In this article, we will take a look at some of the best consistent dividend stocks to invest in.
Dividend stocks have lagged the broader market this year, even though analysts continue to favor them. The Dividend Aristocrat Index, which tracks companies that have increased their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years, has gained about 2% since the start of 2025, compared with an early 17% rise in the broader market.
David Harrell, editor of Morningstar DividendInvestor, advised investors to focus on companies with management teams that are committed to maintaining and growing their dividends, as well as those with strong competitive advantages, often referred to as economic moats. He made the following comment:
“A moat rating does not guarantee dividends, of course, but we have seen some very strong correlations between economic moats and dividend durability.”
According to a report by Nuveen, companies that consistently grow or initiate dividends have historically produced higher returns with lower risk, as measured by standard deviation, compared with firms that kept dividends unchanged, paid none, or cut them. The report, citing research from Ned Davis, also highlighted that from 1930 through December 2024, about 40% of the S&P 500’s annualized total return came from dividend payments and reinvestment, while the remainder was driven by capital appreciation.
Given this, we will take a look at some of the best consistent dividend stocks to invest in.
Our Methodology
For this article, we reviewed reputable online sources and gathered the stocks these outlets collectively favored in their latest reports. From there, we identified companies that have raised their dividends for at least 10 years, reflecting consistent dividend policies. After that, we shortlisted the stocks based on their dividend yields and ranked them accordingly.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
13. West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST)
Dividend Yield as of November 3: 0.32%
Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 33
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST) is one of the best consistent dividend stocks to invest in.
On October 29, TD Cowen analyst Brendan Smith initiated coverage of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST) with a Buy rating and a price target of $350, as reported by The Fly. He noted that West is well-positioned at the intersection of several major industry trends, including injectable biologics, GLP-1 treatments, and growing regulatory requirements. These factors have allowed the company to move from being a traditional supplier of standard drug delivery components to offering high-value products with stronger margins. The analyst added that this ongoing shift toward higher-value offerings is expected to support sustained revenue and margin growth over the long term.
On October 23, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST) reported its third-quarter 2025 results, with net sales of $804.6 million, an increase of 7.7% year over year, and organic growth of 5%. The growth was broad-based across both Proprietary Products and Contract Manufacturing segments, led by double-digit expansion in high-value product components, continued progress in GLP-1 products, and increased Annex 1 conversions supported by an improving demand environment.
From a cash flow standpoint, West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST) maintained solid financial performance. Operating cash flow rose 8.7% from the prior year to $503.7 million, while free cash flow climbed 53.7% to $293.9 million, highlighting its ability to generate stable cash and support dividends.
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST) designs, manufactures, and markets products that support the development and delivery of pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines, and consumer healthcare solutions.
12. The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW)
Dividend Yield as of November 3: 0.92%
Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 46
The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW) is among the best consistent dividend stocks to invest in.
On October 30, Citi analyst Patrick Cunningham raised the price target for The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW) from $380 to $392 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock, according to a report by The Fly.
The revision followed the release of the company’s third-quarter 2025 results on October 28. During the quarter, consolidated net sales rose 3.2% to $6.36 billion. Sales from Paint Stores Group locations open for more than twelve months increased 3.6%. The company saw gross margin expansion, while SG&A expenses grew at a modest single-digit pace, reflecting ongoing investments in growth initiatives, restructuring, and new facilities.
In addition, The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW) reported higher adjusted EBITDA margin and adjusted diluted EPS, and returned $864 million to shareholders through share buybacks and dividends.
The earnings report also highlighted that The Paint Stores Group recorded sales growth across all end markets, driven by protective and marine coatings, residential repainting, and commercial projects, with segment margins improving. Although Consumer Brands Group sales remained under pressure, results exceeded expectations and segment margins also improved.
The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW) produces, markets, and distributes paints, coatings, and related materials serving professional, industrial, commercial, and retail clients.
11. Pentair plc (NYSE:PNR)
Dividend Yield as of November 3: 0.94%
Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 49
Pentair plc (NYSE:PNR) is one of the best consistent dividend stocks to invest in.
