In this article, we will take a look at the 15 Dividend Stocks to Buy for Steady Income.
Equity income is getting harder to find. The Morningstar US Market Index had a dividend yield of under 1.2% in the first quarter of 2026. By historical standards, that is quite low. Yields are slightly better outside the US, but not by much. The Morningstar Global Markets ex-US Index offered a 2.6% yield, which still feels limited for income-focused investors.
There are a few reasons behind this. Stock prices have risen sharply in recent years, while dividend payments have not kept pace. In the US, especially, companies have leaned more toward share buybacks instead of increasing cash payouts. At the same time, more capital is being directed toward artificial intelligence investments. That shift has changed how companies prioritize their spending.
There has also been a rebound in sectors like industrials, energy, and consumer defensives. That has supported total returns, though it has had the side effect of keeping yields lower. Outside the U.S., dividend-paying stocks have outperformed the broader market for some time. A report from Morningstar noted that around 1,500 companies globally are under analyst coverage and assigned moat ratings.
Companies with wide moats tend to sustain profitability more consistently than those with narrow moats, and both generally hold up better than companies with no moat. The same pattern shows up in dividends. Firms with wide moats have historically cut dividends less often, while companies without moats tend to reduce payouts more frequently.
Given this, we will take a look at some of the best stocks with steady income.
Our Methodology:
For this list, we screened for strong dividend companies that have raised their dividends for at least 10 consecutive years and have yields above 0.5%, as of March 19. We then 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. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 0.75%
On March 19, RBC Capital said the overall tolerability and A1C reductions for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)’s retatrutide in the TRANSCEND-T2D-1 study came in worse than Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes patients. At the same time, weight loss and discontinuation rates leaned in favor of retatrutide.
The analyst described the drug as a “viable option” for patients where weight reduction is the main treatment goal. In practice, that trade-off matters. Some patients prioritize weight loss over strict A1C improvement, and this data speaks directly to that group. RBC sees retatrutide as a “key pillar” in Lilly’s growth and margin expansion story. It expects the drug to carry a premium price, given its likely use in more severe cases. The firm models a launch in 2027. It projects 2030 sales at $4.9B, which sits below the consensus estimate of $5.4 billion. RBC maintains an Outperform rating on the stock, with a $1,250 price target.
Eli Lilly and Company develops, manufactures, discovers, and sells pharmaceutical products. These products span oncology, diabetes, immunology, neuroscience, and other therapies.
14. S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 0.91%
On March 17, BMO Capital analyst Jeffrey Silber raised the price recommendation on S&P Global Inc. to $495 from $482. It reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares. He pointed to stronger issuance trends. February billed issuance rose 22% year over year, a sharp step up from January’s 3% y/y increase, as noted in the research report. That shift stands out. A move from low single-digit growth to over 20% in a month suggests momentum is building.
On March 18, S&P Global announced the completion of its acquisition of Enertel AI Corporation. The firm focuses on AI and machine learning-driven short-term power price forecasting across North American electricity markets. These capabilities will be integrated into S&P Global’s Energy division. The business already provides long-term power market intelligence, including benchmarks, historical pricing, and strategic forecasts.
With Enertel AI Corporation now part of the platform, the offering expands into real-time insights. It adds AI-powered nodal price forecasts and decision tools used by physical power traders, utilities, and asset operators managing an increasingly complex grid. The result is a more complete view of the power market, covering both long-term outlooks and next-day pricing signals.
S&P Global Inc. provides essential intelligence through five segments: Market Intelligence, Ratings, Commodity Insights, Mobility, and Indices.
13. The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 1.04%
On March 19, RBC Capital lowered its price recommendation on The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW) to $376 from $390. It reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares. The analyst said the company’s markets still look choppy. If the Iran conflict stretches beyond 8 to 12 weeks, there could be some pressure on Q2 margins, according to the research note. RBC also noted that the company’s approach to capital allocation has not changed. It continues to prioritize buybacks.
In a CNBC report published on March 2, Sean Russo of Ritholtz Wealth Management pointed to several chemical stocks as the US-Iran conflict unsettled global markets and included Sherwin-Williams in that group. He said that it is the largest paint and coatings manufacturer in the world, and it’s still growing. In Q4 FY2025, consolidated sales rose 5.6% year over year to $5.60 billion. Full-year sales reached a record $23.57 billion.
Adjusted diluted EPS increased 6.7% in Q4 to $2.23, while full-year adjusted EPS edged up 0.9% to $11.43. The company raised its dividend for the 47th straight year and now pays a 1% yield. For 2026, Sherwin-Williams expects sales growth in the low to mid-single-digit range. It also guided for adjusted EPS of $11.50 to $11.90 and plans to open 80 to 100 net new stores during the year.
