2 High-Yield Dividends to Buy and Hold Forever

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights two dividend-paying stocks, Realty Income and Ford Motor Company, which offer high yields and growth potential for investors seeking stable income and upside opportunities [2][11]. Realty Income - Realty Income is a diversified real estate investment trust (REIT) known for its strong track record of raising dividends, having increased its monthly dividend payment 131 times since its public listing in October 1994 [3]. - The company has raised its dividend for 111 consecutive quarters over more than 30 years, currently offering a yield of 5.5% [3]. - Realty Income possesses a robust balance sheet, allowing for billions in annual acquisitions, including investments in development projects and new property types like data centers and casinos [4]. - The company identifies a $14 trillion investment opportunity in commercial real estate across the U.S. and Europe [4]. - Realty Income's portfolio is well-diversified, with 1,630 clients across 91 industries, and over 90% of its total rent is insulated from e-commerce pressures and economic downturns [5]. - The combination of a strong balance sheet and diversified property portfolio positions Realty Income for continued dividend growth, aiding in wealth accumulation for investors [6]. Ford Motor Company - Ford is a global automaker with a healthy dividend yield of 5.1% and a supplemental dividend, providing additional income to investors [7]. - The company is focusing on electrification in the automotive industry, aiming to turn its unprofitable electric vehicle (EV) business into a profitable segment [9]. - In 2023 and 2024, Ford's Model-e unit incurred losses of $4.7 billion and $5.1 billion, respectively, prompting the company to invest $2 billion in modernizing its Louisville Assembly plant and $3 billion in a new battery plant in Michigan [9]. - Ford is also revamping its assembly line to enhance production efficiency, with ambitions to reduce workstations by 40% and parts by 20%, which could significantly impact profitability [10]. - If successful in making profitable EVs, Ford's improved bottom line could lead to increased dividends over time [10]. Conclusion for Dividend Investors - Both Realty Income and Ford offer high-yielding dividends with potential for stock price appreciation, making them attractive for long-term income investors [11].