2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Buy in May and Hold Forever

Core Viewpoint - Investing in dividend stocks requires attention to a company's underlying operations rather than just high yields, with AbbVie and Gilead Sciences being highlighted as strong candidates for income investors [1][2]. Group 1: AbbVie - AbbVie is recognized as a "Dividend King," having raised its payouts for 53 consecutive years, making it a strong consideration for income investors [4]. - The company is well-known for its immunology drugs, particularly Skyrizi and Rinvoq, which have shown unexpectedly rapid sales growth [5][6]. - Following the loss of patent exclusivity for Humira, AbbVie has successfully returned to top-line growth, with a revised 2027 sales guidance for Skyrizi and Rinvoq exceeding $31 billion, up from $27 billion [6]. - AbbVie has a robust pipeline with numerous programs that are expected to lead to further approvals and label expansions, supporting its strong business fundamentals [8]. - The forward yield for AbbVie is over 3.5%, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average of 1.3%, indicating its potential as a long-term dividend stock [8]. Group 2: Gilead Sciences - Gilead Sciences is a leading drugmaker, particularly known for its dominance in the HIV market, with a revenue of $6.7 billion in the first quarter, despite flat overall sales due to lower Veklury sales [9]. - The HIV segment grew by 6% year-over-year, generating $4.6 billion, with Biktarvy being the top prescribed regimen in the U.S. [10]. - Gilead is diversifying its portfolio beyond HIV, with a focus on oncology, where over a third of its 58 pipeline programs are concentrated [12]. - The forward yield for Gilead is 3.2%, and the company has increased its dividends by nearly 84% over the past decade, making it an attractive option for long-term income-seeking investors [13].