In this article, we will take a look at some of the best boring stocks that pay dividends.
Investing in high-quality dividend growth stocks may not seem very exciting. However, for investors focused on dividend growth, purchasing these steady, “boring” stocks can be highly rewarding.
Certain sectors, including consumer staples, utilities, and health care, are home to many reliable dividend payers. These industries have shown that a slow-and-steady approach can pay off over the long term.
It is common for high-quality dividend stocks in these defensive sectors to raise their payouts year after year for decades.
Dividends have historically been a major driver of investor returns. Since 1960, 85% of the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index has come from reinvested dividends and the power of compounding, according to a Hartford Funds report. The report also noted that from 1940 to 2024, dividend income contributed an average of 34% to the total return of the S&P 500 Index. Given this, we will take a look at some of the most boring stocks that pay dividends.
Our Methodology:
For this list, we focused on companies that may not make headlines or see rapid stock price growth but consistently deliver steady dividends and reliable long-term performance. These firms operate in stable, defensive sectors and investors value them more for their income and resilience than for high-risk, high-reward growth. All the stocks included have a beta below 1, indicating lower volatility, and their dividend yields exceed 1%. The stocks are ranked according to their dividend yields as of November 26.
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).
15. Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 1.30%
Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) is one of the best boring stocks that pays dividends.
On November 17, Morgan Stanley lifted its price target on Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) to $300 from $295 while reiterating an Equal Weight rating, as reported by The Fly. The update followed a refresh of the firm’s insurance models after third-quarter earnings. The analyst suggested that the property and casualty market appears to be moving towards a softer cycle as 2026 approaches.
Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB)’s insurance operations remained largely shielded from broader economic weakness. Most policyholders are unlikely to drop essential coverage simply to cut costs, and the company’s property and casualty combined ratio continued to stand out. By the end of 2024, the ratio was 86.6%, well below the United States industry average of 96.6%.
On November 20, Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.97 per share, keeping it consistent with the prior payout. The company has increased its dividend for 32 straight years. During the third quarter of 2025, the company returned $1.62 billion to shareholders, including $1.23 billion in share repurchases at an average price of $277.67 per share, along with $385 million in dividends.
Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) operates as a global insurer offering an extensive lineup of commercial and personal property and casualty coverage, as well as accident, health, and life insurance.
14. Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 2.19%
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) is among the boring stocks that pay dividends.
Morgan Stanley lifted its price target on Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) to $118 from $113 on November 17 while maintaining an Equal Weight stance on the stock, according to a report by The Fly.
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL)’s long-standing dividend record continues to reflect the strength of its underwriting discipline. On November 11, the company announced a 5% increase in its quarterly payout to $0.61 per share, marking its 43rd straight year of raising dividends. The insurer generates enough earnings to support dividend hikes while still allocating substantial capital to buybacks, reducing its share count by roughly 38% over the past ten years.
Aflac Incorporated Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Daniel P. Amos made the following comment on the dividend announcement:
“I am pleased with the Board’s action to increase the first quarter 2026 dividend. We treasure our record of 43 consecutive years of dividend increases, and our dividend track record is supported by the strength of our capital and cash flows. As an insurance company, our primary responsibility is to fulfill the promises we make to our policyholders. At the same time, we are listening to our shareholders and understand the importance of prudent liquidity and capital management. We remain committed to maintaining strong capital ratios on behalf of our policyholders and balance this financial strength with tactical capital deployment.”
Analysts believe that Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) still has room to keep that momentum going. The company’s dividend payout ratio remains relatively low at just under 33% of projected 2025 earnings, and Wall Street expects the firm to grow earnings at about a 5% annual pace in the coming years.
13. Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 2.49%
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) is among the best boring stocks that pay dividends.
On November 24, Truist’s Gregory Renza initiated coverage of Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) with a Buy rating and set a price target of $140, slightly below the previous $145, as reported by The Fly. In his note to investors, he highlighted the ongoing strength of the company’s HIV portfolio and the solid progress of its next-generation programs, which he believes support a healthy long-term outlook. Truist also sees the company’s oncology efforts as an increasingly important driver of future growth.
