11 Best Dividend Stocks Paying Over 6%

In this article, we discuss 11 best dividend stocks paying over 6%.

Market volatility, growing fears of recession heading into 2023, and rising concerns about the global economic outlook have investors fleeing from growth equities into value and dividend plays to defend their portfolios, in order to benefit from upside potential. Investors with long-term horizons and low risk appetites usually pile into dividend-paying stocks, which have historically proven to be effective hedges against inflation. 

According to Morgan Stanley, high yielding dividend stocks outpaced the broader market largely in 2021 and 2022, partly due to energy stocks, as the accelerating price of oil boosted energy firms’ cash stockpiles. Similarly, the packaged food sector has dividends with a stable growth outlook, supported by resilient demand and high margins, in addition to solid cash flow to pay debts and make consistent payouts to shareholders. Regulated electric and gas utilities have mature businesses and analysts expect dividend growth of 6% annually through 2024 in the sector. Furthermore, despite credit losses rising in a recession scenario, banks could raise their dividends by up to 36% year-over-year in 2023 as per Morgan Stanley. 

A look at the returns of the S&P 500 Index stocks over the last 50 years indicates that firms with increasing free cash flow and dividends have outperformed over the long-term and experience lesser volatility compared to non-dividend payers or dividend slashers. Investors are always on the hunt for dividend stocks which offer growth potential and stability (see 12 Best Performing Dividend Stocks) to navigate the turbulent markets. Popular American television personality Jim Cramer, who frequently analyzes Wall Street equities on his show Mad Money on CNBC, also recently backed dividend stocks which have a history of consecutively growing dividend payouts over the years. (see Jim Cramer’s Dividend Aristocrat Stocks)

To navigate the market, investors usually chase high dividend yields with stable underlying business fundamentals. Some of the best dividend stocks paying over 6% include AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), and Pioneer Natural Resources Company (NYSE:PXD). 

Our Methodology 

We selected the dividend stocks that yield over 6% as of December 27. We have assessed the hedge fund sentiment from Insider Monkey’s database of 920 elite hedge funds tracked as of the end of the third quarter of 2022. The list is arranged according to the number of hedge fund holders in each firm. This means our list demonstrates the best high dividend stocks to buy according to hedge funds. We also discussed analyst coverage, business fundamentals, and the latest dividend payouts by these companies.

Best Dividend Stocks Paying Over 6%

11. Hess Midstream LP (NYSE:HESM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 11

Dividend Yield as of December 27: 7.59%

Hess Midstream LP (NYSE:HESM) is a Texas-based company that owns, develops, operates, and acquires midstream assets. The company operates through three segments – Gathering, Processing and Storage, and Terminaling and Export. On October 24, Hess Midstream LP declared a $0.5627 per share quarterly dividend, a 1.2% increase from its prior dividend of $0.5559. The dividend was distributed to shareholders on November 14. 

On October 26, Hess Midstream LP reported a Q3 GAAP EPS of $0.53 and a revenue of $334.8 million, outperforming Wall Street estimates by $0.01 and $17.77 million, respectively. Based on strong results in Q3 2022, Hess Midstream LP reiterated its annual distribution per share growth target of 5% through 2024, with expected annual distribution coverage of more than 1.4x, including distribution coverage greater than 1.5x in 2022.

Citi analyst Spiro Dounis initiated coverage of Hess Midstream LP on December 8 with a Buy rating and a $34 price target. The analyst launched coverage of 23 midstream stocks with a “constructive cash flow outlook” but acknowledged the “need to be selective in this environment.”

According to Insider Monkey’s data, 11 hedge funds were bullish on Hess Midstream LP at the end of Q3 2022, compared to 9 funds in the prior quarter. Dmitry Balyasny’s Balyasny Asset Management is the biggest position holder in the company, with 526,436 shares worth $13.4 million. 

Like AT&T Inc., Verizon Communications Inc., and Pioneer Natural Resources Company, Hess Midstream LP is one of the best dividend stocks to consider for an income portfolio. 

10. British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14

Dividend Yield as of December 27: 8.48%

British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI) is a London-based company that sells tobacco and nicotine products to consumers worldwide. On December 21,British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI) declared a $0.735 per share quarterly dividend, in line with previous. The dividend is distributable on February 6, 2023 to shareholders of record on December 23. 

