In this article, we will take a look at the 5 Best Dividend Leaders to Buy Right Now. For a deeper discussion and an extended list, please see 15 Best Dividend Leaders to Buy Right Now.
5. Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (NASDAQ:HBAN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 49
On March 13, Truist lowered its price recommendation on Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (NASDAQ:HBAN) to $19 from $21. The firm reiterated a Buy rating on the shares. The change came as part of a broader research note on regional banks. The firm said it is updating its models following conference updates and also pointed to heightened geopolitical and macro risks.
On March 9, Baird added a “Fresh Pick designation” on Huntington while keeping an Outperform rating and a $20 price target. The firm said the recent weakness in bank stocks has created more attractive risk and reward trade-offs. The analyst said there is a “margin of safety” in many regional banks at current prices. Capital levels remain in good shape and credit trends continue to look solid. Baird added that the current environment may present a good opportunity for investors to add to positions or initiate exposure in regional banks.
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (NASDAQ:HBAN) is a regional bank holding company. Through its primary subsidiary, Huntington National Bank, and its affiliates, the company provides services to consumers, small and middle-market businesses, corporations, municipalities, and other organizations.
4. Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 55
On March 11, Wells Fargo initiated coverage of Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS) with an Equal Weight rating. The firm also set a $98 price target on the stock. The analyst said growth in the toy industry remains challenging and noted that Hasbro has been losing share in several key categories. Wells Fargo added that risk and reward appear balanced at current share levels.
During the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Chris Cocks discussed the progress made under Hasbro’s “Playing to Win” strategy. He said the plan is built around two pillars, Play and Partnership, which he believes have supported the company’s turnaround and recent growth. Cocks said Hasbro now reaches more than 1 billion people each year. He attributed the broader engagement to the company’s expanding portfolio of original brands and partner intellectual properties.
He also pointed to strong financial results in the fourth quarter. Revenue increased 30%, while adjusted operating profit rose nearly 180%. The Consumer Products segment returned to growth, and Wizards of the Coast reported an 86% increase in sales, driven largely by Magic: The Gathering and related digital releases.
The CEO also announced several new licensing partnerships. These include a primary toy license connected to Harry Potter and the upcoming HBO series, along with collaborations tied to Voltron and Street Fighter. Cocks said products linked to these partnerships are expected to launch in late 2026 and expand further into 2027. He added that these globally recognized franchises represent major opportunities for Hasbro.
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS) is a game, intellectual property (IP), and toy company. The business delivers play experiences to kids, families, and fans around the world through physical and digital games, video games, and toys.
3. Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 58
On March 11, Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) said it will lower prices on more than 3,000 products across apparel, home goods, and daily essentials. The move marks an early step by new CEO Michael Fiddelke as the retailer works to attract shoppers and revive demand after three years of declining sales.
The price cuts come just a week after Fiddelke said the company plans to bring sales growth back this year. The strategy includes reinvesting billions into store remodels, introducing newer products, and offering sharper pricing to support demand as competition intensifies ahead of the spring shopping season. The company is also working through a broader turnaround while dealing with economic uncertainty. Weaknesses in the labor market and tariff-driven inflation have created challenges for many consumer-facing companies.
Inflation in the U.S. remains above 2%, and many Americans are still cautious with spending. Shoppers continue to focus on essentials and value nearly a year after President Donald Trump imposed global tariffs on imports. At the same time, rising energy prices have added pressure. The increase, linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, has heightened inflation concerns and weighed further on consumer demand.
Earlier this month, Fiddelke told investors the company plans to spend more than $2 billion across the business this year. The plan includes $1 billion for new stores and remodels, and another $1 billion aimed at improving the overall guest experience.
Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is a general merchandise retailer that sells products through its stores and digital channels. The company offers customers, referred to as guests, everyday essentials along with fashionable, differentiated merchandise at discounted prices.
2. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 73
On March 11, Oppenheimer raised its price recommendation on Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) to $56 from $50. It reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares. The firm said its channel checks suggest Verizon’s subscriber growth share is continuing. The analyst also pointed to strong visibility around the company’s planned $5 billion in expense reductions. Part of those savings is expected to come from a 10% reduction in headcount and lower capital expenditures.
Asset rationalization represents another meaningful area of savings, estimated at about $500 million. The firm also noted expected reductions in spending on third-party vendors and outsourced contractors. Oppenheimer said there could be additional upside from further cost reductions and monetization opportunities if Verizon were to enlist DOX to modernize its OSS/BSS systems.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is a holding company. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides communications, technology, information, and streaming products and services to consumers, businesses, and government entities.
1. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 98
On March 10, The Wall Street Journal reported that Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) plans to move its legal home to Texas from New Jersey. The decision would place the company among a growing group of firms that have chosen to incorporate in the state in search of a more business-friendly environment.
Exxon has been incorporated in New Jersey since 1882. The company plans to ask shareholders to vote on a proposal to redomicile in Texas. If the measure is approved, Exxon would follow companies such as Tesla and Coinbase Global that have also chosen to reincorporate in Texas.
Exxon Chief Executive Darren Woods told The Wall Street Journal in an interview that the move is meant to protect the company from shareholder “abuse.” He was referring to what many companies view as a rise in frivolous shareholder lawsuits filed in certain legal venues. “Texas is already our operating home, and we think it makes sense to make it our legal home,” Woods said.
Exxon, which has a market value of more than $630 billion, moved its headquarters from New York City to Texas in 1989. Woods said the company has not faced any problems with New Jersey. At the same time, he believes Texas has a deeper understanding of the oil and gas industry and a stronger interest in its long-term success. He also said that having more companies domiciled in Texas, across a range of industries, could be beneficial.
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants, and chemical companies in the world.
While we acknowledge the potential of XOM 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 XOM and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading into 2026 and 14 Low PE High Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now
Disclosure: None. Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily e-newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below.
