portfolios, which are essential for long-term dividend stocks [2] Group 2: Pfizer (PFE) - Pfizer returned $2.4 billion to shareholders via dividends and invested$2.5 billion in internal research in Q1 2024 [3] - The company paid down approximately $1.25 billion in maturing debt and reduced its equity position in Haleon from 32$4 billion in net cost savings by the end of 2024 [7] Group 3: Oaktree Specialty Lending (OCSL) - Oaktree Specialty Lending focuses on first-lien loans, enhancing portfolio security and stability, with a forward dividend yield of 12.3% [4] - The company's first-lien investments increased from 71% of the portfolio in September 2022 to 81% currently [4] - In Q1 2024, Oaktree Specialty made $396 million in new commitments, with a weighted average yield on new debt investments at 11.1$598 million across various regions in Q1 2024 [13] - Over half of the investments, approximately $323 million, were directed towards Europe and the U.K., achieving an initial weighted average cash yield of 8.2% [13] - The company diversifies its investments across retail, industrial, and data centers, leading to risk spread and demand capture [14] Group 5: Verizon (VZ) - Verizon's stock has a forward dividend yield of 6.8%, with significant growth in its broadband business, adding 391,000 broadband users in Q2 2024 [17] - The company now has over 11.5 million broadband customers, reflecting a 17.2% yearly increase, with fixed wireless subscribers growing by approximately 69% [18] - Verizon's focus on broadband expansion and customer retention strategies supports its long-term dividend stock status [19] Group 6: AT&T (T) - AT&T's stock has a forward dividend yield of 6%, with 252,000 new AT&T Fiber subscribers added in Q1 2024 [21] - The total number of fiber locations reached 27.1 million, with nearly 8.6 million fiber subscribers, and consumer broadband revenues increased by 7.7% [21] - The integration of 5G and fiber services enhances customer retention and profitability, solidifying AT&T's position among long-term dividend stocks [22] Group 7: British American Tobacco (BTI) - British American Tobacco has a forward dividend yield of 8.9%, with consumer numbers reaching 23.9 million, excluding 1.5 million in Russia [25] - The company achieved profitability in new categories two years ahead of schedule, with a £400 million improvement from last year [26] - The contribution margin in top new category markets exceeded 20%, indicating strong market demand and strategic execution [26] Group 8: Altria (MO) - Altria's stock has a forward dividend yield of 7.9%, with its e-vapor division (NJOY) expanding to over 80,000 locations [28] - NJOY's retail share in the U.S. multi-outlet and convenience channel grew to 4.3%, indicating strong consumer acceptance [29] - Altria's increasing market share and strong retail presence position it among the top long-term dividend stocks [29]