When it comes to investing, one strategy that many long-term investors use is dividend investing. This involves investing in stocks that pay out regular dividends, which can provide investors with a steady stream of income over the long term. For new investors looking to start building a dividend portfolio, here are 10 of the best dividend stocks to consider.

  1. Apple Inc. (AAPL)

Apple is one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world, with a market capitalization of over $2.1 trillion. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share, which gives it a current yield of around 0.6%. While this yield may seem low, Apple has a long history of increasing its dividend payout, making it a reliable source of income for long-term investors.

  1. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

Johnson & Johnson is a global healthcare company that has been paying dividends for over 50 years. The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $1.06 per share, which gives it a yield of around 2.6%. Johnson & Johnson is known for its strong balance sheet and stable earnings, making it a great choice for investors looking for a reliable dividend stock.

  1. Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ)

Verizon is a telecommunications company that provides wireless and wired services to millions of customers across the United States. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.64 per share, which gives it a yield of around 4.5%. Verizon is known for its stable earnings and strong cash flow, making it a reliable source of income for long-term investors.

  1. Procter & Gamble Co. (PG)

Procter & Gamble is a consumer goods company that owns some of the most well-known brands in the world, including Tide, Pampers, and Gillette. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.79 per share, which gives it a yield of around 2.6%. Procter & Gamble has a long history of increasing its dividend payout, making it a reliable source of income for long-term investors.

  1. Coca-Cola Co. (KO)

Coca-Cola is one of the most recognized brands in the world, with a market capitalization of over $240 billion. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.42 per share, which gives it a yield of around 3.1%. Coca-Cola has a long history of paying dividends and has increased its payout for 59 consecutive years, making it a reliable source of income for long-term investors.

  1. Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)

Microsoft is a technology company that provides software and services to businesses and consumers around the world. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.62 per share, which gives it a yield of around 0.8%. While Microsoft’s yield may seem low, the company has been consistently increasing its dividend payout over the years, making it a reliable source of income for long-term investors.

  1. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM)

JPMorgan Chase is one of the largest banks in the world, with a market capitalization of over $480 billion. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $1.00 per share, which gives it a yield of around 2.8%. JPMorgan Chase is known for its strong earnings and stable dividend payout, making it a great choice for investors looking for a reliable source of income.

  1. Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM)

Exxon Mobil is one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world, with a market capitalization of over $240 billion. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.87 per share, which gives it a yield of around 5.3%. While Exxon Mobil’s earnings may be affected by

the volatility in the oil and gas market, the company has a long history of paying dividends, making it a reliable source of income for long-term investors.

  1. AT&T Inc. (T)

AT&T is a telecommunications company that provides wireless and wired services to millions of customers across the United States. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.52 per share, which gives it a yield of around 7.4%. While AT&T’s dividend payout ratio is high, the company has a strong history of paying dividends and generating stable earnings.

  1. Realty Income Corp. (O)

Realty Income is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in retail and commercial properties across the United States. The company pays a monthly dividend of $0.23 per share, which gives it a yield of around 4.3%. Realty Income is known for its stable earnings and reliable dividend payouts, making it a great choice for investors looking for exposure to the real estate sector.

In conclusion, dividend investing can be a great strategy for long-term investors looking for a reliable source of income. While there are many dividend stocks to choose from, these 10 stocks offer a good balance of stability, growth potential, and dividend yield. As with any investment strategy, it is important to conduct your own research and seek the advice of a financial professional before making any investment decisions.