When searching for dividend stocks amid today's conditions, careful selection matters. Since the S&P 500 average yield stands at a mere 1.3%, superior yields are accessible elsewhere. Still, locating sustainable high yields from companies worth holding for ten years calls for thorough evaluation.

With a holding period of 10 years or longer, Hormel (NYSE: HRL), Realty Income (NYSE: O), and Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE: EPD) all merit closer inspection now. Here's the rationale.

1. Hormel faces significant market disfavor

Hormel's dividend yield hovers near 3.8%, almost triple the S&P 500 level. This sits close to the highest point in the food producer's history. With a market cap of $16 billion, Hormel ranks smaller than many food giants. Yet it matches them as a Dividend King, a substantial accomplishment.

Hormel confronts challenges that explain the elevated yield. Investors question whether future prospects match prior performance. Still, Hormel holds an advantage in navigating difficulties. The nonprofit Hormel Foundation holds nearly 47% of voting shares. It directs collected dividends toward charitable work, fostering a long-term focus on stability and payouts.

Thus, this food producer avoids hasty short-term moves to satisfy analysts. It can prioritize choices that sustain dividend growth over time. If that approach appeals, consider aligning with the Hormel Foundation by purchasing shares.

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2. Realty Income stands as the dominant net-lease player

Real estate investment trust Realty Income offers a 5.5% dividend yield. The payout has risen each year for 30 straight years. Growth has averaged around 4% annually, a measured pace that edges past long-term inflation and preserves the dividend's purchasing power.

Realty Income distinguishes itself through scale and breadth. As the leading net-lease REIT, it holds single-tenant properties where tenants cover most expenses. This structure supports lower risk across a vast portfolio exceeding 15,600 sites in the United States and Europe. While size tempers rapid expansion, it enables favorable capital access and larger transactions, including acquisitions of smaller competitors. For dependable income over the next decade, this net-lease leader belongs on any short list.

3. Enterprise Products Partners competes at the top level

Enterprise Products Partners, a midstream master limited partnership, delivers a 7.1% distribution yield. The payout has grown annually for 26 consecutive years. Like Realty Income, it emphasizes reliability over rapid increases, while adapting to sector shifts.

Until 2016, expansion centered on new construction funded by unit sales. The strategy now prioritizes measured internal projects supported by operating cash. This shift lifted distribution coverage from 1.2 times distributable cash flow in 2016 to 1.7 times in 2024. The strong coverage provides flexibility for investments and a buffer for the distribution during challenges.

Strong choices for a dividend portfolio

Hormel, Realty Income, and Enterprise each bring distinct strengths. Hormel carries the greatest risk due to current Wall Street skepticism. Realty Income and Enterprise suit conservative investors. All three represent dividend stocks worth acquiring today for a decade or longer.