In this article, we will take a look at the 13 Best March Dividend Stocks to Buy.
An American asset management company, Nuveen, said dividend income can serve as a steady complement to capital appreciation, especially during periods of market uncertainty. Dividends can help smooth overall returns and reduce the impact of market swings. When stock prices move sharply, companies with strong balance sheets and reliable dividend growth often provide a level of stability that supports long-term performance.
The firm noted that although share buybacks have exceeded dividends in recent years, dividends have remained more consistent. Unlike buybacks, which tend to rise and fall depending on market conditions, dividend payments have followed a steadier upward path over time. Nuveen expects dividend growth across the S&P 500 to remain strong in 2026. This outlook is tied to solid earnings growth and improved cash flow. Changes in how companies account for R&D and capital spending could also give them more room to increase dividends.
Dividends are unlikely to overtake share repurchases, but companies may lean more toward dividend increases next year. With valuations still elevated, dividends offer a more predictable way to return capital to shareholders. The firm sees the strongest dividend growth coming from information technology, financials, and industrials. Meanwhile, sectors such as consumer staples, utilities, and consumer discretionary, which already offer higher yields, are expected to deliver more modest dividend growth.
Given this, we will take a look at some of the best dividend stocks in March.
Our Methodology:
For this list, we selected dividend stocks that will trade ex-dividend in March 2026. The ex-dividend date indicates the cutoff day to buy a stock to receive its upcoming dividend payment. The stocks are ranked according to their ex-dividend dates.
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13. eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY)
Ex-Dividend Date: March 6
On February 26, Bloomberg reported that eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY) plans to cut about 800 jobs, which account for roughly 6% of its full-time workforce. The company indicated that the decision was part of an effort to better align staffing levels with its strategic priorities. At the same time, eBay said it will continue hiring in areas it considers critical to its future growth. The company made the following statement:
“We are taking steps to reinvest across our business and align our structure with our strategic priorities, which will affect certain roles across our workforce. We are grateful for the contributions of the employees impacted and are committed to supporting them with care and respect.”
The announcement came just one week after eBay revealed plans to acquire secondhand fashion platform Depop for about $1.2 billion, a move aimed at attracting younger shoppers. It also followed a strong quarterly report, where revenue rose 15% year over year to $3 billion in the fourth quarter, beating analyst expectations.
This marks the third round of layoffs in the past three years. In early 2024, eBay eliminated around 1,000 positions, or about 9% of its workforce, explaining that labor expenses had grown faster than the business itself. A year earlier, in early 2023, the company cut roughly 500 jobs, or 4% of its staff, pointing to weaker consumer spending after the surge in online shopping during the pandemic began to ease.
eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY) operates as a global commerce platform, using its technology to connect buyers and sellers across more than 190 markets worldwide.
12. Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ:VTRS)
Ex-Dividend Date: March 9
On February 27, UBS raised its price recommendation on Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ:VTRS) to $20 from $18. It maintained a Buy rating on the stock. The firm noted that Viatris met its Q4 cost-saving goals and issued FY26 guidance that came in above consensus expectations. Still, the shares dropped 5%, following strong gains earlier in the year. The analyst told investors that the upcoming March 19 investor event could be important. It may lay out a path toward mid-single-digit revenue growth. UBS also said ongoing cost reductions could support a teen-level EPS compound annual growth rate, which may help drive meaningful multiple expansion over time.
The company also reported its Q4 2025 results. CEO Scott Smith said 2025 had been a strong year for Viatris. He stated that the company delivered solid financial performance and had positioned itself to enter a phase of sustainable long-term growth beginning in 2026. Smith reported total revenue of $14.3 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $4.2 billion, pointing to the overall strength of the business.
He also highlighted progress in the company’s pipeline. Five Phase III studies delivered positive results, which he described as an important milestone. He added that enrollment in key programs, including cenerimod and selatogrel, was moving forward and expected to be completed in 2026. Smith said Viatris returned more than $1 billion to shareholders during the year through dividends and share repurchases. He also pointed to the completion of 60 regional transactions. These included the acquisition of Aculys Pharma in Japan, which he described as part of the company’s broader strategic plan.
