**Top Dividend Stocks for Lifelong Passive Income**

The Motley Fool, established in 1993, aims to enhance global financial wisdom and prosperity. Known for its comprehensive investing solutions, the firm reaches millions monthly through various channels, including its Fool.com platform and acclaimed podcasts. This article highlights 15 dividend stocks with the potential for sustainable, long-term returns, providing a stable source of passive income.

Dividend sustainability is essential for long-term investors. The payout ratio—indicating the percentage of earnings paid as dividends—helps gauge stability. A ratio below 50% is considered robust, suggesting room for growth, while a ratio above 75% may indicate a potential risk to future payouts. Context is crucial; for instance, pharmaceutical companies often have high payout ratios due to their cyclical earnings, and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) must distribute 90% of taxable income as dividends.

Among the top picks, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Coca-Cola (KO) stand out due to their long history of dividend increases. Johnson & Johnson presents a 3.07% yield and a 72.70% payout ratio, supported by a diverse healthcare portfolio. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola, with a 2.7% yield and a 76.80% payout ratio, leverages its iconic brand and extensive distribution network to maintain stable dividends.

Retail giants Target (TGT) and Lowe’s (LOW) also offer compelling dividend opportunities. Target provides a 2.89% yield with a conservative 45.50% payout ratio, driven by its omnichannel strategy and exclusive brands. Lowe’s, with a 1.72% yield and a low 36.7% payout ratio, benefits from its strong presence in the home improvement market.

In the consumer staples sector, PepsiCo (PEP) and Costco (COST) exemplify stability. PepsiCo offers a 3.19% yield and a 74.50% payout ratio, thanks to its diverse product portfolio. Costco's lower yield of 0.52% is complemented by a meager 26.30% payout ratio, with consistent dividend growth and special dividends enhancing shareholder value.

The pharmaceutical sector features AbbVie (ABBV) and Pfizer (PFE). AbbVie’s 3.18% yield and 202% payout ratio underscore its transition from Humira reliance to newer immunology treatments. Pfizer, yielding 5.78% at a 443% payout ratio, navigates cyclical challenges but maintains a strong history of dividend commitment.

Financial services stocks Visa (V) and S&P Global (SPGI) offer significant dividend growth potential. Visa’s 0.76% yield and 21.50% payout ratio reflect a focus on reinvestment in the digital payments era. S&P Global provides a 0.71% yield and 34.3% payout ratio, with a leadership position in credit ratings and analytics, marking 51 consecutive years of increased payouts.

Tobacco company Altria (MO) and telecom giant AT&T (T) are notable for their impressive yields. Altria boasts a 7.99% yield with a 67.50% payout ratio, while AT&T offers a 5.07% yield and 63.70% payout ratio, having fortified its core business post-restructuring.

Industrials and real estate also feature prominent stocks like Grainger (GWW) and Realty Income (O). Grainger provides a 0.79% yield with a 20.9% payout ratio, emphasizing growth in maintenance, repair, and operations. Realty Income's 5.04% yield is bolstered by its triple-net lease model, despite a high 285.9% payout ratio.

Lastly, Philip Morris International (PM) introduces international exposure with a 4.48% yield and a 92% payout ratio. Despite the high ratio, Philip Morris has consistently increased its dividend annually since 2008, boasting a 7% compound annual growth rate.

Investors looking for reliable dividend stocks can consider these well-performing entities for steady, long-term passive income.