13 Best Consistent Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

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9. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 92

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), one of the largest pharmaceutical firms, faces investor concerns as key patents near expiration and much of its revenue depends on its cancer drug Keytruda. While such challenges are common in the industry, the company’s strong R&D and ability to acquire smaller firms provide stability. These strengths have supported its long-term growth and a steadily rising dividend.

In its Q2 2025 earnings update, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) revealed its planned acquisition of Verona Pharma, noting that the move would strengthen its portfolio and pipeline while reflecting its strategy of acting decisively when science and value align. The company also announced a multiyear optimization program aimed at shifting resources from mature segments toward emerging growth areas, supporting portfolio transformation, and fueling the next phase of innovation-led expansion.

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is among the best dividend stocks with consistent payouts as the company has been growing its dividends for the past 16 years. It pays a quarterly dividend of $0.81 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.88%, as of September 12.

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