Smith said the company expects to generate about $650 million in gross cost savings over three years. He added that up to $250 million of those savings will be reinvested into growth initiatives. He also said the company had prepared for a potential FDA reinspection of its Indore facility. Steps were taken to build operational redundancies, with the goal of maintaining continuity and stability.
Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ:VTRS) operates as a global healthcare company. Its business spans Developed Markets, Greater China, JANZ, and Emerging Markets. The Developed Markets segment includes its primary operations in North America and Europe.
11. PPL Corporation (NYSE:PPL)
Ex-Dividend Date: March 10
On February 24, Barclays upgraded PPL Corporation (NYSE:PPL) to Overweight from Equal Weight. The firm also raised its price target to $40 from $37. The analyst said the company is well-positioned for a “constructive” outcome in its Pennsylvania rate case. He also noted that PPL offers “increasingly visible” above-average earnings growth heading into 2026. The firm pointed out that the stock’s valuation remains discounted after a period of underperformance. This gap, in its view, creates room for upside as earnings growth becomes clearer.
The company recently reported its Q4 2025 results. President, CEO, and Director Vincent Sorgi said the company finished the year in line with its expectations. He stated that PPL continued to deliver safe and reliable electricity and natural gas service to more than 3.5 million customers. At the same time, it met its financial goals. Sorgi reported ongoing earnings of $1.81 per share. This marked a 7.1% increase compared with the prior year, reflecting steady operational and financial progress. He also introduced the company’s updated business plan. For 2026, PPL expects ongoing earnings to range between $1.90 and $1.98 per share, with a midpoint of $1.94. Sorgi said this outlook represents projected growth of about 7.2% from 2025 levels.
He added that the company is extending its annual EPS growth target of 6% to 8% through at least 2029. He said earnings are expected to trend toward the upper end of that range over time, supported by continued investment and operational improvements. Sorgi also outlined plans to invest $23 billion in capital projects between 2026 and 2029. This marks an increase from the previous $20 billion plan. He explained that the spending will focus on strengthening and modernizing the grid. It will also support the expansion of generation capacity in Kentucky.
PPL Corporation (NYSE:PPL) is an energy company focused on providing electricity and natural gas across the United States. It operates through three regulated segments: Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
10. Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE:NAT)
Ex-Dividend Date: March 10
On February 27, B. Riley analyst Liam Burke raised his price recommendation on Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE:NAT) to $7.50 from $5. The analyst reiterated a Buy rating on the stock. The move followed the company’s latest earnings report and improving outlook for tanker rates.
Nordic American Tankers released its Q4 2025 results on February 26. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share. This marked its 114th straight quarterly cash payout, showing its continued commitment to returning cash to shareholders. Management said the tanker market remained favorable. Nearly two-thirds of its spot days for the first quarter of 2026 were already fixed at an average rate of about $55,000 per day. Some vessels were even being booked into the second quarter, a sign that demand remained steady.
The fourth quarter stood out as the strongest period of the year. The fleet earned an average time charter equivalent rate of $35,000 per day per ship, up 25% from the previous quarter. Operating costs stayed relatively low at about $9,000 per day per ship.
Nordic American Tankers reported net income of $11.7 million for the quarter. EBITDA reached $34.7 million. The company also maintained a strong cash position, with more than $100 million available at the end of the period. Management continued to adjust the fleet to improve efficiency and long-term value. During the first half of 2025, the company acquired two Suezmax tankers built in 2016. Later in the year, it reached an agreement with a South Korean shipyard to build two new vessels, with delivery planned for 2028. The agreement was finalized in January 2026.
At the same time, the company sold older ships as vessel values increased. It sold four tankers built between 2003 and 2005 in 2025. The last two were delivered to buyers in January 2026. The company also sold another vessel built in 2003 during the first quarter of 2026. That ship is expected to be delivered to its new owner soon.
Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE:NAT) focuses entirely on owning and operating Suezmax crude oil tankers. Its fleet consists of about 20 vessels, each capable of carrying around one million barrels of oil.
9. Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA)
Ex-Dividend Date: March 10
On February 26, BofA analyst Lawson Winder raised the firm’s price recommendation on Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA) to $42 from $38. The analyst kept an Underperform rating on the shares. The analyst said the update reflects revised forecasts for metal prices in 2026. As those assumptions changed, the firm adjusted its valuation outlook across North American Metals & Mining stocks under its coverage.
