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Investors looking for the best stocks for the long run should consider dividend growth stocks.

More specifically, we believe stocks that can raise their dividends each year, regardless of the broader economic climate, are the best dividend stocks to buy and hold.

These 3 dividend stocks represent some of the best stocks for the long run.

Lowe’s Companies (LOW)

Lowe’s Companies is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the US (after Home Depot). The company was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Mooresville, NC.

Lowe’s operates or services more than 1,700 home improvement and hardware stores in the U.S.

On April 14, 2025, Lowe’s announced it will acquire Artisan Design Group (ADG) for $1.325 billion. ADG designs, distributes, and installs interior surface finishes for flooring, cabinets, and countertops.

In FY 2024, ADG generated $1.8 billion of revenue. The acquisition expands Lowe’s Pro offering into a new distribution channel in a $50 billion market. Lowe’s will pay cash for the business, and the transaction is anticipated to close in Q2 2025.

Lowe’s reported first quarter 2025 results on May 21st, 2025. Total sales came in at $20.9 billion compared to $21.4 billion in the same quarter a year ago. Comparable sales decreased by 1.7%, while net earnings-per-share of $2.92 compared to $3.06 in first quarter 2024.

Lowe’s was negatively impacted from unfavorable weather, partly offset by mid-single-digit Pro and online comparable sales growth.

The company repurchased $112 million of common stock in the quarter. Additionally, it paid out $645 million in dividends.

Lowe’s reiterated its fiscal 2025 outlook and still expects to earn diluted EPS of $12.15 to $12.40 on total sales of $83.5 to $84.5 billion.

LOW has increased its dividend for 61 years.

Illinois Tool Works (ITW)

Illinois Tool Works is a diversified multi-industrial manufacturer with seven unique operating segments: Automotive, Food Equipment, Test & Measurement, Welding, Polymers & Fluids, Construction Products and Specialty Products.

Last year the company generated $15.9 billion in revenue. The company is geographically diversified, with more than half of its revenue generated outside of the United States.

On April 30th, 2025, Illinois Tool Works reported first quarter 2025 results for the period ending March 31st, 2025. For the quarter, revenue came in at $3.8 billion, shrinking 3.4% year-over-year. Sales declined 3.7% in the Automotive OEM segment, the largest out of the company’s seven segments.

In fact, every single one of ITW’s segments experienced revenue declines year-over-year. Food Equipment, Test & Measurement and Electronics, Welding, Polymers & Fluids, Construction Products and Specialty Products all saw revenue decline -0.7%, -6.3%, -0.9%, -0.8%, -9.2%, and -1.0% respectively.

Net income equaled $700 million or $2.38 per share compared to $819 million or $2.73 per share in Q1 2024. In the first quarter, ITW repurchased $375 million of its shares. Illinois Tool Works reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, still expecting full-year GAAP EPS to be $10.15 to $10.55.

ITW has increased its dividend for 61 years.

Middlesex Water (MSEX)

Middlesex Water Company was formed in 1897. The company is a water and wastewater utility in New Jersey and Delaware. Middlesex has paid consecutive dividends since 1912.

First-quarter 2025 results showed diluted earnings per share of $0.53 on net income of $9.5 million, compared to $0.59 and $10.7 million in Q1 2024—a decline driven largely by a one-time recovery benefiting the prior year.

Operating revenue rose to $44.3 million, up $3.8 million year-over-year, thanks to rate increases, higher consumption, and customer growth in its New Jersey and Delaware service areas.

The company completed the $4.6 million acquisition of Ocean View utility assets in Delaware, adding approximately 900 customers.

Infrastructure investment reached $19 million in the quarter, with a full-year plan of $93 million, while a regulatory Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) application is expected to yield an additional $1.9 million in annual revenue.

The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.34, continuing a 52-year streak of annual dividend increases.

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