2 Dividend Stocks to Buy in February and Hold for the Long Term

By John Ballard – Feb 13, 2026 at 7:05AM ESTKey PointsStarbucks' improving sales make its 2.51% dividend yield more attractive.PepsiCo boasts a 60-year streak of consecutive dividend payments, currently offering a 3.52% forward yield.We’re bullish on these 10 stocks ›NASDAQ: SBUXStarbucksMarket Cap$110BToday's Changeangle-down(-2.36%) $2.33Current Price$96.16Price as of February 12, 2026 at 3:58 PM ETThese resilient brands are offering high yields as demand for their products picks up.Investing in top consumer brands with a history of increasing dividends can be very rewarding over the long term. Reinvesting the dividends from high-yielding stocks can eventually lead to a windfall of passive income for retirement. Starbucks (SBUX 2.36%) and PepsiCo (PEP 1.15%) are two stocks offering attractive yields right now, just as their businesses are starting to show an uptick in financial results. Here's more on why these consumer powerhouses are timely buys this month. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Starbucks Starbucks is starting to turn the corner after a challenging few years. The company is seeing an uptick in transactions and average ticket, which is driving stronger sales growth. Starbucks has paid a growing dividend for over 15 years, making it a solid dividend stock to buy as the business improves. The current quarterly dividend is $0.62, or $2.48 per year. This is pushing the limits of what the company can sustainably pay out, given Starbucks' full-year earnings guidance of $2.15 to $2.40 per share. But this is transitional, as CEO Brian Niccol (former CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill) executes its turnaround strategy. ExpandNASDAQ: SBUXStarbucksToday's Change(-2.36%) $-2.33Current Price$96.16Key Data PointsMarket Cap$110BDay's Range$95.85 - $100.5452wk Range$75.50 - $117.46Volume163Avg Vol9.7MGross Margin15.73%Dividend Yield2.53% The company's "Back to Starbucks" plan is starting to show noticeable results, with global comparable store sales up 4% year over year last quarter. Management credited this performance to marketing, menu innovation (including its new protein offerings), and store remodels. The stock is up 18% year to date and still offering an above-average forward dividend yield of 2.51%. That is an attractive yield, considering Starbucks' history of increasing the dividend and the likelihood of further increases as Niccol implements improvements to the store experience and menu to strengthen sales. 2. PepsiCo PepsiCo has a powerhouse brand lineup in snacks and beverages that lays the foundation for solid dividend growth. The company has generated consistent revenue and free cash flow over the past five years, despite higher inflation and a pandemic. Over that time, revenue increased 31% with free cash flow up 19%, reaching $7.6 billion on a trailing-12-month basis. These cash flows funded spending on product and packaging innovation, while supporting a growing dividend. ExpandNASDAQ: PEPPepsiCoToday's Change(-1.15%) $-1.95Current Price$167.20Key Data PointsMarket Cap$229BDay's Range$167.09 - $171.4852wk Range$127.60 - $171.48Volume2.9KAvg Vol8.5MGross Margin54.36%Dividend Yield3.36% PepsiCo has paid a dividend for 60 years, with the current quarterly payment at $1.4225, or $5.69 annualized. However, the company announced it will increase its full-year dividend by 4% in 2026 to $5.92, bringing the forward dividend yield to 3.52%. The company has paid out virtually all of its free cash flow in dividends over the past three years. While this is high, PepsiCo's consistent operating history and growth prospects point to further increases. PepsiCo reported improved sales and earnings in the fourth quarter. The company's full-year adjusted earnings were flat at $8.14 per share, but increased 11% year over year in the fourth quarter. Management is targeting productivity savings in 2026 that it expects will sustain this momentum. Likewise, Wall Street analysts are starting to raise their long-term earnings growth forecasts, now expecting 6% annualized earnings growth, which should mirror free cash flow. Overall, PepsiCo's strong brand portfolio and financial strength make it a solid dividend investment.Read NextFeb 10, 2026 •By William DahlPrediction: This Iconic Stock Will Slash Its Dividend in 2026Feb 7, 2026 •By Neil Patel3 Things to Know Before You Buy This Stock That's Up More Than 27,000% Since Its IPOFeb 5, 2026 •By William DahlStarbucks Shares Are Up 13.7% Year-to-Date: Is It a Buy?Feb 4, 2026 •By Motley Fool StaffStarbucks Is Back, but Is It a Buy?Feb 4, 2026 •By Jennifer SaibilCan Starbucks Open Another 10,000 Stores in the U.S.?Feb 3, 2026 •By Jennifer SaibilInvestors Are Piling Into This Stock That's Up 28,000% Since Its IPO.

Can It Soar in 2026?About the AuthorJohn Ballard has been a contributing writer at The Motley Fool since 2016, covering consumer goods and technology stocks. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in real estate finance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.TMFRazorbackStocks MentionedStarbucksNASDAQ: SBUX$96.16 (2.36%) $2.33PepsiCoNASDAQ: PEP$167.20 (1.15%) $1.95Chipotle Mexican GrillNYSE: CMG$35.80 (3.80%) $1.42*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.