Five Blue Chip Dividend Stocks Worth Holding Forever
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 22 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- AbbVie's Stability: AbbVie (ABBV), a biopharmaceutical giant, has increased its dividends for 50 consecutive years since becoming independent in 2013, with 12 products exceeding $1 billion in sales by 2025, showcasing its strong market adaptability and long-term growth potential.
- McDonald's Expansion: McDonald's (MCD) operates over 45,000 restaurants globally and is expected to raise its dividend again this year, with analysts projecting high-single-digit earnings growth in the coming years, further solidifying its status as a premium dividend stock.
- Johnson & Johnson's Financial Health: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is renowned for its 64 consecutive years of dividend increases and boasts an AAA credit rating, with expected annual earnings growth averaging 8% to 9% over the next few years, demonstrating its robustness and reliability in the healthcare sector.
- Walmart's E-commerce Transformation: Walmart (WMT) has consistently increased its dividend for 53 years, and despite e-commerce competition, its earnings are projected to grow by an average of 9% over the next three to five years, providing strong support for continued dividend growth.
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Analyst Views on ABBV
Wall Street analysts forecast ABBV stock price to rise
18 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 251.060
Low
223.00
Averages
252.00
High
289.00
Current: 251.060
Low
223.00
Averages
252.00
High
289.00
About ABBV
AbbVie Inc. is a global, diversified, research-based biopharmaceutical company. It is engaged in research and development, manufacturing, commercialization and sale of medicines and therapies. Its product portfolio includes Immunology, Oncology, Aesthetics, Neuroscience, Eye Care and Other Key Products. Immunology products include rheumatology, dermatology and gastroenterology. Oncology products include Imbruvica, Venclexta/Venclyxto, Elahere and Epkinly. The aesthetics portfolio consists of facial injectables, plastics and regenerative medicine, body contouring, and skincare products. Its Neuroscience products include Botox Therapeutic, Vraylar, Duopa and Duodopa, Ubrelvy, and Qulipta. Duodopa is a levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Eye care products include Ozurdex, Lumigan/Ganfort, Alphagan/Combigan, Restasis, and other eye care. Other key products include Mavyret/Maviret, Creon, and Linzess/Constella.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
AbbVie Q1 Earnings Beat Expectations, Market Reacts Positively
- AbbVie Revenue Growth: AbbVie reported Q1 revenues of $15 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 12.4% and exceeding analyst expectations by 1.7%, showcasing strong performance from key growth drivers and enhancing the full-year outlook.
- Moderna's Stellar Performance: Moderna achieved Q1 revenues of $389 million, soaring 260% year-on-year and surpassing analyst expectations by 55.8%, marking it as the fastest-growing company among peers, with its stock rising 75.2% since the report, indicating market optimism about its future.
- United Therapeutics Disappoints: United Therapeutics reported revenues of $781.5 million, down 1.6% year-on-year and falling short of analyst expectations, leading to a 3% decline in stock price, highlighting challenges faced in a competitive market.
- Halozyme Exceeds Expectations: Halozyme Therapeutics reported Q1 revenues of $376.7 million, up 42.2% year-on-year and beating analyst expectations by 6.1%, despite a slight miss on full-year EPS guidance, with stock up 16.5%, reflecting market recognition of its technology.
See More
West Pharmaceutical Services Stock Stages Strong Comeback
- Significant Stock Rebound: In 2026, West Pharmaceutical Services' stock has risen 32.9% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the industry's 30.3% decline and the S&P 500's 28.2% increase, reflecting a recovery in investor confidence.
- Strong Earnings Drive: The company reported first-quarter revenues of $845 million, a 21% year-over-year increase, with adjusted EPS soaring 47%, prompting management to raise full-year guidance, indicating robust demand in biologics and GLP-1 therapies.
- Biologics Business Growth: The biologics-related business achieved 26% organic growth in the first quarter, benefiting from the widespread adoption of NovaPure packaging solutions, suggesting long-term growth potential in the high-value product sector.
- Regulatory Demand Boost: The implementation of European Annex 1 sterile manufacturing regulations led to a 66% year-over-year increase in related projects, expected to contribute approximately 200 basis points to 2026 revenues, further supporting the company's margin expansion.
See More
Trump Administration Proposes Lower Drug Payment Rates for 340B Program
- Payment Rate Adjustment: The Trump administration proposed revising payment rates for hospitals under the 340B Drug Pricing Program starting next year, aiming to align these rates with actual acquisition costs, which could help the U.S. reduce drug spending by approximately $5.7 billion as early as next year.
- Pharma Stocks Surge: Following the announcement, the VanEck Vectors Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) rose about 3%, reaching its highest level since March, with all major drugmakers performing well, notably AbbVie (ABBV), which hit a 52-week high.
- 340B Program Controversy: Major pharmaceutical companies have frequently clashed with the U.S. government over the 340B program, alleging that some hospitals buy 340B drugs at steep discounts but sell them at higher prices, pocketing the difference and burdening patients and taxpayers.