On October 22, UBS analyst Damian Karas increased the firm’s price target on Pentair plc (NYSE:PNR) to $124 from $120 while maintaining a Buy rating on the stock, as reported by The Fly.
Pentair plc (NYSE:PNR) released its third-quarter 2025 results on October 21, reporting revenue of $1.02 billion, up 2.88% from the same period a year earlier. Operating income reached $232 million, with a return on sales (ROS) of 22.7%, reflecting a 460-basis-point improvement year over year. On an adjusted basis, ROS rose 160 basis points to 25.7%. Year-to-date, net cash from continuing operations totaled $764 million, up $84 million from the prior year, while free cash flow stood at $719 million, marking a $90 million increase.
The company also completed the acquisition of Hydra-Stop on September 17 for roughly $292 million, expecting a tax benefit of around $50 million from the deal.
Pentair plc (NYSE:PNR) is an American-based company recognized for its expertise in water treatment technologies. Although its operations are primarily centered in the US, the firm is incorporated in Ireland and maintains tax residency in the United Kingdom.
10. Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL)
Dividend Yield as of November 3: 1.01%
Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 33
Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is among the best consistent dividend stocks to invest in.
According to a report by The Fly, Evercore ISI upgraded Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) to Outperform on November 3, noting that the company appears poised for a phase of stronger growth and clearer earnings visibility. The firm pointed to the company’s integration of the Ovivo acquisition and the expansion of its digital and high-tech water operations as key drivers of this momentum.
According to Evercore, the company’s 2026 outlook represents a pivotal moment, signaling a shift from expectation-based optimism to tangible proof of its long-term profit potential.
Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL)’s Global High-Tech segment, which offers water, hygiene, and infection-prevention solutions for industries such as data centers, contributed meaningfully to the company’s performance in the third quarter of 2025. The firm reported another quarter of steady double-digit earnings growth, fueled by value-based pricing gains of 2% to 3%, a 1% increase in volume, and a notable rise in operating income margins. Growth engines such as Life Sciences, Pest Elimination, Global High-Tech, and Ecolab Digital collectively recorded double-digit gains.
Revenue for the quarter reached $4.2 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of more than 4%. Evercore emphasized that Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL)’s pricing strength, steady growth, and disciplined financial management reinforce its standing as a durable long-term compounder within the materials sector.
Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is recognized as a global leader in water treatment, sanitation, and pest control, serving millions of customers worldwide.
9. Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT)
Dividend Yield as of November 3: 1.06%
Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 31
Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is one of the best dividend stocks to invest in.
On October 30, Truist raised its price target on Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) to $729 from $582 while maintaining a Buy rating on the stock, as reported by The Fly. The firm expressed optimism following the company’s strong third-quarter earnings, which exceeded expectations due to higher sales and robust demand in its Energy & Transportation and Construction segments. This performance came despite tariff expenses landing at the upper end of management’s forecast, according to the analyst note.
In the third quarter of 2025, Energy & Transportation sales totaled $8.4 billion, marking a 17% increase from the same period last year. CEO Joseph Creed noted that the company’s backlog rose by approximately $2.4 billion, driven by strong orders in the Energy & Transportation division, reaching a record $39.8 billion overall.
Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) is a global leader in heavy machinery and equipment manufacturing, serving industries such as construction and mining. The company also produces diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives, supported by a broad dealer network spanning operations worldwide.
8. Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB)
Dividend Yield as of November 3: 1.68%
Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 30
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) is one of the best consistent dividend stocks to invest in.
On October 24, Rothschild Redburn began coverage on Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) with a Buy rating and a price target of $135, as per The Fly’s report. The firm noted that the company is well-positioned to benefit from rising lithium prices, particularly through its strong portfolio of spodumene assets, which are expected to play a central role in driving earnings growth.
According to Rothschild Redburn, the anticipated recovery in lithium prices is likely to favor spodumene producers more than converters, giving Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) a strategic edge due to its sizable exposure in this area.
