In this article, we will list the 5 Safest Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now. Please visit 10 Safest Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now if you’d like to see the extended list and the methodology behind it.
5. Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL)
Beta: 0.42
Dividend Yield: 2.93%
Ex. Dividend Date: June 15, 2026
Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) is one of the 10 safest dividend stocks to buy right now.
Morgan Stanley lowered the price target on Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) from $92 to $87 on May 21, 2026. The firm’s analyst kept an Equal Weight rating on the stock. According to the analyst notes, the firm updated its North American utility price targets for April while pointing out that the regulated, diversified, and independent power producer sectors underperformed the broader S&P 500.
Similar to this adjustment, Truist also lowered its price target on Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) from $95 to $92. However, the analyst kept a Buy rating on the stock. The firm updated its Power and Utilities models to reflect rising sector investments, ahead of the American Gas Association’s Financial Forum. Now in year three of the data center wave, infrastructure spending and growth expectations continue to climb. Vertically integrated electric utilities are identified as the primary beneficiaries, with high potential to capture long-term earnings growth by building out localized grid capacity to serve this massive load demand. The company has demonstrated a strong track record of steady distribution growth with an increase in its annual common stock dividend for twenty-three consecutive years.
Founded in 1909, Xcel Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:XEL) is a major regulated electric and natural gas utility holding company. The Minnesota-based company operates four utility subsidiaries and serves customers across eight Western and Midwestern states.
4. Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG)
Beta: 0.55
Dividend Yield: 3.36%
Ex. Dividend Date: June 9, 2026
Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG) is one of the 10 safest dividend stocks to buy right now.
On May 18, 2026, Truist lowered its price target on Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG) by $3 to $88. The firm’s analyst Richard Sunderland maintained a Hold rating on the stock. Truist adjusted its price target on the stock, as part of a broader Power and Utilities model update ahead of the American Gas Association’s Financial Forum. According to the analyst, the market has entered year three of the data center wave, and the sector capital investments and growth forecasts continue to grow. The firm sees vertically integrated electric utilities as clear winners, as they are optimally positioned to build the infrastructure needed to meet surging power demand.
In an unrelated event, on May 12, 2026, Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG) was named to the Dow Jones Best-in-Class North America Index for the 18th consecutive year. The S&P Global index selected the company based on its long-term environmental performance, sustainability practices, and community and workforce support. Rick Thigpen, the company’s SVP for corporate citizenship, said the ongoing recognition reinforces the company’s commitment to sustainable operations, stakeholder alignment, and resilient infrastructure.
Founded in 1903 and headquartered in New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG) is a diversified energy holding company. The company’s core assets include Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), the state’s largest regulated utility, and PSEG Nuclear, a major merchant nuclear generation fleet.
3. PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP)
Beta: 0.39
Dividend Yield: 4.01%
Ex. Dividend Date: June 5, 2026
PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) is one of the 10 safest dividend stocks to buy right now.
PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) restructured its credit facilities on May 22, 2026, to maintain short- and long-term liquidity. The company replaced its existing $5 billion 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility with a new one expiring May 21, 2027. At the same time, the company swapped its $5 billion five-year facility for a new agreement extending through May 22, 2031, featuring a €1.2 billion swingline subfacility. Both arrangements were managed by Citibank and allow capacity expansions up to $5.75 billion. The purpose is to increase support for general corporate needs without increasing headline commitments.
In another development, on May 6, 2026, PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) declared a quarterly dividend of $1.48 per share of common stock – a 4% increase compared to the prior period. The increase is in line with the company’s previously announced increase in annualized dividend from $5.69 to $5.92 per share. Payable on June 30, 2026, to shareholders of record on June 5, the dividend marks the company’s 54th consecutive annual increase.
Founded in 1965, PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) is a global food and beverage powerhouse. The New York-based company operates a highly complementary portfolio that includes convenient foods, snacks, and beverages across more than 200 countries.
2. Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB)
Beta: 0.31
Dividend Yield: 5.11%
Ex. Dividend Date: June 5, 2026
Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) is one of the 10 safest dividend stocks to buy right now.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) provided an update on May 19, 2026, regarding its new clinical trial, “An Open-Label Applicator Tampon Safety-in-Use Study.” Actively recruiting volunteers, the study evaluates the safety of a commercially available tampon, designated as Tampon A, across regular, super, and super plus absorbencies during normal use. The trial runs an unblinded protocol and aims to de-risk product safety and reinforce consumer trust within Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB)’s core feminine care division. The company has further reinforced its core product commitment on May 6, 2026, with the Natural Born Fighters campaign, launched by its own brand, Huggies. The campaign involves recognizing NICU babies’ strengths and supporting caregivers. Grounded in personalized care, it reframes fragile infants as Little Fighters.
Separately, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) declared a regular quarterly dividend of $1.28 per share, payable on July 2, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 5, 2026. The announcement made on May 12, 2026, highlights the company’s long-term financial stability and also marks its 92nd consecutive year of dividend payments and its 54th consecutive annual dividend increase.
Founded in 1872, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ:KMB) is a global company focused on personal care products and solutions. Based in Texas, the company operates through two segments: North America and International Personal Care.
1. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO)
Beta: 0.52
Dividend Yield: 5.88%
Ex. Dividend Date: June 15, 2026
Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) is one of the 10 safest dividend stocks to buy right now.
On May 21, 2026, Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) subsidiary U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) announced a strategic consolidation to modernize its manufacturing footprint. The company will shift all production from its Tennessee facility to a new facility on an existing campus in Kentucky. The Nashville plant will wind down gradually, with operations expected to conclude in early 2028. With this transition, the company intends to improve long-term operational efficiency alongside supply chain resilience. USSTC will encourage affected Nashville employees to apply for open roles in Kentucky and Virginia. The company also offers severance packages and outplacement support to those who choose not to relocate.
In an unrelated event on May 15, 2026, Barclays raised its price target on Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) from $63 to $64. Alongside this $1 rise in PT, the analyst kept an Underweight rating on the shares. The firm believes that the latest FDA guidance favors the tobacco sector, potentially spurring innovation. The growth in innovation is expected to be followed by an accelerated growth of next-generation products, which in turn will bring more changes to the stock ratings. Showcasing an incredible legacy of returning value to investors, Altria has raised its dividend sixty times in fifty-seven years.
Founded in 1919, Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO), is a leading manufacturer of tobacco, nicotine, and alternative products. Headquartered in Virginia, the company manages a premier brand portfolio anchored by Marlboro cigarettes.
While we acknowledge the potential of MO 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 MO and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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