From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-26 14:32:00

Investors are withdrawing money from the stock market, but long-term investors are advised to hold on. It’s a great time to invest in companies with solid business and long-term prospects, like dividend payers Medtronic and Merck, recommended for the next two decades.

Medtronic, a leader in medical devices, may be impacted by President Trump’s tariffs due to its manufacturing abroad. Despite near-term uncertainty, Medtronic remains a solid long-term investment with a successful track record of navigating economic challenges. The company is adapting to mitigate tariff impacts and operates in a defensive industry.

Medtronic, known for its consistency rather than explosive growth, has significant growth opportunities in diabetes care and robotic-assisted surgery. The company has a track record of increasing dividends for 47 years and offers a competitive forward yield of 3.4%. Despite recent challenges, Medtronic is poised for long-term success in healthcare.

Merck faces challenges with potential competition for its cancer drug Keytruda and an upcoming patent cliff. However, the company’s long-term prospects remain strong with new drug formulations in the pipeline. Merck’s innovative approach and dividend program make it a worthwhile investment for income-seeking investors looking ahead.

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analysts have identified the 10 best stocks to buy, excluding Medtronic. Past recommendations like Netflix and Nvidia have seen significant returns. Stock Advisor’s outperformance compared to the S&P 500 makes it a valuable resource for investors seeking high-growth opportunities. Join Stock Advisor for access to the latest top 10 list.

Read more: 2 Outstanding Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold For 20 Years