- Legal Action Context: In 2024, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Eli Lilly (LLY) sued the Department of Health and Human Services after their payment model for 340B drugs was blocked, highlighting ongoing dissatisfaction within the pharmaceutical industry and urgent calls for reform in payment structures.
See More
AbbVie, Coca-Cola, and J&J Report Strong Earnings
- AbbVie Earnings Highlight: AbbVie reported Q1 2026 revenue of $15 billion, a 12% year-over-year increase, with Skyrizi and Rinvoq contributing $4.48 billion and $2.12 billion in sales, respectively, effectively offsetting a 39% decline in Humira, while management raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $14.08 to $14.28, indicating strong growth potential post-Humira.
- Johnson & Johnson's Dividend King Status: Johnson & Johnson achieved Q1 2026 revenue of $24.06 billion, up 10% year-over-year, with adjusted EPS of $2.70 exceeding expectations, and the company raised its full-year revenue guidance to $100.3 billion to $101.3 billion, extending its 64-year dividend growth streak, solidifying its role as a quality anchor in investment portfolios.
- Coca-Cola's Steady Performance: Coca-Cola reported Q1 2026 revenue of $12.47 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year, with EPS of $0.86 beating estimates, and management raised 2026 comparable EPS growth guidance to 8% to 9%, reflecting strong demand and profitability in global markets.
- Market Outlook: With all three companies raising guidance in Q1, investors are keenly watching the upcoming earnings season, particularly the dividend payment dates for AbbVie and Coca-Cola on July 15 and July 1, respectively, as confidence in their sustained growth will be crucial.
See More
AbbVie Acquires Apogee for $10.9B, Stock Dips Slightly
- Acquisition Deal: AbbVie has agreed to acquire Apogee Therapeutics for approximately $10.9 billion in an all-cash transaction, which is expected to significantly enhance its pipeline in clinical-stage treatments for inflammatory and immunological diseases, thereby strengthening its market competitiveness.
- Stock Fluctuation: Despite a 10.6% increase in AbbVie's stock over the past six trading sessions, the stock dipped 1.3% on Tuesday to $251.13, indicating a short-term market reaction to the acquisition news.
- Market Performance: Year-to-date, AbbVie's stock has surged about 11%, outperforming the 9% rise of the S&P 500 Index, reflecting strong performance and investor confidence in the biopharmaceutical sector.
- Analyst Ratings: According to Seeking Alpha's Quant Rating, AbbVie holds a 3.3 rating classified as Hold, with an A+ in profitability prospects but a D in valuation, highlighting differing market perceptions of its long-term value.
See More
AbbVie Acquires Apogee to Strengthen Immunology Portfolio
- Acquisition Strategy: AbbVie announced its acquisition of Apogee Therapeutics for approximately $10.9 billion in cash, aimed at bolstering its immunology portfolio, particularly in light of the impending patent expirations of Skyrizi and Rinvoq, ensuring future growth drivers.
- Therapeutic Potential: The acquisition will provide AbbVie with several candidates, notably zumilokibart, an investigational therapy for eczema that has shown promise in mid-stage studies, potentially addressing unmet needs in the market and expected to enter phase 3 studies later this year.
- Market Opportunity: The eczema market was estimated at $19.4 billion last year, and if zumilokibart successfully passes phase 3 trials and gains approval, it could become a significant growth driver for AbbVie, further solidifying its leadership in the immunology space.
- Financial Robustness: AbbVie's Skyrizi and Rinvoq are projected to generate over $31 billion in combined revenue this year, and with a history of over 50 consecutive years of dividend increases, the company demonstrates strong financial health, making its stock attractive for income seekers.
See More
AbbVie Q1 Earnings Beat Expectations, Market Reacts Positively
- AbbVie Revenue Growth: AbbVie reported Q1 revenues of $15 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 12.4% and exceeding analyst expectations by 1.7%, showcasing strong performance from key growth drivers and enhancing the full-year outlook.
- Moderna's Stellar Performance: Moderna achieved Q1 revenues of $389 million, soaring 260% year-on-year and surpassing analyst expectations by 55.8%, marking it as the fastest-growing company among peers, with its stock rising 75.2% since the report, indicating market optimism about its future.
- United Therapeutics Disappoints: United Therapeutics reported revenues of $781.5 million, down 1.6% year-on-year and falling short of analyst expectations, leading to a 3% decline in stock price, highlighting challenges faced in a competitive market.
- Halozyme Exceeds Expectations: Halozyme Therapeutics reported Q1 revenues of $376.7 million, up 42.2% year-on-year and beating analyst expectations by 6.1%, despite a slight miss on full-year EPS guidance, with stock up 16.5%, reflecting market recognition of its technology.
See More
West Pharmaceutical Services Stock Stages Strong Comeback
- Significant Stock Rebound: In 2026, West Pharmaceutical Services' stock has risen 32.9% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the industry's 30.3% decline and the S&P 500's 28.2% increase, reflecting a recovery in investor confidence.