The Sherwin-Williams Company manufactures, develops, and sells paint, coatings, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. Its operations span North and South America, along with the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
12. Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 1.15%
On March 19, The Wall Street Journal reported that Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is getting close to a deal to acquire data-center cooling firm CoolIT Systems from KKR for between $4.5 billion and $5 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. Those same sources said an announcement could come as soon as next week, though they cautioned that nothing has been finalized yet.
The potential price stands out. It is a significant jump from the roughly $270 million valuation when KKR took a majority stake in 2023. Mubadala Investment Company still holds a minority stake in the business. CoolIT builds liquid-cooling systems used in data centers. The company started out making cooling solutions for gaming computers, then gradually shifted toward supporting artificial intelligence infrastructure. That shift mirrors what many hardware-focused firms have done as AI demand picked up.
Ecolab Inc. focuses on chemical solutions for water treatment, hygiene, and infection prevention. The company provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services aimed at protecting people and the resources essential to life.
11. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 1.68%
On March 19, RBC Capital raised its price recommendation on Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) to $214 from $206. It reiterated an Outperform rating after the company reported a Q4 earnings beat. The analyst pointed to steady market share gains and solid cost control. Those two tend to show up together when execution is working, and that seems to be the case here. RBC also said the initial 2026 guidance looks realistic. It expects consensus estimates to edge a bit higher following the results.
On the same day, TD Cowen analyst Max Rakhlenko lowered the firm’s price objective on WSM to $225 from $250 and maintained a Buy rating. The firm said they remain constructive on the setup, even with several moving pieces in play. It highlighted the company’s ability to grow market share while dealing with tariff pressures, despite some swings in margins.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. operates as an omnichannel retailer focused on home products, with a portfolio built around distinct merchandising strategies.
10. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 2.18%
On March 19, Barclays raised its price recommendation on Johnson & Johnson to $234 from $217. It kept an Equal Weight rating on the shares. The firm said its analysis confirms the company’s “strong” 23% US pharma growth excluding Stelara in Q4 is carrying into Q1. Growth is coming from both established products and newer franchises in the US. Barclays increased its estimates following that trend.
On March 12, the company announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of TECNIS PureSee IOL, an extended depth of focus intraocular lens designed for cataract surgery. The company said the lens delivers clear vision, with 97% of patients reporting no very bothersome visual disturbances. TECNIS PureSee IOL is expected to become available in the U.S. later this year.
The product adds to Johnson & Johnson’s surgical vision portfolio, which builds on 25 years of intraocular lens innovation. Each year, millions of patients globally receive TECNIS lenses as part of cataract procedures.
Johnson & Johnson operates across a wide range of healthcare products through two segments: Innovative Medicine and MedTech.
9. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 2.60%
On March 17, Mizuho analyst Nitin Kumar raised the price recommendation on Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) to $162 from $140. It reiterated a Neutral rating on the shares. The firm increased its 2026 oil price outlook by 14% to $73.25 as the Iran conflict moved into its third week. The analyst said it is still too early to determine whether the situation will change the long-term structure of global oil prices, though the bias appears to be higher. Mizuho remains constructive on the oil and gas sector. It also noted that natural gas fundamentals are still supportive, even as it lowered its fiscal 2026 price outlook by 6%.
On March 19, Reuters reported that a new floating production facility for a consortium led by Exxon Mobil in Guyana is nearly complete and expected to leave Singapore soon, according to a company executive. The project is part of a broader push to accelerate development in a region that has become central to Exxon’s growth. Guyana has already allowed Exxon to lift output capacity to more than 900,000 barrels per day, despite only starting crude production in 2019. That pace has moved the country into the ranks of South America’s larger oil producers.
The floating production, storage, and offloading platform, Errea Wittu, is being built by MODEC. It will be the fifth such vessel installed by the Exxon-led group in Guyana and is designed to produce up to 250,000 barrels per day from the Uaru offshore project. Once the project starts, it could push Guyana’s output past neighboring Venezuela. Exxon expects total capacity from its planned developments in the country to reach around 1.7 million barrels per day by 2030.
Exxon Mobil Corporation operates across the exploration, development, and distribution of oil, gas, and petroleum products. Its business is organized into Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products.
8. International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 2.70%
On March 19, BMO Capital lowered its price recommendation on International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) to $290 from $350. It reiterated a Market Perform rating on the shares. The firm said it does not see enough upside to turn more constructive at this point. It still views IBM’s broad product portfolio, AI positioning, and quantum efforts as factors that help reduce volatility. BMO also noted that the lower price target reflects compression in Software and IT Services multiples.
