Investors looking for the best stocks for the long run should look at stocks with the longest histories of raising their dividends each year. Stocks that can raise their dividends each year, even during recessions and market downturns, are the best dividend stocks to buy and hold.

This article will analyze 3 top buy and hold dividend stocks.

RPM International (RPM)

RPM International manufactures, markets and distributes chemical products to industrial, retail and specialty customers. The majority of sales are made to industrial customers.

On July 24th, 2025, RPM reported earnings results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 for the period ending May 31st, 2025. For the quarter, revenue grew 4% to $2.08 billion, which was $60 million ahead of estimates. Adjusted earnings-per-share of $1.72 compared favorably to $1.56 in the prior year and was $0.12 better than expected.

For the year, revenue grew 0.5% to a new record $7.37 billion while adjusted earnings-per-share of $5.30 compared to $4.94. RPM’s results were especially strong considering the prior year saw records in most aspects of the business.

For the quarter, the company had organic growth of 2% and acquisitions net of divestitures added 2.0% to results, which was partially offset by a 0.3% headwind from currency translation. Organic revenue for the Construction Products Group was up 6.7% as demand was high for systems and roofing solutions.

RPM has increased its dividend for 51 consecutive 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.

On August 1st, 2025, Illinois Tool Works reported second quarter 2025 results. For the quarter, revenue came in at $4.1 billion, rising 1% year-over-year. Sales increased 3.8% in the Automotive OEM segment, the largest out of the company’s seven segments.

Furthermore, its Polymers & Fluids, and Construction Products segments saw revenue decline 3.4% and 6.1%, respectively.

Meanwhile, Specialty Products, Test & Measurement and Electronics, Food Equipment, and Welding had revenue growth of 1.1%, 1.2%, 2.1%, and 2.9%, respectively. Net income equaled $755 million or $2.58 per share compared to $759 million or $2.54 per share in Q2 2024.

Moving forward, growth becomes a bit more difficult as the company gets larger. Still, the balance sheet is in good shape, allowing for some flexibility from a capital allocation standpoint. Moreover, attractive returns can be achieved without venturing outside Illinois Tool Works’ existing core competencies. Illinois Tool Works can continue to invest in its sales networks, R&D, and manufacturing capacity, while cost-cutting measures could continue to boost margins.

ITW has increased its dividend for 62 consecutive years.

Lowe’s Cos. Inc. (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 consecutive years.