Around the same time, Reuters reported on February 24 that Alcoa is exploring the sale of 10 of its closed or curtailed sites to companies in the data centre industry. The company expects to complete the first sale by the end of June. These sites have drawn interest because of their access to large and reliable energy sources. Aluminum production requires significant electricity, especially for smelting. Now, the same energy access that once supported aluminum operations has become valuable to data centre operators, whose power needs continue to grow. Alcoa CEO Bill Oplinger made the following comment at the BMO Global Metals, Mining and Critical Minerals Conference in Florida:
“We have 10 sites that we’re focused on selling into that space. We think we’ll have the first sale in the first half of this year. There are two that could follow quickly after that.”
Oplinger said the company has traditionally aimed to maximise value and limit liabilities when selling assets. He also noted that the rise of AI could influence how these sites are valued, given the growing demand for power-intensive infrastructure.
Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA) operates as a vertically integrated aluminum producer. Its business spans bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminum smelting and casting, and energy generation. The company reports its operations through two main segments: Alumina and Aluminum.
8. The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD)
Ex-Dividend Date: March 12
On February 25, Telsey Advisory raised its price recommendation on The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) to $435 from $410. The firm reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares. The analyst said the company continues to stand out as a long-term winner in retail. Despite a difficult macro environment, Home Depot has continued to gain market share and execute consistently.
A day earlier, on February 24, Home Depot reported quarterly earnings that came in ahead of analyst expectations. This was notable given the ongoing weakness in the US housing market. Results were supported by steady demand from professional contractors, along with continued spending on smaller repair and maintenance projects by customers managing tighter budgets. The company has increasingly relied on professional customers, including contractors, builders, and carpenters. Their larger, ongoing projects have helped offset slower demand for major do-it-yourself renovations. Higher borrowing costs and softer housing activity have made many homeowners more cautious about taking on large remodeling work.
In November, Home Depot introduced an AI-powered tool to help professional customers track material lists and estimate project costs. The tool is designed to make project planning more efficient and easier to manage. Home Depot also benefited from selective price increases implemented last year to offset tariff-related costs. Executives said they do not expect to introduce additional price hikes ahead of the spring selling season. Same-store sales rose 0.4% in the fourth quarter. Analysts had expected a largely flat performance, according to data compiled by LSEG, making the result slightly better than anticipated.
The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) operates as a home improvement specialty retailer. The company offers building materials, home improvement products, lawn and garden supplies, decor items, and maintenance and repair products through its stores and online platform.
7. Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE)
Ex-Dividend Date: March 13
On February 24, Veritas downgraded Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) to Sell from Reduce. The firm set a price target of C$27. Just a few days earlier, on February 20, BMO Capital analyst Randy Ollenberger raised his price recommendation on the stock to C$35 from C$29. The analyst kept an Outperform rating. The mixed analyst views reflect different expectations around the company’s outlook and valuation.
On February 19, Cenovus said it had begun drilling new wells at its Christina Lake oil sands site in northern Alberta. This asset was previously owned by MEG Energy. The company expects the new drilling activity to lift production this year and again in 2027. Cenovus acquired MEG Energy last year after a lengthy takeover battle with Strathcona Resources. The acquisition added about 100,000 barrels per day to Cenovus’ production base. This move strengthened its position as one of the largest heavy oil producers globally.
The impact is already showing in the numbers. Cenovus reported production of 917,900 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the fourth quarter, up from 816,000 boepd a year earlier. Much of that increase came from Christina Lake.CEO Jon McKenzie said during a conference call that the company has started drilling 42 new wells as part of a redevelopment plan. He explained that Cenovus plans to use its own well designs and technology at the site. The goal is to improve efficiency and increase output over time.
The company is also working to expand processing capacity at Christina Lake. McKenzie said this effort could raise production at the site to more than 150,000 barrels per day by 2027 or 2028. This reflects Cenovus’ longer-term strategy of growing production from its core oil sands assets.
Cenovus Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVE) is an integrated energy company based in Canada. It produces oil and natural gas in Canada and the Asia Pacific region. The company also operates upgrading, refining, and marketing businesses in Canada and the United States.
6. Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NASDAQ:DPZ)
Ex-Dividend Date: March 13
On February 25, BofA lowered its price recommendation on Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NASDAQ:DPZ) to $545 from $556. It reiterated a Buy rating on the shares. The analyst said the firm reduced its fiscal year EPS forecast to $19.99 from $20.31, mainly due to a higher expected tax rate. The adjustment came after reviewing the company’s latest earnings results.
Domino’s reported its Q4 2025 performance, and CEO Russell Weiner addressed concerns about the direction of the US pizza market. He pushed back on the idea that the category is slowing down. He said pizza continues to show resilience and remains a growing segment. Weiner said he expects the quick-service pizza category to keep expanding at its historical pace in 2026 and beyond. His comments reflected confidence in both the broader market and Domino’s position within it.
He also spoke about the company’s long-term opportunity. Weiner said he believes Domino’s has the potential to double its US retail sales over time. He pointed to the company’s business model and strategy as key reasons behind that outlook. Looking back at 2025, Weiner said Domino’s delivered growth in both its carryout and delivery businesses in the U.S. He said this performance showed that the company’s strategy is working and that its operations remain strong.
Domino’s opened 172 net new stores in the U.S. during the year. Same-store sales increased 3%, which helped the company gain additional market share.
Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NASDAQ:DPZ) operates as a global pizza company with a strong presence in both delivery and carryout. Its business is organized into three segments: U.S. stores, international franchise, and supply chain.
5. Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB)
Ex-Dividend Date: March 13
On February 26, Morgan Stanley analyst Bob Huang raised his price recommendation on Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) to $330 from $310. The firm kept an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The update came after reviewing fourth-quarter results across the property and casualty insurance sector. The analyst said insurers with “more differentiated” underwriting performance are likely to see stronger stock performance. He noted that pricing conditions may remain weak and AI-related pressures “are not abating.” Even so, he said companies with “differentiated” underwriting and “margin durability will be king.”
During Chubb’s Q4 2025 earnings call, Chairman and CEO Evan G. Greenberg said the company delivered an exceptionally strong quarter. He explained that the results helped drive record performance for the full year and reflected the strength of its diversified business model. Greenberg said the company generated core operating income of nearly $3 billion for the quarter, or $7.52 per share. This represented increases of about 22% and 25%, respectively. He also highlighted underwriting performance, noting that the company achieved a record-low combined ratio of 81.2%.
He said growth during the quarter exceeded the company’s average growth rate for the full year. Greenberg also pointed to strong momentum in the agriculture segment. He noted that Chubb remains the largest crop insurer in the United States, which continues to support its overall business. The company’s invested asset base also expanded. Greenberg said it reached $169 billion, up from $151 billion a year earlier. This increase reflects continued growth in the company’s investment portfolio.
For the full year, Greenberg said Chubb reported record operating income of nearly $10 billion, or $24.79 per share. These marked increases of about 9% and 11%, respectively, compared with the previous year.
Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) is a Switzerland-based holding company. Through its subsidiaries, it provides insurance and reinsurance products and services to customers around the world.
3. Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT)
Ex-Dividend Date: March 20
On February 27, BofA reinstated coverage of Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) with a Buy rating. The firm set a price target of $150 on the stock. The analyst said Walmart continues to gain market share, especially among higher-income consumers, helped by faster delivery options. At the same time, the company remains competitive with lower-income shoppers by maintaining its everyday low pricing strategy. The analyst noted that steady sales growth, along with faster profit expansion, could lead to upward revisions in earnings estimates. This momentum, in the firm’s view, could also allow the stock’s valuation multiple to “grind higher.”
A day earlier, on February 26, Reuters reported that Walmart agreed to pay $100 million to settle claims brought by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 11 states. Regulators alleged that Walmart misled delivery drivers about their expected earnings under its Spark Driver program. According to regulators, the company claimed that all customer tips would go directly to drivers. They also said Walmart presented earnings and tip estimates that were higher than what drivers actually received. This led to drivers losing tens of millions of dollars in expected income.
As part of the settlement, Walmart agreed not to misrepresent driver earnings going forward. The company said it has already compensated affected drivers and will continue making payments where necessary. Walmart also said it is taking steps to improve transparency and fairness in its platform. The FTC said protecting gig workers remains a priority and urged companies to provide accurate earnings information and maintain proper compliance systems.
Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) operates as a technology-powered omnichannel retailer. The company runs retail stores, wholesale clubs, eCommerce websites, and mobile applications, serving customers across multiple channels.
3. Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST)
Ex-Dividend Date: March 20
On February 27, Wells Fargo lowered its price recommendation on Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) to $234 from $236. It maintained an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm said the company delivered a solid earnings beat and provided long-term guidance that aligned with expectations. Wells Fargo noted that Vistra’s overall value remains attractive. The firm also said management continues to sound confident in ongoing discussions, including potential gas-related deals, which could support future growth.
During its Q4 2025 earnings call, the company said it had completed its acquisition of Lotus Infrastructure Partners. This deal added 2,600 megawatts of modern natural gas generation capacity to its portfolio. The additional capacity strengthens its presence in competitive power markets. The company also announced an agreement to acquire Cogentrix Energy. This acquisition is expected to add another 5,500 megawatts of generation capacity across key regions. These assets are seen as important to supporting long-term demand and improving overall portfolio strength.
President and CEO James Burke said that owning and operating high-quality, dispatchable generation assets remains central to the company’s strategy. He explained that these assets allow the company to deliver reliable power when it is needed most. He also said the company sees strategic acquisitions and strong asset integration as core strengths that continue to create value for shareholders. The company also reported signing major nuclear power purchase agreements with Amazon Web Services and Meta. These agreements include 1,200 megawatts at the Comanche Peak facility for Amazon Web Services.
In addition, the agreement with Meta covers 2,176 megawatts of existing nuclear capacity and 433 megawatts of planned upgrades at PJM nuclear plants. These long-term agreements provide stable demand for the company’s nuclear generation assets. Burke said that, with these agreements in place, the company has now contracted about 3.8 gigawatts of nuclear generation capacity. This reflects continued demand for reliable, large-scale power from major technology companies.
Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company. It provides electricity and related services to customers, businesses, and communities across the United States, from California to Maine.
2. Deere & Company (NYSE:DE)
Ex-Dividend Date: March 31
On February 23, DA Davidson raised its price recommendation on Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) to $775 from $580. The firm maintained a Buy rating on the shares. The analyst made the change after the company reported stronger-than-expected Q1 results. The firm said order activity in the large agriculture segment is showing signs of improvement. At the same time, Construction and Small Ag/Turf businesses are providing stronger support than before. This combination has helped stabilize overall demand and improve the outlook.
During its fiscal Q1 2026 earnings call, Christopher Seibert, Manager of Investor Communications, said John Deere reported an operating margin of 5.9% in its equipment operations. He noted that every business segment delivered year-over-year net sales growth. The small agriculture and turf segment, along with Construction & Forestry, stood out in particular. Both recorded top-line growth of more than 20%. Seibert said the company’s performance exceeded expectations, supported by higher shipping volumes than originally planned.
He also pointed to improving order trends during the quarter. Order books strengthened across several product categories, especially in small agricultural equipment, turf products, and construction machinery. This improvement reflects more consistent demand across key markets. Seibert added that recent trends over the past three months have reinforced the company’s view that fiscal 2026 will likely mark the low point in the current cycle. He said the company expects its equipment operations to deliver mid-single-digit net sales growth for the full fiscal year.
Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) manufactures and sells agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment.
1. Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NASDAQ:WTW)
Ex-Dividend Date: March 31
On February 27, Mizuho analyst Yaron Kinar lowered his price recommendation on Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NASDAQ:WTW) to $358 from $392. The firm maintained an Outperform rating on the shares. The change came as the firm updated its outlook for insurance property and casualty companies following the recent sector selloff. The analyst said insurance brokerage firms that serve middle-market and larger clients face “low disruption threat” from AI. He noted that the risk of disintermediation is more concentrated in personal insurance lines and smaller SME accounts. In his view, companies like WTW remain better positioned because of their focus on larger and more complex client relationships.
On February 25, the company also announced that its Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.96 per common share for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. This represents a 4% increase compared with the prior quarter’s dividend. The dividend will be paid on or about April 15, 2026. Shareholders who are on record at the close of business on March 31, 2026, will be eligible to receive the payment.
Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NASDAQ:WTW) operates as a global advisory, broking, and solutions firm. The company provides data-driven services focused on people, risk, and capital.
While we acknowledge the potential of WTW 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 WTW and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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