In its second-quarter results, the company stated that it expects to generate positive free cash flow for the full year 2025, provided that current lithium market conditions remain stable.
Rothschild Redburn added that the expected improvement in lithium prices should lead to stronger margins for ALB, reinforcing its positive view on the stock.
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) is a global specialty chemicals firm with operations spanning lithium, bromine, catalysts, clean technologies, and performance materials.
7. Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO)
Dividend Yield as of November 3: 2.02%
Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 30
Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) is among the best consistent dividend stocks to invest in.
On October 22, Morgan Stanley analyst David Arcaro increased the firm’s price target on Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) from $167 to $181 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the stock, according to a report by The Fly. The firm said it was revising its price targets for North American Regulated & Diversified Utilities and Independent Power Producers under its coverage. It also noted that utilities outperformed the broader market in September and added that heading into the third quarter, investors are likely to focus on the development of data center pipelines and updates on interconnection timelines.
During Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO)’s second-quarter earnings call, President and CEO John Kevin Akers mentioned a new contract to transport natural gas to a data center in the Abilene area. The project, managed by Atmos Pipeline-Texas (APT), is expected to supply roughly 30 billion cubic feet of gas annually once fully operational by the end of the year.
The report also pointed out that commercial customer growth remained strong, with about 575 new connections in the second quarter and more than 2,500 new connections so far in the fiscal year.
Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO), headquartered in Texas, is a leading natural gas distributor focused on delivering reliable energy services while continuing to invest in infrastructure modernization and safety initiatives.
6. A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS)
Dividend Yield as of November 3: 2.19%
Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 30
A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS) is among the best dividend stocks to invest in.
On October 29, Stifel adjusted its outlook on A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS), cutting the price target to $80 from $89 while maintaining a Buy rating on the stock, according to The Fly. The firm noted that although the company delivered an earnings beat for the third quarter of 2025, management slightly trimmed full-year guidance due to persistent challenges in China and softer demand from new residential construction, which continues to weigh on its water heater segment.
For the third quarter, A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS) reported revenue of $94.2 million, marking a 4.42% year-over-year increase. Sales in China fell 12% in local currency, leading to a 1% decline in the Rest of World segment, though segment operating margin still improved by 90 basis points.
A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS)’s management also revised its 2025 earnings forecast, narrowing the range to $3.70–$3.85 per share from the prior $3.70–$3.90 range. The company noted that US residential industry unit volumes are expected to be flat to slightly lower than last year, reflecting a modest reduction in new construction activity since the previous quarter.
A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS) is one of North America’s largest manufacturers of residential and commercial water heaters, boilers, and water treatment products.
5. Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW)
Dividend Yield as of November 3: 2.65%
Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 53
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) is among the best consistent dividend stocks to invest in.
On October 27, Barclays lifted its price target on Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) to $244 from $243 while maintaining an Underweight rating on the stock, as reported by The Fly. The analyst noted that the company adopted a more cautious stance on organic sales growth in its latest update.
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) reported third-quarter 2025 revenue of $4.06 billion, reflecting a 2.3% year-over-year increase. The company achieved a record operating margin of 27.4%, expanding 90 basis points as enterprise initiatives added 140 basis points. Operating cash flow reached $1 billion, while free cash flow rose 15% to $900 million.
However, management narrowed its full-year EPS guidance to a range of $10.40 to $10.50, down from a previously wider range. While organic growth guidance remained at 0% to 2%, the company highlighted expectations near the lower end of that range for the quarter.
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) is a leading global industrial manufacturer operating across seven business segments, including automotive components, food service equipment, and various specialized products.
4. NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE)
Dividend Yield as of November 3: 2.77%
Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 29
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) is one of the best dividend stocks to invest in.
On October 29, Argus raised its price target on NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) to $90 from $86 and maintained a Buy rating following the company’s strong third-quarter earnings, according to a report by The Fly. The firm expressed confidence inthe company’s long-term outlook, noting that it successfully combines its regulated utility, Florida Power & Light, with a rapidly expanding renewables division. The analyst added that Florida’s growing economy and rising population further strengthen the company’s position in the region.