On March 16, IBM announced at GTC 2026 an expanded collaboration with NVIDIA Corporation aimed at helping enterprises scale AI. The partnership focuses on GPU-native data analytics, intelligent document processing, on-premises and regulated infrastructure, cloud, and consulting. The goal is to give companies the tools and support needed to move AI from pilot programs into full production. Many enterprises are investing heavily in AI, yet progress often stalls before reaching scale. Data can be fragmented and hard to access. Infrastructure is not always built for advanced AI workloads.
There are also compliance and data residency requirements, especially in regulated industries. In some cases, companies still need guidance on how to deploy these systems effectively. IBM and NVIDIA are positioning this collaboration to address those gaps.
International Business Machines Corporation provides hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence, and consulting services. Its operations are organized into Software, Consulting, Infrastructure, and Financing segments.
7. PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 2.93%
On March 19, RBC Capital lowered its price recommendation on PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG) to $114 from $115. It kept a Sector Perform rating after meeting with the company’s Investor Relations team. The firm said demand across industrial end markets remains uneven. It also flagged potential headwinds if the Iran conflict extends into Q2, according to the research note.
On March 2, PPG announced a collaboration with IPG Photonics Corporation and Whirlpool Corporation to advance the commercialization of laser curing systems for powder coatings. The effort is focused on lowering curing costs and reducing environmental impact, while also improving finishing line speed.
Laser curing works differently from traditional thermal methods. It uses infrared light to trigger crosslinking, the reaction that turns powder into a durable coating. The process works with standard powder chemistries as well as those designed for laser curing. It also takes minutes instead of the longer cycles required in thermal systems. That shorter cycle can translate into lower energy use and higher throughput in production settings.
PPG has been expanding its powder coatings business in recent years. It now operates 21 powder manufacturing plants, along with seven bonding facilities, a powder resin plant, a research and development center, and a Global Center of Excellence.
PPG Industries, Inc. manufactures and distributes paints, coatings, and specialty products through its Global Architectural Coatings, Performance Coatings, and Industrial Coatings segments.
6. Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 3.21%
On March 19, Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) introduced new capabilities for its Adaptive Managed Extended Detection and Response platform, aimed at strengthening Microsoft Security environments. The company is working alongside Microsoft Corporation and the joint venture Avanade to deliver more advanced cybersecurity tools. The focus is on agentic AI-driven solutions and improved data analytics that help organizations respond to threats faster and manage security operations more effectively.
Accenture’s latest State of Cybersecurity Resilience research shows that 74% of CEOs are concerned about their organization’s ability to minimize cyberattacks. That concern reflects a broader shift. Many companies are investing in security, yet still struggle to keep up with the pace and complexity of threats. Tools that can act with more autonomy are starting to fill that gap.
Accenture’s MxDR for Microsoft brings together several capabilities designed to improve threat detection and response, with agentic AI at the center. One part of the platform focuses on unifying security data across systems like Microsoft Sentinel, Defender for Endpoint, Threat Intelligence, and Identity. This creates a single, consolidated view of threats. With the Sentinel data lake and AI analytics in place, teams can detect and respond more quickly while reducing data silos.
The platform also uses MxDR AI agents to enhance visibility. These agents work with Microsoft Security AI to identify gaps, reduce blind spots, and filter out excess alerts. That allows security teams to focus on the risks that matter most. Accenture’s Content Library and Factory adds another layer, offering pre-built tools such as detection models, response workflows, dashboards, and AI agents. These are designed for easier deployment and to address both current and emerging threats.
Steve Dispensa said the expanded partnership combines Accenture’s security expertise with Microsoft’s AI-powered platform, helping organizations simplify operations, strengthen defenses, and scale resilience more effectively.
Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) provides services across strategy and consulting, technology, operations, Industry X, and Song.
5. Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADP)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 3.25%
On March 19, Guggenheim initiated coverage of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADP) with a Buy rating. The firm also set a $270 price target on the stock. The analyst noted that ADP has lagged the S&P 500 so far this year. That has largely been tied to concerns that AI could replace workers and weigh on seat-based software vendors. Even so, the company has held up better than many of its peers. The firm acknowledged the risk, noting “it is far too early to significantly discount terminal values, especially for a diversified company like ADP.”
During its earnings call for Q4 2025, CFO Peter Hadley said the company has raised its fiscal 2026 consolidated revenue outlook and now expects growth of around 6%. He added that the forecast for adjusted EBIT margin expansion remains unchanged, with an expected increase of 50 to 70 basis points. He also said the company has increased its adjusted EPS growth outlook for fiscal 2026 to 9% to 10%, supported by continued share repurchases.
On segment performance, Hadley noted that the Employer Services revenue growth outlook has been lifted to about 6% for the full year. The PEO segment is still expected to grow between 5% and 7%, with revenue excluding zero-margin pass-throughs projected to increase between 3% and 5%. He added that the company continues to expect an effective tax rate of around 23% for the year. Guidance for new business bookings growth in fiscal 2026 remains in the range of 4% to 7%.