On December 8, British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI) announced that it forecasts revenue growth of 2% to 4% at constant currency rates in FY2022, as the market for e-cigarettes and oral nicotine products is growing. The company is also confident in reporting £5 billion in revenue and profitability by 2025.

JPMorgan analyst Jared Dinges on December 1 maintained an Overweight rating on British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI) but lowered the firm’s price target on the shares to 4,000 GBp from 4,500 GBp. 

According to Insider Monkey’s data, 14 hedge funds were long British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI) at the end of September 2022, compared to 17 funds in the prior quarter. Rajiv Jain’s GQG Partners is the largest stakeholder of the company, with 33.25 million shares worth $1.18 billion. 

Here is what Distillate Capital has to say about British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI) in its Q1 2022 investor letter:

“Distillate Capital’s International FSV Strategy is less expensive, more fundamentally stable, and less levered than the benchmark All Country World Ex U.S. (ACWI-EX US) Index. The largest new position is British American Tobacco (NYSE:BTI), which was not owned previously due to leverage, but now passes that threshold and offers an 11% free cash flow to market cap yield.”

9. BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 20

Dividend Yield as of December 27: 10.48%

BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. The company operates as a resources company in Australia, Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the rest of Asia, North America, South America, and internationally. It engages in the mining of copper, silver, zinc, molybdenum, uranium, gold, iron ore, and metallurgical and energy coal. It is one of the premier dividend stocks to invest in, with the stock paying close to 10.5% on December 27. The company pays dividends on a semi-annual basis. 

On December 12, I-Pulse and I-ROX SAS announced a collaboration with BHP Group Limited to identify and create applications of pulsed-power technology across different aspects of the mining industry. BHP Group Limited is a major investor in this collaboration and it will be offered direct access to this potentially disruptive technology. The partnership has potential for uncovering economic and environmental upside to mining activities. 

JPMorgan analyst Lyndon Fagan on December 14 raised the firm’s price target on BHP Group Limited to 2,450 GBp from 2,330 GBp and reiterated a Neutral rating on the shares.

According to Insider Monkey’s third quarter database, 20 hedge funds were long BHP Group Limited, compared to 19 funds in the prior quarter. Ken Fisher’s Fisher Asset Management is the biggest position holder in the company, with 17.6 million shares worth $881.2 million. 

In its Q1 2021 investor letter, Harding Loevner, an asset management firm, highlighted a few stocks and BHP Group Ltd. was one of them. Here is what the fund said:

“Our purchase of Australian mining company BHP Group Ltd. is an example of a quality company at a moderate valuation that should deliver attractive long-term returns. We believe the market has undervalued its enduring competitive advantage due to its low cost iron and copper mining operations which has allowed the company to deliver consistent profits and cash flows across the inevitable ups and downs of the global metals cycle. While the variability of commodity prices prevents BHP from scoring in the top ranks of measured quality, we are willing to bear some of that uncertainty in return for a more attractive valuation given the company’s strong business fundamentals.”

8. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21

Dividend Yield as of December 27: 7.93%

Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) is a Texas-based midstream energy services company that provides natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, petrochemicals, and refined products. The company operates through four segments – NGL Pipelines & Services, Crude Oil Pipelines & Services, Natural Gas Pipelines & Services, and Petrochemical & Refined Products Services. Enterprise Products Partners L.P.’s latest quarterly dividend of $0.475 per share was distributed to shareholders on November 14. It is one of the best dividend stocks to invest in, and its yield is supported by a strong asset portfolio and high volume asset movement. 

On November 30, Enterprise Products Partners L.P. announced that its proposed Sea Port Oil Terminal received its Record of Decision from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. The company is working towards obtaining the deepwater port license in 2023. 

Citi analyst Spiro Dounis on December 8 initiated coverage of Enterprise Products Partners L.P. with a Buy rating and a $31 price target, calling the stock one of his top picks in the sector. 

According to Insider Monkey’s Q3 data, Enterprise Products Partners L.P. was part of 21 hedge fund portfolios, compared to 23 in the prior quarter. Bruce Berkowitz’s Fairholme (FAIRX) is the largest position holder in the company, with 3.88 million shares worth $92.3 million. 

