2 Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Group 1: Zoetis - Zoetis is a leading animal health company with a diverse portfolio, including 15 products generating over $100 million in annual sales, and has achieved a compound annual growth rate of 8% from 2014 to 2023, outperforming the industry average of 5% [4] - Despite facing competition, particularly with recent drug approvals challenging its growth driver Apoquel, Zoetis has a strong track record of innovation and continues to launch new products like Solensia and Librela, which treat osteoarthritis pain in pets [5][6] - The company benefits from long-term trends such as the growing pet population and increased demand for protein sources due to human population growth, positioning it well for future growth [7][8] - Zoetis has a solid dividend program with a forward yield of 1.3% and has increased its payouts by 502% over the past decade, maintaining a conservative payout ratio of 31.6%, allowing for potential future increases [9] Group 2: Eli Lilly - Eli Lilly has seen significant growth in revenue and earnings, with a 45% year-over-year increase in the first quarter, reaching $12.7 billion, and has doubled its dividends over the past five years [10] - The company has a diversified portfolio with blockbuster medicines in various therapeutic areas, including immunology and oncology, and a promising pipeline with products like Kisunla for Alzheimer's disease, which could generate over $1 billion in annual sales [11][12] - Despite a low forward yield of 0.8%, Eli Lilly's solid track record and a modest cash payout ratio of 44% indicate its attractiveness as a buy-and-hold option for dividend investors [13]