Best Dividend Stocks to Buy in 2023

Realty Income (O): A real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns a diversified portfolio of commercial properties. O has a dividend yield of over 4% and has increased its dividend for 28 consecutive years.

American Express (AXP): A financial services company that provides credit cards, travel services, and other financial products. AXP has a dividend yield of over 3% and has a long track record of increasing its dividend, even during economic downturns.

Tractor Supply Company (TSCO): A retailer of farm and ranch supplies, home improvement products, and pet supplies. TSCO has a dividend yield of over 3% and has increased its dividend for 10 consecutive years.

The Hershey Company (HSY): A leading manufacturer and distributor of chocolate and confectionery products. HSY has a dividend yield of over 2% and has increased its dividend for 13 consecutive years.

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY): BMY, a pharmaceutical company, offers a dividend yield of 2.77% and a 5-year dividend growth rate of 3.40%. Despite its dividend yield being slightly below the S&P 500 average, BMY exhibits robust financial strength, boasting a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29 and a current ratio of 1.85. Although its dividend growth rate lags behind some competitors, the company's financial stability positions it well for sustained dividend payouts and potential increases in the future.

Cisco Systems (CSCO): CSCO, a networking and telecommunications firm, presents a dividend yield of 3.16% and a 5-year dividend growth rate of 8.08%. Surpassing the S&P 500 average, CSCO's dividend yield is strong. With a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36 and a current ratio of 1.75, the company showcases considerable financial stability. This strength underscores CSCO's ability to maintain and potentially enhance its dividend payouts over time.

Comcast (CMCSA): CMCSA, a provider of cable television, broadband, and streaming services, offers a dividend yield of 2.37% and a 5-year dividend growth rate of 10.75%. While its dividend yield falls below the S&P 500 average, CMCSA demonstrates good financial strength, indicated by a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 1.22. This financial stability positions the company well for ongoing dividend payments and potential increases.

Skyworks Solutions (SWKS): SWKS, a semiconductor company, delivers a dividend yield of 1.73% and a 5-year dividend growth rate of 13.00%. Though its dividend yield is below the S&P 500 average, SWKS maintains a solid financial position with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 1.65. This financial stability supports SWKS in sustaining its dividend payouts and potentially increasing them in the future.

Marathon Petroleum (MPC): MPC, an oil and gas refiner and marketer, boasts a high dividend yield of 6.58% and a 5-year dividend growth rate of 5.40%. While its dividend yield exceeds the S&P 500 average, MPC's dividend growth rate is relatively lower. With an average financial strength, indicated by a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.25, MPC is well-positioned to maintain its dividend payments in the future.

International Business Machines (IBM): IBM, an information technology (IT) company, offers a dividend yield of 4.99% and a 5-year dividend growth rate of 6.40%. IBM's dividend yield surpasses the S&P 500 average, and its dividend growth rate is comparable to peers. With an average financial strength reflected in a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.40, IBM stands in a stable position to continue its dividend payments and potentially enhance them in the future.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): JNJ stands as a prominent healthcare entity with a diverse array of products and services. Boasting an impressive track record, the company has consistently elevated its dividend for 60 consecutive years. Presently, JNJ offers a dividend yield of 2.57%, slightly under the S&P 500 average. Despite this, its robust financial stability and extensive history of dividend growth render it a dependable choice for investors seeking reliable dividends.

3M (MMM): MMM operates as a versatile manufacturing company, producing a wide range of items such as adhesives, tapes, abrasives, and medical devices. With an exceptional history of 65 consecutive years of dividend increases, MMM currently provides a dividend yield of 4.53%, surpassing the S&P 500 average. While its dividend growth rate has slowed recently, MMM maintains a strong financial standing, making it an attractive option for investors in search of consistent dividends.

Coca-Cola (KO): KO is a leading beverage company with a strong brand portfolio. KO has a long history of dividend growth, having increased its dividend for 60 consecutive years. KO's dividend yield is currently 2.86%, which is slightly below the average for the S&P 500. However, KO's strong financial strength rating and long history of dividend growth make it a good choice for investors looking for a reliable dividend stock.

PepsiCo (PEP): PEP operates as a leading player in the beverage and snack food sector. With an impressive record of 51 consecutive years of dividend growth, PEP currently offers a dividend yield of 2.73%, slightly below the S&P 500 average. Despite this, PEP's robust financial stability and extensive history of dividend growth position it as a reliable choice for investors looking for consistent dividends.

Procter & Gamble (PG): PG is a major consumer products company, boasting a diverse range of well-known brands such as Tide, Pampers, and Bounty. PG has a remarkable history of dividend growth, stretching over 66 consecutive years. Its current dividend yield of 2.68%, although slightly under the S&P 500 average, is complemented by PG's strong financial strength and enduring dividend growth, making it an attractive option for investors seeking dependable dividend stocks.