In this article, we will take a look at the 15 Best Consistent Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now. 

According to an April 6 report by CNBC, if the Iran war drags on longer than expected, investors may want to look at defensive stocks that pay dividends, according to Jefferies. The market has seen-sawed, and oil prices have climbed since the conflict began on February 28. Stocks edged higher on April 6 as investors looked for signs of a possible ceasefire. All three major indexes broke their five-week losing streaks last week. At the same time, oil is still trading above $100 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate futures were last above $112 per barrel, while Brent remained just below $110.

In this backdrop, Desh Peramunetilleke, head of the firm’s quantitative strategy, stayed focused on US defensive companies. He advised investors to consider firms with a market cap above $10 billion, dividend yields above 3%, and an EPS compound annual growth rate for 2026 to 2027 in the range of 0% to 10%. These companies also show high earnings certainty and a consistent dividend history, with cuts occurring less than once every four years. They generate positive free cash flow as well.

Given this, we will take a look at some of the best dividend stocks that offer consistent payouts.

Our Methodology:

For this list, we identified dividend companies that have paid and increased dividends consistently for years. The companies are popular among hedge funds and analysts. We limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment.

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 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).

15. Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE:ORI)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26

Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE:ORI) is one of the best dividend stocks to invest in.

On April 6, Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE:ORI) said it is setting up a new operating company, Old Republic Property, Inc. The unit will focus on underwriting specialized property insurance products and will distribute them through a national retail broker network.

Patrick Hagerty will lead the business as President. He is a graduate of Villanova University and brings more than 20 years of experience in property underwriting and leadership. His background includes building underwriting teams with a strong focus on technical expertise, portfolio management, and long-term profitability. Craig R. Smiddy, Old Republic International’s President and Chief Executive Officer, made the following statement:

“Property insurance is a core line that aligns well with Old Republic’s long-standing strategy and focus on diversified growth in Specialty Insurance. Patrick’s leadership experience, underwriting discipline, and cultural fit, together with Old Republic’s brand, resources, and financial strength, position Old Republic Property to build a high-quality specialty franchise over time.”

Old Republic Property becomes the seventh specialty operating company the firm has launched since 2021. The move adds more depth, diversification, and underwriting capability to the Old Republic Specialty Insurance Group.

Old Republic International Corporation (NYSE:ORI) operates as a specialty insurer with a range of property and casualty and title insurance businesses. It functions as a holding company focused on insurance underwriting and related services.

14. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) is among the best dividend stocks to invest in.

On April 6, Jefferies raised its price recommendation on Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) to $77 from $65. It reiterated a Hold rating on the shares. The firm sees Q1 as the low point. It expects Q1 EPS of 70c and EBITDA of $859M, both in line with consensus. It also believes higher crush margins and biofuel policy deferral margins should support Agriculture Services and Oilseeds starting in Q2. E15 and 45Z are expected to support growth in Carbohydrate Nutrition, though the extent of that growth remains unclear, the analyst said in a research note.

Earlier, on March 24, JPMorgan raised its price objective on Archer Daniels to $65 from $61 and maintained an Underweight rating. The firm lifted its estimates and targets across the agricultural products group, pointing to an improving industry backdrop. The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed renewable volume obligations for 2026 would “mandate a significant step up” in biofuels mandates and are expected to take effect on January 1, the analyst said. JPMorgan believes demand pull, along with recent geopolitical disruptions, is pushing margins higher for biofuels producers and oilseed processors.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) is a global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, supporting food production by linking local demand with global capabilities. It also provides nutrition solutions for both humans and animals.