In its third-quarter report, President, CEO, and Chairman John Ketchum outlined a four-year plan for Florida Power & Light to invest roughly $40 billion in new energy infrastructure. This includes 5.3 gigawatts of solar capacity, 3.4 gigawatts of battery storage, and a gas peaker plant awaiting regulatory approval. He also mentioned a proposed four-year rate agreement targeting a midpoint return on equity of 10.95% and an equity ratio of 59.6%.
Ketchum emphasized NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE)’s extensive national presence, noting a renewables and storage backlog of nearly 30 gigawatts and its ability to serve data center and hyperscaler customers with integrated generation and transmission solutions.
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) is a Fortune 200 company and the parent of Florida Power & Light Company, the largest electric utility in the US, supplying power to around 12 million people across Florida.
3. The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG)
Dividend Yield as of November 3: 2.86%
Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 69
The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) is among the best consistent dividend stocks to invest in.
On October 27, Morgan Stanley reduced its price target on The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) from $180 to $175 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the stock, as reported by The Fly. The firm noted that while fiscal first-quarter results gave the company a solid start to FY26, growth comparisons for the upcoming quarter could be more challenging amid a tougher industry backdrop.
In fiscal Q1 2026, The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) reported net sales of $22.4 billion, up 3% from the same period last year. Organic sales, which exclude the effects of foreign exchange, acquisitions, and divestitures, grew by 2%. Diluted earnings per share came in at $1.95, up 21% year-over-year, largely reflecting higher restructuring charges in the prior year. Core EPS rose 3% to $1.99.
The company continued to deliver strong cash flow and consistent shareholder returns. Operating cash flow reached $5.4 billion, with net earnings of $4.8 billion for the quarter. Adjusted free cash flow productivity stood at 102%. Procter & Gamble returned $3.8 billion to shareholders through $2.55 billion in dividends and $1.25 billion in share repurchases.
The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) is a leading global consumer goods company known for producing a diverse portfolio of household and personal care brands.
2. American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT)
Dividend Yield as of November 3: 3.85%
Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 16
American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) is among the best consistent dividend stocks to invest in.
On October 30, Argus analyst Marie Ferguson reduced the firm’s price target on American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) to $210 from $230 while maintaining a Buy rating. The revision reflects the recent pullback in the stock and ongoing tariff-related uncertainty. However, Ferguson noted that the shares could benefit from renewed sector momentum in 2025.
American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT)’s stock has declined more than 4.5% over the past week and nearly 17% over the past year. In its third-quarter 2025 results, reported on October 28, the company posted revenue of $2.7 billion, up 7.7% year-over-year. Net income jumped 216.9% to $913 million, largely due to foreign currency losses in the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA rose 7.6% to $1.82 billion.
The company’s financial position remained strong, generating $1.46 billion in operating cash flow and $984 million in free cash flow.
American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) is one of the world’s largest real estate investment trusts that owns and operates a vast portfolio of over 149,000 communications sites along with a network of US data center facilities.
1. Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES)
Dividend Yield as of November 3: 4.05%
Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 25
Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES) is among the best consistent dividend stocks to invest in.
On October 27, Wells Fargo’s analyst Shahriar Pourreza began coverage on Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES) with an Overweight rating and a price target of $79, describing the stock as a value opportunity after what is expected to be a “structurally challenging” 2025. The firm anticipates improvements ahead, including a regulatory recovery in Connecticut, progress on financing initiatives such as the Aquarion sale, and the completion of the Revolution Wind project.
Earlier, on October 17, Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES) announced that it would record an after-tax charge of approximately $75 million, or $0.20 per share, in the third quarter tied to increased liabilities related to the sale of its South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind projects to Global Infrastructure Partners. The company also narrowed its full-year adjusted earnings guidance to a range of $4.72–$4.80 per share, compared to the previous estimate of $4.67–$4.82.
Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES) serves about 4.6 million customers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, providing electricity, natural gas, and water services.
While we acknowledge the potential of ES to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ES and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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