2 Top Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold Forever

Dividend stocks can make great long-term investments. They supply your portfolio with a base income return every year. Meanwhile, the best ones can also deliver meaningful stock price appreciation as the underlying company grows its earnings and Dividend payments.

NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) and Johnson Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) are elite dividend stocks. They've increased their dividends every year for decades, and that steady growth should continue in the decades to come. That makes them great dividend stocks to buy for a potential lifetime of income.

NextEra Energy has increased its dividend payment annually for more than a quarter century. The utility has delivered above-average dividend growth in recent years, powered by its renewable energy investments. The company has grown its adjusted earnings per share at a 9.8% compound annual rate since 2012 while increasing its dividend at an even more impressive 11% compound annual rate. Its payout currently yields 3.2%, more than double the S 500's 1.5% dividend yield. Since 2000, the utility has produced a 14.2% annualized total return, double the S 500's 7% annualized return.