The Best Stocks to Invest $1,000 in Right Now

There are numerous options available if you are looking for stocks to buy as 2025 comes to a close. However, three of the best options could be Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS), and, for those who prefer a diversified approach, Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEMKT: SCHD). They will likely appeal to different kinds of investors, so here's a quick rundown of each one.

1. Procter & Gamble is a Dividend King

There are several categories into which Procter & Gamble could be placed. For example, it is one of the world's largest consumer staples manufacturers. It is also a Dividend King, boasting over 50 consecutive annual dividend increases. It is a well-run business that can stand toe-to-toe with its peers in terms of brand management, distribution, marketing, and innovation. It doesn't often go on sale.

To be fair, it isn't currently on sale. However, the price is more attractive than it has been in years. The stock's price-to-sales, price-to-earnings, and price-to-book value ratios are all below their five-year averages. The dividend yield is 2.9%, which is toward the high side of the historical yield range.

The yield has been higher in the past, but after a roughly 20% drawdown in the stock, now is probably a good time for more conservative dividend lovers to jump aboard. A $1,000 investment will buy around six shares.

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2. United Parcel Service's revenue per piece is rising

United Parcel Service, more commonly known as UPS, is undergoing a business overhaul. The stock has lost more than half of its value since early 2022. Deeply unloved as business has sagged, this is a turnaround play that is most appropriate for more aggressive investors.

The company has been cutting costs, upgrading its assets, and refining its go-to-market strategy, which has included reducing exposure to less profitable businesses. As management works through this transition period, UPS is spending more and generating less revenue.

It's not surprising that investors are cautious about the stock. However, there are early signs of success, including the fact that revenue per piece rose in the second and third quarters of 2025. That's exactly what the company is trying to achieve and hints that the hoped-for turnaround is starting to take shape.

Only more aggressive investors should consider buying UPS. Moreover, with a dividend payout ratio exceeding 100%, there is a risk of a dividend cut. However, things appear to be getting better for the business. A $1,000 investment will allow you to buy approximately 10 shares of UPS stock.

3. Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF saves you the legwork

The last option isn't a stock; it's an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The big draw for Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF is that it saves you a lot of work that, assuming you are a dividend investor, you would otherwise be doing yourself. Without getting too deep into the woods, the ETF uses a fairly complex screening process to identify 100 companies that are well run, financially strong, and high yielding, and have a history of regularly rewarding investors with dividend increases. That's basically the wish list of most dividend investors.

When you step back and look at its performance, the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF has been a laggard for a while. However, that's largely because a small collection of large technology stocks, most of which don't pay dividends or have very low yields, have been leading the market higher. Over the long term, the ETF has generally provided investors with a rising dividend and a generally rising share price.

A $1,000 investment will buy you 35 shares of the ETF. An investment in this fund comes with a reasonable yield of 3.7% and a very low expense ratio of 0.06%. If you are looking to simplify your life, Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF could be the best choice of this trio.

You have options

The S&P 500 index is trading near all-time highs. It has a miserly dividend yield. And you can easily find alternatives that are more attractive. Procter & Gamble is a great pick for conservative dividend lovers. UPS is for contrarians who like a good turnaround story. And Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF could be a good fit for those who prefer to keep it simple and spend their time with family and friends around the holidays.

Reuben Gregg Brewer has positions in Procter & Gamble and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends United Parcel Service. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.