Within its core business, Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) continued to post strong results. Biktarvy, its flagship HIV treatment, delivered $3.7 billion in sales, up 6% from the same period last year. Descovy, another key HIV therapy, saw revenue climb 20% year over year to $701 million. Although some investors worry that Gilead relies too heavily on its HIV franchise, the company has been steadily working to broaden its portfolio.
Its liver disease treatments also contributed to growth, with sales rising 12% year over year to $819 million. Overall, the company’s underlying business remains solid, and its diversification strategy should help reduce its dependence on the HIV segment over time.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD) is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative medicines for unmet medical needs.
12. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 2.52%
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is among the best boring stocks that pay dividends.
On November 18, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) revealed that it plans to acquire privately held Halda Therapeutics for $3.05 billion in cash, a move intended to strengthen its position in therapies focused on solid tumors and prostate cancer. The purchase represents J&J’s second sizable transaction of the year, following its $14.6 billion takeover of Intra-Cellular Therapies in January, as the company continues shifting toward faster-growing areas of healthcare while managing the impact of losing exclusivity on Stelara, its top-selling immune disease drug.
Halda’s pipeline is led by HLD-0915, a prostate cancer therapy currently in early-to mid-stage clinical development. The company is also advancing several other experimental candidates targeting breast, lung, and various other tumor types.
In the previous month, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) reported third-quarter revenue of $15.56 billion from its Innovative Medicine division, which includes oncology. That result topped analysts’ expectations of $15.42 billion, based on LSEG data.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is a global healthcare company engaged in researching, developing, and producing a broad range of pharmaceuticals and medical technologies.
11. Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 2.61%
Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) is one of the best boring stocks to invest in.
On November 4, Barclays cut its price target on Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) to $80 from $82 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating after the company’s latest earnings update, as reported by The Fly. The analyst noted that the company is “accelerating change in an effort to accelerate category growth and drive market share gains.”
In the third quarter of 2025, Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) reported revenue of $5.13 billion, a 2% increase from the same period a year earlier. The company maintained its leading position in toothpaste with a global market share of 41.2% year to date, and it also kept its leadership in manual toothbrushes with a 32.4% global share over the same period.
Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL)’s cash generation remained solid as well, producing $2.7 billion in operating cash flow during the first nine months of fiscal 2025. Management shifted its messaging from short-term adjustments and category normalization in Q2 to a stronger focus on accelerating the 2030 Strategy and enhancing organizational agility in Q3. The 2030 Strategy, as described by the company, serves as its blueprint for addressing industry challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in an increasingly complex environment.
Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) manufactures and sells a broad portfolio of consumer products, with core categories including oral care, personal care, home care, and pet nutrition.
10. NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 2.67%
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) is among the best boring stocks that pay dividends.
On November 20, Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) to $97 from $98 while maintaining an Overweight rating, as reported by The Fly. The update followed a review of North American Regulated & Diversified Utilities and Independent Power Producers, with the analyst noting that utilities underperformed the S&P 500 in October.
Looking ahead, the International Energy Agency projects that by 2030, AI data centers will consume as much annual electricity as all of Japan, a country of 125 million people. This trend represents a significant potential growth opportunity for NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE), which is the largest electricity provider in the United States. Adding to this, the company’s partnership with Alphabet to restart the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant in Palo, Iowa, by early 2029 is notable. The 615-megawatt facility would generate enough electricity to power hundreds of thousands of homes each year.
Since 1994, NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE) has consistently increased its dividend each year, including a 10% hike in February 2025, matching the same increase in 2024. Overall, the company has boosted its dividend by 62% since 2020, significantly surpassing the 25% inflation rate over the same period.
9. Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 2.70%
Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) is one of the best boring stocks to invest in.
On November 20, Barclays raised its price target on Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) to $111 from $109 while maintaining an Overweight rating, following a strong quarter that exceeded expectations and prompted the firm to increase its estimates, as reported by The Fly.
For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, which ended on October 24, Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) reported sales of $9 billion, a 6.6% increase compared with the same period last year. Adjusted earnings per share rose 8% year over year to $1.36. While these figures might appear modest at first glance, they represent a solid performance for a medical device leader, with both revenue and EPS coming ahead of analyst projections and the company’s own guidance.
Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT)’s cardiovascular segment was a key contributor to its strong results, posting revenue of $3.4 billion, up 10.8% year over year. This growth outpaced even the company’s smaller diabetes care unit, and represents the fastest rate for the cardiovascular segment in more than a decade outside of pandemic-related dynamics.
Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) continues to be recognized for its innovation, consistently launching new products and maintaining a vast portfolio of hundreds of devices. This breadth helps the company generate steady revenue, earnings, and free cash flow, which is an appealing trait for any business.
Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) develops and manufactures medical devices and therapies designed to treat a wide variety of health conditions, with the aim of reducing pain, restoring health, and extending life.
8. American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 3.13%
American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) is among the best boring stocks that pay dividends.
On November 20, Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) to $128 from $130 while keeping an Overweight rating on the stock, according to a report by The Fly.
For the third quarter of 2025, American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) reported revenue of $6.01 billion, an 11% increase from the same period last year. The company also announced an updated long-term operating earnings growth target of 7–9% over the next five years, supported by a $72 billion capital investment plan and an expected 10% annual growth in its rate base. During the first two years of this plan, annual operating earnings growth is projected to be in the lower half of the range, rising to the upper end by 2028–2030.
As new infrastructure projects come online to meet growing customer demand, American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) expects operating earnings per share to grow at a 9% compound annual rate over the five-year period. This rapid load growth also underpins the company’s 2026 operating earnings guidance of $6.15 to $6.45 per share.
American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) is a leading electric utility holding company that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to millions of customers across the United States.
7. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 3.22%
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the best boring stocks to invest in.
On November 24, Wells Fargo upgraded Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) to Overweight from Equal Weight, raising its price target to $125 from $90, according to a report by The Fly. The firm cited recent business developments, pipeline advancements, and new product launches, noting that Merck is well-positioned to offset the expected loss of exclusivity for Keytruda and grow revenue into the early 2030s. Wells also highlighted that the company is entering a “catalyst-rich period” over the next 12–18 months, with multiple pipeline readouts expected.
In related news, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) announced on November 14 that it will acquire Cidara Therapeutics in an approximately $9.2 billion deal. The acquisition gives Merck access to an experimental flu treatment as part of its strategy to diversify ahead of Keytruda’s patent expiration. Since 2021, the company has nearly tripled its late-stage pipeline through internal development and major acquisitions, including the $11.5 billion purchase of Acceleron for the pulmonary arterial hypertension drug Winrevair.
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)’s management estimates its 20-drug developmental pipeline could collectively generate up to $50 billion in annual revenue at peak, though full realization is expected by the mid-2030s.
On November 18, Merck also announced a 4.9% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.85 per share, marking the 15th consecutive year of dividend growth.
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a pharmaceutical company recognized for its strong oncology portfolio, and it also produces diabetes treatments, an HPV vaccine, and a chickenpox vaccine.
6. Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 3.44%
Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) is among the best boring stocks that pay dividends.
On November 20, Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) to $93 from $97 while maintaining an Underweight rating on the stock, as reported by The Fly.
The company recently announced that one of its subsidiaries (the “Con Edison Seller”) has agreed to sell its roughly 6.6% stake in the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) to an Ares Management fund (ARES) for $357.5 million. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and the potential exercise of certain preferential rights held by the MVP founding members.
Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) plans to use the proceeds from the sale to partially cover its common equity needs for 2026 and for general corporate purposes.
Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED)’s utility operations provide a highly stable cash flow that supports its dividend. The company has increased its dividend for 51 consecutive years, the longest streak of any utility in the S&P 500.
Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) supplies electricity, gas, and steam to customers in the New York City area.
5. Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 3.54%
Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is one of the best boring stocks to invest in.
On November 21, Piper Sandler lowered its price target on Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) to $62 from $63, maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock. The firm updated its models and price targets to reflect recently announced GLP-1 news, increased ABV headwinds, tariff relief, and other company-specific developments.
For the third quarter of 2025, Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) reported revenue of $9.74 billion, a 5.9% increase compared with the same period last year. Year-to-date, the company generated $2.1 billion in operating cash flow and $1.2 billion in free cash flow. During the first nine months of the year, the company returned $3.7 billion to shareholders.
CEO Dirk Van de Put highlighted persistent challenges in the European market, noting that while the chocolate business remains solid, Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is encountering isolated areas of pressure. He explained that these difficulties are partly due to competitors not raising their prices to the same extent as Mondelez and, in some markets, retailers capturing a larger share of the margin.