Here is what Fairholme Capital Management specifically said about Enterprise Products Partners L.P. in its Q2 2022 investor letter:

“Enterprise Products Partners L.P. is the largest position in the Fund. Enterprise provides processing and transportation services to producers and consumers of natural gas, natural gas liquids, and oil. These hydrocarbons are critical for modern life and have few, if any, ready substitutes. Commodity prices do not greatly affect the company’s toll road fees. Enterprise is priced at less than nine times distributable cash flows and pays a 7.5% cash distribution.”

7. Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 24

Dividend Yield as of December 27: 6.70%

Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB) is headquartered in Calgary, Canada, and the energy infrastructure company operates through five segments – Liquids Pipelines, Gas Transmission and Midstream, Gas Distribution and Storage, Renewable Power Generation, and Energy Services. 

On November 30, Enbridge Inc. declared a C$0.8875 per share quarterly dividend, a 3.2% increase from its prior dividend of C$0.86. The dividend is distributable on March 1, 2023 to shareholders of record on February 15. It is one of the top dividend stocks paying over 6%. The company expects to generate solid business growth in 2023, forecasting full-year EBITDA of C$15.9 billion to C$16.5 billion. Enbridge Inc. also expects higher distributable cash flow of C$5.25 to C$5.65 per share next year. 

Credit Suisse analyst Andrew Kuske on December 9 maintained a Neutral rating on Enbridge Inc. and lowered the firm’s price target on the shares to C$52 from C$54. 

According to Insider Monkey’s third quarter database, 24 hedge funds held stakes worth $2.28 billion in Enbridge Inc., compared to 25 funds in the last quarter worth $2.36 billion. Rajiv Jain’s GQG Partners held the largest position in the company, comprising 56.2 million shares worth over $2 billion. 

Here is what ClearBridge Investments Dividend Strategy has to say about Enbridge Inc. in its Q3 2021 investor letter:

“We are meaningfully overweight energy, particularly within North American energy infrastructure. Enbridge and Williams, our two infrastructure holdings, possess crown jewel infrastructure assets. They each deliver meaningful proportions of the overall energy produced and consumed in North America. Their revenues are backed by long-term contracts with high-quality counterparties and have little direct commodity price exposure. Their growth has been driven by the increasing production of North American energy. The advent of unconventional oil and gas production (oil sand and shale) has made North America a low-cost competitor on a global basis. We expect strong North American production to be an enduring feature of global energy supply for decades to come.”

6. Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27

Dividend Yield as of December 27: 8.79%

Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) was founded in 1942 and is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The company produces and commercializes iron ore and iron ore pellets, which are used as raw materials in steelmaking in Brazil and internationally. The company expects to produce 310 million to 320 million metric tons of iron ore in 2023, which is similar to the 310 million tons produced this year, with plans to grow in the coming years to reach 340 million to 360 million tons in 2026 and more than 360 million beginning in 2030. As of December 27, Vale S.A.’s dividend yield came in at 8.79%, making it one of the best dividend stocks to monitor. 

On December 9, Morgan Stanley analyst Carlos De Alba upgraded Vale S.A. to Overweight from Equal Weight and raised the price target to $20 from $14.50. China’s reopening will continue to benefit miners, but the path forward will be “bumpy,” the analyst told investors in a research note. He sees iron ore price momentum heading into the first half of 2023, which is supported by lower supply and China winding down its COVID Zero policy. Additionally, share catalysts for a re-rating include a potential transaction that would “unlock value” from Vale S.A.’s base metals unit, contended the analyst.

According to Insider Monkey’s Q3 data, 27 hedge funds were long Vale S.A., and William B. Gray’s Orbis Investment Management is a prominent stakeholder of the company, with 20.7 million shares worth $276 million. 

In addition to AT&T Inc., Verizon Communications Inc., and Pioneer Natural Resources Company, Vale S.A. is one of the top dividend stocks to invest in according to smart investors. 

Here is what GMO LLC had to say about Vale S.A. in its Q1 2022 investor letter:

“Let’s look at Vale, the world’s largest iron ore producer, as a case study for how shareholders can be rewarded. Vale’s stock price is about where it was at the beginning of last year. Despite the market’s lack of enthusiasm, the company generated about $20 billion of free cash flow last year. Not bad for a company with a market cap of a little over $100 billion and no substantive debt as of the end of March. 4 What did the company do with all that cash? Last year, Vale paid out about $9 billion in regularly scheduled dividends and distributed another $10 billion between extra dividends and share repurchases. Combined with dividends distributed in the first quarter of this year and a recently announced share repurchase, Vale has returned or announced the return of over $33 billion since the beginning of last year, almost a 32% yield relative to the market cap of the company. Not a bad way to win.”

5. Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 33

Dividend Yield as of December 27: 8.86%

Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) is a Texas-based company that owns and operates natural gas transportation pipelines and natural gas storage facilities. On October 25,Energy Transfer LP declared a $0.265 per share quarterly dividend, a 15.2% increase from its prior dividend of $0.230. The dividend was paid to shareholders on November 21. This distribution increase reflects another step in Energy Transfer LP’s plan to return higher value to shareholders while maintaining its target leverage ratio of 4.0x-4.5x debt-to-EBITDA. 

On December 8, Citi analyst Spiro Dounis initiated coverage of Energy Transfer LP with a Buy rating and a $16 price target. The sector offers a “compelling combination of growth and yield,” the analyst wrote in a research note.

According to the third quarter database of Insider Monkey, Energy Transfer LP was part of 33 hedge fund portfolios, compared to 36 in the prior quarter. David Abrams’ Abrams Capital Management is the biggest stakeholder of the company, with 22 million shares worth $242.8 million. 

Miller Value Partners, an investment firm, talked about Energy Transfer L.P. in its Q2 2021 investor letter. Here is what the fund said:

“Energy Transfer LP (ET) rose over the period along with the price of oil climbing 40.59% over the period. The company received positive news that the Dakota Access Pipeline project would not be shut down while the Environmental Impact Statement by the US Army Corps of Engineers is drawn up. Energy Transfer reported strong 1Q results with revenue of $17B surpassing expectations for $11.8B with adjusted earnings before income, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) hitting $5.04B ahead of consensus of $2.77B. The company raised full year adjusted EBITDA guidance to $12.9-13.3B from $10.6-11.0B previously, with the increase largely related to the benefits realized from Winter Storm Uri. The company paid down $3.7B in debt during the quarter, using strong cash flow to reduce leverage. The company also announced the issuance of $900M in 6.5% Series H perpetual preferreds with the company using the proceeds to repay debt and for general purposes.”

4. Pioneer Natural Resources Company (NYSE:PXD)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 49

Dividend Yield as of December 27: 11.37%

Pioneer Natural Resources Company is a Texas-based independent oil and gas exploration and production company. The company explores for, develops, and produces oil, natural gas liquids, and gas. Pioneer Natural Resources Company paid a $5.71 per share quarterly dividend to unitholders on December 15. It is one of the best dividend stocks to consider. 

On October 28, Pioneer Natural Resources Company announced that it is looking to increase productivity levels in 2023 by reshuffling its drilling portfolio to target wells with possibly greater returns. 

Barclays analyst Jeanine Wai on December 7 maintained an Overweight rating on Pioneer Natural Resources Company but lowered the firm’s price target on the shares to $277 from $300 following the Q3 results.

According to Insider Monkey’s data, 49 hedge funds were bullish on Pioneer Natural Resources Company at the end of the third quarter of 2022, compared to 56 funds in the prior quarter. Donald Yacktman’s Yacktman Asset Management is a prominent stakeholder of the company, with 686,869 shares worth $148.7 million. 

Here is what Carillon Scout Mid Cap Fund has to say about Pioneer Natural Resources Company in its Q1 2022 investor letter:

“Pioneer Natural Resources performed well in a strong energy sector. Pioneer stood out recently with a pledge to return a large majority of free cash flow to shareowners through dividends and stock buybacks, and ended hedging to give shareowners more earnings and dividend potential should oil and gas prices continue to rise.”

3. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 61

Dividend Yield as of December 27: 6.06%

AT&T Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications company that provides satellite television, fixed-line telephones, mobile telephones, and internet services. On December 27, AT&T Inc. announced that it will create a joint venture with BlackRock Alternatives called Gigapower, which will reach an initial 1.5 million customer locations across the United States. The joint venture would be in addition to its present goal of achieving more than 30 million fiber locations by the end of 2025.  

On December 15, AT&T Inc. declared a $0.2775 per share quarterly dividend, in line with previous. The dividend is payable on February 1, 2023 to shareholders of record on January 10. The dividend yield on December 27 came in at 6.06%. AT&T Inc. is one of the best dividend stocks to invest in. 

Raymond James analyst Frank Louthan on December 27 maintained a Strong Buy rating on AT&T Inc. after the company announced a joint venture with BlackRock to develop fiber-to-the-home outside its 21-state footprint.