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. provides cloud-based human capital management solutions through its Employer Services and Professional Employer Organization segments.
4. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 3.37%
On March 17, Alloy Therapeutics announced an agreement with AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) to develop a new antibody platform. The goal is to discover potent and specific antibodies for targets that current technologies struggle to address. Under the multi-year deal, Alloy will receive an upfront payment, along with an additional payment tied to delivering the platform to AbbVie.
The agreement gives AbbVie access to this antibody discovery platform as part of its broader research efforts. It fits into the company’s ongoing push to expand its pipeline with more targeted therapies. Alloy’s ATX-Gx platform has become widely adopted for fully humanized transgenic mice. It is now used by more than 200 partners across therapeutic discovery programs.
The company continues to reinvest its revenue into research and development. It has expanded its platform over time, adding new strains and tools to keep up with changing demands in antibody discovery. That steady build-out has helped it stay relevant as drug development becomes more complex.
AbbVie Inc. focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and selling medicines across areas such as immunology, oncology, aesthetics, neuroscience, and eye care.
3. PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 3.70%
On March 19, PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) announced that it has met two of its key 2025 water targets under its pep+ initiative, doing so ahead of World Water Day. The company now replenishes 100% of the water used at facilities in high water-risk areas. In simple terms, it is putting back the same amount of water it takes out, and at times even more. This is achieved through conservation projects, infrastructure work, and improved irrigation practices.
In 2025 alone, more than 60 projects helped return nearly 29 billion liters of water to local watersheds. The number is meaningful, but what stands out is how these efforts are spread across different regions rather than concentrated in one place. PepsiCo also confirmed it has fully implemented the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard across all of its high-risk manufacturing sites. This gives the company a clearer, more consistent framework for managing water use and improving sustainability.
These efforts are largely driven by local projects. Work is underway in regions such as the US, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Spain, and Türkiye, with a focus on restoring ecosystems, improving agricultural efficiency, and conserving water. The company is now turning to its 2030 goals. These include expanding water replenishment to cover both company-owned and franchise facilities, improving water-use efficiency, and helping 100 million people gain access to safe water.
PepsiCo, Inc. operates globally, with its products consumed more than one billion times each day across more than 200 countries and territories. In 2025, it generated nearly $94 billion in net revenue, supported by brands including Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream.
2. The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 4.40%
On March 19, TD Cowen lowered its price recommendation on The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE:SJM) to $113 from $124. It reiterated a Hold rating on the shares. The firm also reduced its FY26 and FY27 EPS estimates in line with consensus and adjusted the price target to reflect lower valuations across the food sector.
During the Q3 2026 earnings call, the company took a more cautious tone on its EPS outlook. CFO Tucker Marshall said they were confident in reaching the $9 midpoint. He noted that any upside would likely come from the coffee business. He added that the strength in coffee is currently helping offset weakness in the Sweet Baked Snacks segment. The company also indicated that its guidance for Sweet Baked Snacks reflects a long-term growth rate of about 2%. The focus there is on stabilizing performance and improving operations over time.
Marshall said the segment is expected to remain soft in the fourth quarter. He pointed to ongoing pressure in the category, along with temporary disruption from a manufacturing plant fire.
The J. M. Smucker Company produces and markets branded food and beverage products sold primarily through retail channels in North America.
1. Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET)
Dividend Yield as of March 19: 7.04%
On March 19, Raymond James added Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) to its Analyst Current Favorites list. The list highlights top stock ideas from the firm’s equity analysts, with each analyst limited to one “buy” idea at a time. In this case, the analyst said the relative outlook for Energy Transfer looks very attractive.
In a CNBC report published on March 17, Adam Baker pointed to Energy Transfer as a name drawing more investor attention. A big part of that interest ties back to its role in supporting data center infrastructure. He noted that the company signed agreements last year with Oracle Corporation and CloudBurst Data Centers, which helped place it within that theme.
Baker also pointed to a potential new catalyst. He said Qatar’s shutdown of its liquefied natural gas production has started conversations around further growth in the US. LNG market. In his view, the US is in a strong position to benefit, given its existing infrastructure and large natural gas supply. He added that concerns about an oversupply of natural gas may now be pushed further out. The glut narrative, as he sees it, is likely delayed until at least 2027.
Energy Transfer LP operates a large and diversified portfolio of energy assets across the U.S. The company owns more than 140,000 miles of pipeline and related infrastructure, with a network that spans 44 states and connects major production basins.
While we acknowledge the potential of ET as an investment, 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 ET and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
Hedge Fund Resource Center