5 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy for Consistent Growth and Income

4. Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 7

Main Street Capital ranks 4th in the list of 10 best dividend stocks to buy for consistent growth and income. The PE firm offers equity capital to lower middle market companies.  With a dividend yield of over 6% and close to 5 years of consecutive dividend hikes, the company is a reliable option for income investors. In the fourth quarter, the company’s distributable net investment income easily beat the consensus estimate. Total investment income in the period came in at $62.5 million, versus the consensus of $55.0 million.

The company is also getting the attention of the smart money, as 7 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported owning stakes in the company at the end of the fourth quarter, up from 4 funds a quarter earlier.