Visa & Caterpillar: Dividend Stocks for the Next Decade

A recent analysis highlights Visa and Caterpillar as premier dividend growth stocks ideal for long-term holding. Both companies have demonstrated exceptional financial performance and commitment to shareholder returns through consistent dividend increases and substantial buyback programs.

Visa, the global payments leader, reported impressive Q1 FY2026 results with $10.9 billion in revenue and a remarkable 53.7% net profit margin. The company recently raised its dividend by 14% following strong 14% GAAP net income growth, distributing $5.1 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.

Caterpillar is riding the AI infrastructure wave, with its power generators becoming essential for data center operations. The company signed a deal to deploy two gigawatts of dedicated power for hyperscaler AI infrastructure, contributing to its 35% year-to-date stock performance.

The construction equipment manufacturer delivered record-breaking Q4 results with 18% revenue growth and ended fiscal 2025 with a massive $51 billion backlog, representing a 71% improvement. Caterpillar returned $7.9 billion to shareholders while implementing a 7% dividend increase last year.

Both companies represent the dividend growth category rather than high-yield income stocks, focusing on maximizing long-term returns through consistent payout increases supported by strong business fundamentals.

For dividend investors, the distinction between high-yield stocks and dividend growth stocks is crucial. While high-yield stocks provide immediate income, dividend growth stocks like Visa and Caterpillar offer superior long-term compounding potential through regular payout increases.

Visa's dominant position in global payments provides recession-resistant cash flows. The shift from cash to digital payments represents a multi-decade tailwind, ensuring Visa's revenue growth continues regardless of economic conditions. Their massive profit margins provide ample room for continued dividend growth.

Caterpillar's exposure to the AI infrastructure buildout represents a significant growth catalyst that could last years. The company's record backlog indicates sustained demand, while its century-long history demonstrates resilience through economic cycles. The AI megatrend provides a new growth vector beyond traditional construction cycles.