Top 3 dividend stocks to buy for 2026

Core Viewpoint - Holding dividend stocks is an effective long-term investment strategy, particularly during economic downturns, with companies that pay regular dividends often being profitable and well-positioned for future growth. Group 1: Coca-Cola (KO) - Coca-Cola has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5100, maintaining the same amount as the previous period, with the next pay date on April 1, 2025 [2] - The company has raised its dividend for the 63rd consecutive year, now paying an annualized dividend of$2.04 per share, with a sustainable payout ratio of 77.42% [3] - Coca-Cola is expected to achieve 5-6% organic revenue growth, outperforming competitors like Pepsi [3] Group 2: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) - Johnson & Johnson has also increased its dividend for 63 consecutive years, with the next estimated dividend amount being $1.3000, payable on June 10, 2025 [4][5] - The company reported a 2.4$4.54, and currently has a dividend yield of approximately 3.37% [5] Group 3: Pfizer (PFE) - Pfizer's next estimated dividend is $0.4300, with the last declared amount remaining the same, payable on June 13, 2025 [6][7] - Despite declining vaccine revenues, Pfizer is upgrading its drug pipeline with 108 candidates, 30 of which are in Phase 3 [7] - The company boasts a dividend yield of over 7.37%, making it attractive among large-cap healthcare stocks [7]