In this article, we will take a look at the Billionaire Mario Gabelli’s Top 5 Dividend Stocks. For deeper discussion and analysis, read Billionaire Mario Gabelli’s Top 12 Dividend Stocks.
Mario Gabelli of GAMCO Investors
5. Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE:JCI)
GAMCO Investors’ Stake Value: $43,135,585
Dividend Yield as of June 23: 1.13%
On June 10, Bernstein initiated coverage of Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE:JCI) with an Outperform rating and a $176 price target. The firm said data centers represent a “strong tailwind” for Johnson Controls, with growth largely driven by its chiller business. Bernstein also noted that the company has an “easy capital unlock available” through the sale or spin-off of parts of its fire and security business. In its research note, the analyst said the firm is “comfortable” with Johnson Controls’ ability to execute its strategy over the next 18 months.
Earlier, on June 3, Wolfe Research raised its price recommendation on JCI to $171 from $165. It reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares. According to the firm, the investor event held that week highlighted the broad range of changes underway at the company and “showed us that the lean transformation is real.”
Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE:JCI) is a global technology company focused on energy efficiency, decarbonization, thermal management, and mission-critical performance.
4. State Street Corporation (NYSE:STT)
GAMCO Investors’ Stake Value: $58,176,215
Dividend Yield as of June 23: 1.93%
On June 23, Citi raised its price recommendation on State Street Corporation (NYSE:STT) to $193 from $172. It reiterated a Buy rating on the shares. The update came as part of its second-quarter earnings preview. The firm said it sees upside to estimates based on favorable business fundamentals. Citi also noted that a lower assumed cost of equity contributed to the increase in its price target.
Earlier, on May 26, Wells Fargo raised its price goal on State Street to $171 from $162. It kept an Overweight rating on the stock. According to the firm, a meeting with CFO John Woods reinforced its view that State Street is in the midst of a multiyear inflection point driven by organic growth, operating leverage, and earnings per share expansion. Wells Fargo added that two to three years of behind-the-scenes work now appear to be becoming more visible. The firm believes State Street has the potential to re-rate higher.
State Street Corporation (NYSE:STT) is a financial holding company. Through its subsidiary, State Street Bank and Trust Company, the company provides a range of financial products and services to institutional investors.
3. Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE:RHP)
GAMCO Investors’ Stake Value: $85,367,374
Dividend Yield as of June 23: 3.82%
On June 12, BMO Capital raised its price recommendation on Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE:RHP) to $137 from $125. It reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares as part of a broader research note covering gaming and lodging companies. The firm said expectations surrounding the World Cup have taken a back seat to strong RevPAR performance. According to BMO, the results suggest potential upside to second-quarter earnings and guidance, even if any World Cup-related benefits do not materialize. The analyst added that World Cup expectations are currently fairly modest. Hotel prices have also continued to ease, with rates moving lower at 70% of lodging REIT properties since April.
Earlier, on June 8, Raymond James raised its price goal on RHP to $125 from $120. It maintained an Outperform rating. The firm said it updated its lodging REIT models following first-quarter earnings results, revised guidance, and recent commentary from the NAREIT REIT Week conference.
Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE:RHP) is a lodging and hospitality real estate investment trust that focuses on upscale convention center resorts and entertainment experiences.
2. American Express Company (NYSE:AXP)
GAMCO Investors’ Stake Value: $119,088,796
Dividend Yield as of June 23: 1.12%
On June 18, DZ Bank upgraded American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) to Buy from Hold. It set a price target of $375 on the stock.
During the company’s first-quarter 2026 earnings call, Chairman and CEO Stephen Squeri said American Express was reaffirming its full-year guidance. The company continues to expect revenue growth of 9% to 10% for the year. It also expects earnings per share in the range of $17.30 to $17.90. Chief Financial Officer Christophe Le Caillec said first-quarter earnings were stronger than management had anticipated. That performance gave the company room to increase spending on key areas, particularly marketing and technology. He added that full-year marketing expenses are now expected to rise at a mid-single-digit rate.
While American Express kept its revenue growth and earnings guidance unchanged from the previous quarter, management said the strong start to the year created greater flexibility to invest in the business. Squeri noted that the company is putting the excess earnings generated in the first quarter back into strategic growth initiatives. Those investments include additional spending on marketing and technology, areas management views as important for supporting future growth.
American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) is a global payments company with card-issuing, merchant-acquiring, and card network operations. It serves a broad customer base that includes consumers, small businesses, mid-sized companies, and large corporations worldwide.
1. Crane Company (NYSE:CR)
GAMCO Investors’ Stake Value: $170,724,861
Dividend Yield as of June 23: 0.48%
On June 1, DA Davidson reiterated a Buy rating on Crane Company (NYSE:CR). It also set a $235 price target on the stock. The firm also added the stock to its “Best-of-Breed Bison List,” which includes companies it believes offer outstanding business opportunities, durable competitive advantages, strong financial performance, and attractive risk-reward profiles.
In a research note, the analyst pointed to Crane’s ability to consistently grow faster than its markets, along with its increasing operational and financial flexibility. The firm also highlighted the company’s capital deployment options, technology-driven market share gains, productivity improvements, and margin expansion supported by higher volumes.
DA Davidson further noted Crane’s long track record of execution and the potential for additional strategic actions. In the firm’s view, these factors should help the company maintain its premium valuation. The analyst added that Crane’s larger exposure to the aerospace and defense markets compared with other industrial technology names on the firm’s list positions it well for potential outperformance.
Crane Company (NYSE:CR) manufactures highly engineered components used in mission-critical applications across aerospace, defense, space, and process industry markets. The company operates through two segments: Aerospace & Electronics and Process Flow Technologies.
While we acknowledge the potential of CR 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 CR and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: Top 11 Dividend Kings to Buy for Safe Dividend Growth and 13 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy Under $25
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.