According to Insider Monkey’s data, 61 hedge funds were bullish on AT&T Inc. at the end of the third quarter of 2022, compared to 55 funds in the prior quarter. D E Shaw held the largest stake in the company, comprising nearly 14 million shares worth $214.3 million. 

In its Q2 2022 investor letter, Chartwell Investment Partners, an asset management firm, highlighted a few stocks and AT&T Inc. was one of them. Here is what the fund said:

“In the Dividend Equity accounts, the three best performers in Q2 include AT&T (NYSE:T, 2.5%), up 17.1%. AT&T completed the spin off of the WarnerMedia business (HBO, CNN, etc.), and the market seemed to like the “back-to-basics” approach. Also, the telco business is expected to do relatively well in an inflationary environment.”

2. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62

Dividend Yield as of December 27: 6.80%

Verizon Communications Inc. is a New York-based company that provides communications, technology, information, and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses, and governments worldwide. On December 1, Verizon Communications Inc. declared a $0.6525 per share quarterly dividend, in line with previous. The dividend is distributable on February 1, 2023 to shareholders of record on January 10. Verizon Communications Inc. is one of the top dividend stocks to invest in. 

On December 16, Tigress Financial analyst Ivan Feinseth maintained a Buy rating on Verizon Communications Inc. but lowered the firm’s price target on the shares to $64 from $68. Verizon Communications Inc.’s investments in developing its 5G network will start to pay off moving forward, driving improved operational and financial performance, the analyst told investors in a research note. 

According to Insider Monkey’s data, 62 hedge funds were bullish on Verizon Communications Inc. at the end of Q3 2022, compared to 58 funds in the earlier quarter. Ken Griffin’s Citadel Investment Group is a significant position holder in the company, with 5.2 million shares worth $200.4 million. 

In its Q3 2022 investor letter, Mawer Investment Management, an asset management firm, highlighted a few stocks and Verizon Communications Inc. was one of them. Here is what the fund said:

“There are a few other segments of our portfolios that displayed weakness in the quarter. Cable and telecommunication companies have been an area that has lagged behind the broader market as their worlds are increasingly colliding. Companies such as Verizon have been impacted as the wireless operator is spending heavily to attract internet subscribers with fixed wired access and the cable companies are trying to build wireless businesses.”

1. Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CHK)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 70

Dividend Yield as of December 27: 10.30%

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CHK) is an independent exploration and production company, focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of properties for the production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. On November 11, Chesapeake Energy Corporation declared a $3.16 per share quarterly dividend, a 36.2% increase from its prior dividend of $2.32. The dividend was distributed to unitholders on December 1. It is one of the best dividend stocks to monitor. 

On October 19, Jefferies analyst Lloyd Byrne initiated coverage of Chesapeake Energy Corporation with a Buy rating and a $150 price target. He believes the “Option Value” of energy is up again, supported by a tight capital cycle. 

According to Insider Monkey’s data, 70 hedge funds were long Chesapeake Energy Corporation at the end of Q3 2022, compared to 67 funds in the last quarter. Howard Marks’ Oaktree Capital Management is the largest stakeholder of the company, with 9.80 million shares worth $923.25 million. 

Miller Value Partners made the following comment about Chesapeake Energy Corporation in its Q3 2022 investor letter:

“Chesapeake Energy Corporation gained 19.1% in the period. The company reported 2Q22 Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization, and Exploration Expense (EBITDAX) of $1,269MM, +195.8% Y/Y, ahead of consensus of $1,226MM, and Adjusted Earnings per Share (EPS) of $4.87, compared to 2Q21 EPS of $1.64, ahead of analyst expectations for EPS of $3.82. Chesapeake generated adjusted free cash flow (FCF) of $494MM, bringing TTM FCF to $1,663MM, or a FCF yield of 14.4%. Management also raised the company’s base dividend by 10% to $2.20/share, bringing the total quarterly dividend to $2.32/share, or an annualized yield of ~9.7%. Additionally, the company doubled its existing share repurchase authorization from $1B to $2B and has executed $670MM in repurchases so far through 7/31/22. Collectively, management is guiding for $1.2B in total FY22 dividends, at the midpoint, and $1B in share buybacks, implying total FY22 shareholder returns of $2.2B, or ~19.1% of the company’s market cap.”

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This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.