The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $3,000 Right Now

Investing in the stock market is an excellent way to build wealth. It can also be an effective way to generate passive income, allowing you to earn money while you sleep. Dividend stocks, which pay investors a portion of a company's profits, reward shareholders and are often backed by solid businesses.

However, not all dividend stocks are equal. Some companies may offer a high payout that tends to fluctuate based on earnings, making them less reliable for income investors. Others are committed to increasing their dividends each year. According to one study conducted by Hartford Funds and Ned Davis Research, companies that consistently increase their dividend payout outperform those with no dividend or those that do not raise their dividend -- and with less volatility.

Besides income, dividend stocks can provide stability as part of a diversified portfolio. If you have $3,000 you're looking to put to work in the market, here are four dividend stocks you can consider purchasing today.

1. Lowe's

Lowe's Companies (NYSE: LOW) is one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world, with more than 1,700 stores, primarily across the U.S. It sells a wide range of products to both do-it-yourselfers and professional contractors.

Its business model provides steady revenue because home maintenance, repairs, and remodeling are recurring needs. Even in downturns, homeowners tend to invest in upkeep rather than relocation, giving its business some resilience. It also benefits from strong logistics networks and purchasing power that allows it to negotiate better pricing from suppliers and maintain consistent inventory across thousands of product categories.

The company has also been strategically pivoting toward professional contractors, a segment that typically delivers higher and more stable spending per customer than the retail base. It continues to improve operational efficiency through supply chain automation and data-driven inventory management. As the U.S. housing stock is aging, and as homeowners invest in renovations or upgrades, Lowe's stands to benefit from long-term demand.

Lowe's is a strong dividend stock with a modest 1.9% yield and an impressive 54-year history of raising its dividend, making this Dividend King a solid choice for income investors today.

2. NextEra Energy

NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) operates one of the largest electric utility and renewable energy companies in the U.S. It combines the predictable, regulated utility operations of Florida Power & Light with a fast-growing portfolio of wind, solar, and battery assets through NextEra Energy Resources.

NextEra has one of the largest collections of renewables globally, giving it cost advantages and deep experience in project execution. Growth opportunities are abundant as the U.S. looks to secure energy security, and its variety of assets has it well positioned for grid modernization across North America.

Its structure creates steady revenue: Regulated utilities generate consistent cash flow from set electricity rates, while renewables add growth via long-term contracts. Because electricity demand is essential and recurring, its revenue base tends to remain stable even in economic downturns. Just bear in mind that it is not completely immune to economic or commodity price shocks.

For dividend investors, NextEra offers a blend of income and growth. It has consistently raised its dividend for 31 years and has a yield of 2.6%. As electrification expands through EVs and data centers, long-term demand for clean energy will keep rising, providing the company with an opportunity for continued growth.

3. Realty Income

Realty Income (NYSE: O) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and leases more than 15,000 commercial properties (including retail, industrial, and distribution centers) under long-term triple-net leases.

With triple-net leases, tenants cover most operating costs (taxes, maintenance, and insurance), creating highly predictable and stable cash flows. Because leases typically last 10 to 20 years, with built-in rent escalations, Realty Income's revenue model provides dependable income through market cycles.

It has thousands of properties across hundreds of tenants and industries, which reduces risk from any single tenant's failure. Its scale also allows access to low-cost capital, enabling steady acquisitions and portfolio growth.

As a REIT, it is required by U.S. tax law to distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to shareholders annually in the form of dividends. This structure allows it to pass through taxes, making it a tax-efficient vehicle for investors seeking income.

Realty Income is a favorite among income investors because it pays dividends monthly, not quarterly, and has raised its annual payout consistently for more than three decades. Its yield is around 5.3%, and its another strong choice for investors looking for income from their portfolio.

4. BlackRock

BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) is the world's largest asset manager, with more than $13 trillion across mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other instruments. It earns a percentage of assets under management (AUM), giving it a stable fee-based business model that provides recurring revenue.

Its scale provides cost efficiencies unmatched in the industry, while its iShares ETFs dominate the global passive-investment space. It also differentiates itself through technology. Its Aladdin risk-management platform is widely used across the financial world, creating sticky relationships with clients.

BlackRock continues to dominate the passive-investing market, and its slew of investment choices continues to drive AUM growth. Though the yield is modest at around 1.8%, dividend growth has been strong: It has raised its payout for 16 consecutive years. For passive income and growth, BlackRock is another stellar choice.

Courtney Carlsen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends NextEra Energy and Realty Income. The Motley Fool recommends BlackRock and Lowe's Companies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.