- Strong Earnings Drive: The company reported first-quarter revenues of $845 million, a 21% year-over-year increase, with adjusted EPS soaring 47%, prompting management to raise full-year guidance, indicating robust demand in biologics and GLP-1 therapies.
- Biologics Business Growth: The biologics-related business achieved 26% organic growth in the first quarter, benefiting from the widespread adoption of NovaPure packaging solutions, suggesting long-term growth potential in the high-value product sector.
- Regulatory Demand Boost: The implementation of European Annex 1 sterile manufacturing regulations led to a 66% year-over-year increase in related projects, expected to contribute approximately 200 basis points to 2026 revenues, further supporting the company's margin expansion.
See More
Trump Administration Proposes Lower Drug Payment Rates for 340B Program
- Payment Rate Adjustment: The Trump administration proposed revising payment rates for hospitals under the 340B Drug Pricing Program starting next year, aiming to align these rates with actual acquisition costs, which could help the U.S. reduce drug spending by approximately $5.7 billion as early as next year.
- Pharma Stocks Surge: Following the announcement, the VanEck Vectors Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) rose about 3%, reaching its highest level since March, with all major drugmakers performing well, notably AbbVie (ABBV), which hit a 52-week high.
- 340B Program Controversy: Major pharmaceutical companies have frequently clashed with the U.S. government over the 340B program, alleging that some hospitals buy 340B drugs at steep discounts but sell them at higher prices, pocketing the difference and burdening patients and taxpayers.
- Legal Action Context: In 2024, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Eli Lilly (LLY) sued the Department of Health and Human Services after their payment model for 340B drugs was blocked, highlighting ongoing dissatisfaction within the pharmaceutical industry and urgent calls for reform in payment structures.
See More
AbbVie, Coca-Cola, and J&J Report Strong Earnings
- AbbVie Earnings Highlight: AbbVie reported Q1 2026 revenue of $15 billion, a 12% year-over-year increase, with Skyrizi and Rinvoq contributing $4.48 billion and $2.12 billion in sales, respectively, effectively offsetting a 39% decline in Humira, while management raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $14.08 to $14.28, indicating strong growth potential post-Humira.
- Johnson & Johnson's Dividend King Status: Johnson & Johnson achieved Q1 2026 revenue of $24.06 billion, up 10% year-over-year, with adjusted EPS of $2.70 exceeding expectations, and the company raised its full-year revenue guidance to $100.3 billion to $101.3 billion, extending its 64-year dividend growth streak, solidifying its role as a quality anchor in investment portfolios.
- Coca-Cola's Steady Performance: Coca-Cola reported Q1 2026 revenue of $12.47 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year, with EPS of $0.86 beating estimates, and management raised 2026 comparable EPS growth guidance to 8% to 9%, reflecting strong demand and profitability in global markets.
- Market Outlook: With all three companies raising guidance in Q1, investors are keenly watching the upcoming earnings season, particularly the dividend payment dates for AbbVie and Coca-Cola on July 15 and July 1, respectively, as confidence in their sustained growth will be crucial.
See More
AbbVie Acquires Apogee for $10.9B, Stock Dips Slightly
- Acquisition Deal: AbbVie has agreed to acquire Apogee Therapeutics for approximately $10.9 billion in an all-cash transaction, which is expected to significantly enhance its pipeline in clinical-stage treatments for inflammatory and immunological diseases, thereby strengthening its market competitiveness.
- Stock Fluctuation: Despite a 10.6% increase in AbbVie's stock over the past six trading sessions, the stock dipped 1.3% on Tuesday to $251.13, indicating a short-term market reaction to the acquisition news.
- Market Performance: Year-to-date, AbbVie's stock has surged about 11%, outperforming the 9% rise of the S&P 500 Index, reflecting strong performance and investor confidence in the biopharmaceutical sector.
- Analyst Ratings: According to Seeking Alpha's Quant Rating, AbbVie holds a 3.3 rating classified as Hold, with an A+ in profitability prospects but a D in valuation, highlighting differing market perceptions of its long-term value.
See More
AbbVie Acquires Apogee to Strengthen Immunology Portfolio
- Acquisition Strategy: AbbVie announced its acquisition of Apogee Therapeutics for approximately $10.9 billion in cash, aimed at bolstering its immunology portfolio, particularly in light of the impending patent expirations of Skyrizi and Rinvoq, ensuring future growth drivers.
- Therapeutic Potential: The acquisition will provide AbbVie with several candidates, notably zumilokibart, an investigational therapy for eczema that has shown promise in mid-stage studies, potentially addressing unmet needs in the market and expected to enter phase 3 studies later this year.
- Market Opportunity: The eczema market was estimated at $19.4 billion last year, and if zumilokibart successfully passes phase 3 trials and gains approval, it could become a significant growth driver for AbbVie, further solidifying its leadership in the immunology space.
- Financial Robustness: AbbVie's Skyrizi and Rinvoq are projected to generate over $31 billion in combined revenue this year, and with a history of over 50 consecutive years of dividend increases, the company demonstrates strong financial health, making its stock attractive for income seekers.
See More