Mondelez International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) is a global food and beverage company that produces and markets snacks, including biscuits, baked snacks, chocolates, gum, and candies.
4. PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 3.89%
PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) is among the best boring stocks that pay dividends.
Piper Sandler trimmed its price target on PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) to $161 from $162 on November 21, while maintaining an Overweight call on the stock, as reported by The Fly. The adjustment came as the firm refreshed its forecasts following recent GLP-1-related updates, rising ABV pressures, tariff changes, and several company-specific developments.
During the third quarter, PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP)’s organic sales edged up 1.3%, but its adjusted EPS slipped 2% as consumers pushed back against higher prices. The company is also dealing with falling volumes across several parts of its portfolio.
Even so, management intends to push harder on innovation and streamline costs in an effort to return to steady product growth. PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) has navigated similar shifts before as soda consumption has been declining for two decades, and the company has still managed to deliver growth.
PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) is currently reshaping its product mix and cutting costs to strengthen operations, particularly in its supply chain, while also adapting to rising demand for healthier snacks and wellness-focused products. Many of its recent acquisitions expand the portfolio without overlapping its core soda and salty snack categories.
PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) manufactures, distributes, and sells a broad assortment of convenient food and beverage products.
3. Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 4.75%
Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) is one of the most boring stocks that pays dividends.
On November 13, Argus analyst John Staszak upgraded Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) to a Buy rating from Hold and set a $120 price target, according to a report by The Fly. He pointed out that the stock has been lagging lately, but the company posted better-than-expected third quarter earnings and announced plans to acquire Kenvue, a deal expected to be completed in the second half of next year.
Kenvue became a standalone company a little over two years ago after separating from Johnson & Johnson. It focuses on consumer health and owns well-known brands such as Band-Aid, Johnson’s, Listerine, Neutrogena, Aveeno, and Tylenol. Both Kenvue and Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) operate in product categories that tend to remain resilient even in slower economic periods, which makes KMB an appealing value pick for long-term investors.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) earns most of its revenue through direct sales to retailers, distributors, and online platforms. The company has a broad global footprint serving both consumer and professional markets. Its customer base includes supermarkets, big-box stores, drugstores, warehouse clubs, and institutional buyers in areas such as manufacturing, hospitality, and public facilities.
2. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 5.06%
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) is among the most boring stocks that pay dividends.
Bayer reported positive Phase 3 results for its FXIa inhibitor asundexian, hitting key efficacy and safety targets and drawing renewed attention to the broader FXIa drug class. Morgan Stanley noted this could increase interest in similar treatments from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) and Johnson & Johnson, though it remains cautious on BMY despite early stock gains.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) is not seeing significant growth, but it remains a profitable business. Its payout ratio is around 84%, which is somewhat high for a dividend stock but still considered sustainable. Over the past 12 months, the company generated $15.3 billion in free cash flow, well above the $5 billion it paid in dividends, suggesting the payout is safe for now.
Investors may still be concerned about the long-term dividend because Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) has $32 billion in net debt. While this is down from $38.5 billion at the start of the year, it is still a substantial burden that could affect dividend safety in the future.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and manufactures innovative treatments for serious diseases in areas such as oncology, immunology, and cardiovascular conditions.
1. Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O)
Dividend Yield as of November 26: 5.70%
Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is among the most boring stocks that pay dividends.
On November 26, Wells Fargo analyst John Kilichowski raised Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O)’s price target to $60 from $59, while maintaining an Equal Weight rating on the stock, as reported by The Fly. The firm noted that, despite a few notable exceptions, most REITs posted third-quarter 2025 results and guidance that reflected solid operating conditions despite broader macroeconomic and labor market concerns.
Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) owns over 15,500 properties, with retail generating around 80% of annual rent. Grocery stores account for nearly 11% of the portfolio, and convenience stores about 10%. The remainder includes other retailers like home improvement and dollar stores, while industrial properties contribute roughly 15% of rent, and the balance comes from gaming and miscellaneous properties.
A key indicator of Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O)’s strong management is its dividend, which has been raised every year for more than 30 years. The dividend’s reliability is supported by an investment-grade balance sheet, highlighting the REIT’s disciplined operations.
While we acknowledge the potential of O 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 O and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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