In this article, we will take a look at some of the best dividend stocks for a dividend achievers list.
In a market that feels unsettled more often than not, many investors are looking for ways to smooth the ride without giving up growth. Dividend-paying stocks tend to sit in that middle ground as they don’t eliminate volatility, but they can soften it. At the same time, they put real cash back into investors’ hands. That income stream can also reflect something deeper about a company’s finances and discipline.
The data backs this up. Research from Ned Davis Research shows a clear pattern over time. Companies that don’t pay dividends, or that cut them, have generally lagged the broader market. These stocks have also been more volatile. By contrast, firms that maintained, initiated, or grew dividends tended to deliver steadier results.
Research highlighted by Hartford Funds points to a familiar pattern during market downturns. Dividend-paying stocks have often helped soften the blow when prices moved lower. Even when returns were flat or negative, these stocks continued to generate income. That steady cash flow mattered as the effect stood out during long periods of weak market performance. In decades when stock returns stayed in the single digits, dividends made up a much larger share of total returns.
The same research shows a similar trend during sharper pullbacks. When the broader market, measured by the S&P 500 Index, fell by 10% or more, dividend-paying stocks generally declined less than those without payouts. Since 1975, dividend-paying stocks have fallen an average of 14.44% during major market drawdowns. Over the same periods, the equal-weighted S&P 500 Index dropped 19.89%. Stocks that paid no dividends fared the worst, with average declines of 28.16%. Dividend-paying stocks held up better, losing less than non-dividend payers and outperforming the broader market. Over time, that gap can quietly shape long-term outcomes.
Our Methodology:
For this list, we looked at a group of dividend achievers, which are known for raising dividends for 10 years or more. From this list, we chose companies with the highest dividend yields as of December 21 and arranged them in order from lowest to highest yield.
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 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
16. Evergy, Inc. (NASDAQ:EVRG)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 3.84%
Evergy, Inc. (NASDAQ:EVRG) is among the top stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 18, Mizuho analyst Anthony Crowdell cut Evergy, Inc. (NASDAQ:EVRG) to Neutral from Outperform and lowered the price target to $76 from $86. In a research note, he said the stock already reflects the company’s improved regulatory setup in Kansas and Missouri. Mizuho’s model assumes about 7% earnings growth, while management is guiding for 4% to 6%. The firm sees little room for upside from here, since any improvement in the outlook appears to be priced in.
The market has rewarded the stock. Shares are up more than 17.5% so far this year. That gain stands out, especially given the weather challenges earlier in the year. In the second and third quarters, demand was pressured by what CEO David Campbell described as “cooler than normal summer weather.”
Kansas and Missouri both offer tax incentives designed to attract data centers. That matters a lot as power-hungry tech customers are looking for reliable utilities, and Evergy, Inc. (NASDAQ:EVRG) has been showing up in those conversations. For a company of its size, its backlog of large power customers is among the biggest in the US. In addition to projected earnings growth, the company also sees results trending toward the high end of that range in the second half of the decade. For a regulated utility, that’s respectable growth.
Evergy, Inc. (NASDAQ:EVRG) is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. It runs electric utilities across Kansas and Missouri and serves about 1.7 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
15. Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 4.17%
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW) is among the best stocks in the dividend achievers list.
On December 17, UBS nudged its price target on Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW) up to $95 from $94. The firm kept a Neutral rating on the stock.
During the company’s third-quarter 2025 earnings call, management laid out plans for a new generation site near Gila Bend. The project could add as much as 2,000 megawatts of natural gas capacity. Executives also talked through steady progress on long-term transmission upgrades and baseload investments. The Desert Southwest expansion project remains on track, according to the update.
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW) posted earnings of $3.39 per share for Q3 2025. Results were lifted by higher transmission revenue and solid sales growth across customer groups. Some of that strength was offset by lower weather-related sales compared with last year, along with higher interest expense, lower pension and OPEB benefits, and a larger share count.
During the quarter, sales trends looked healthy once the weather was normalized. Total growth came in at 5.4% for the quarter. Commercial and industrial sales rose 6.6%, and residential sales increased 4.3%. Year to date, residential sales are up 2%. The company also raised its full-year outlook. Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW) now expects 2025 earnings of $4.90 to $5.10 per share, up from the prior $4.40 to $4.60 range. Management pointed to strong sales, warmer-than-normal weather, higher transmission revenue, and added contributions from El Dorado.
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE:PNW) is a utility holding company focused on electricity. Most of its operations run through Arizona Public Service, which provides regulated retail and wholesale power across Arizona.
14. Regency Centers Corporation (NASDAQ:REG)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 4.41%
Regency Centers Corporation (NASDAQ:REG) is among the best stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 18, JPMorgan analyst Michael Mueller downgraded Regency Centers Corporation (NASDAQ:REG) to Neutral from Overweight. The price target moved down to $76 from $81. Mueller framed the move as tactical. He called it “simply a ‘stock call’ as we continue to think that REG has one of the best platforms and long-term growth prospects in the overall REIT space.”
The change came as part of JPMorgan’s broader 2026 outlook for REITs, which included two upgrades and seven downgrades. The higher number of downgrades reflects what the firm described as a “more stratified ratings distribution.”
In the third quarter of 2025, President and CEO Lisa Palmer pointed to another strong quarter. Same-property NOI rose again. Earnings moved higher, and capital allocation stayed active, with more than $750 million put to work across acquisitions, development, and redevelopment.
Regency Centers Corporation (NASDAQ:REG) also highlighted its unique position in the market. It said it remains the only national developer operating grocery-anchored shopping centers at scale, at a time when new supply remains tight. Management raised its full-year earnings growth outlook and announced a dividend increase of more than 7%.
Development activity picked up as well. The company started over $170 million of projects during the quarter. That pushed year-to-date starts past $220 million. For 2025, Regency now expects roughly $300 million in total project starts. Management also discussed recent acquisitions and completed joint venture partner buyouts, which help simplify the portfolio over time.
Regency Centers Corporation (NASDAQ:REG) is a retail REIT that owns, operates, and develops suburban shopping centers across the US. Most of its properties are anchored by grocery stores, with restaurants and service businesses filling in the rest. These centers tend to act as everyday community hubs.
13. Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 4.56%
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA) is one of the best dividend stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 15, Evercore ISI trimmed its price target on Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA) to $143 from $144 and kept an In Line rating on the stock. The firm said the NAREIT conference delivered more insight than expected. There were some encouraging shifts across the REIT space. Office and industrial sounded better than many had anticipated. Residential and storage, though, continue to face pressure, according to the analyst’s note on the group.
A couple of days later, on December 17, Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA) shared its own update. The board approved a quarterly dividend of $1.53 per share, payable on January 30, 2026, to shareholders on record as of January 15. That lifts the annual dividend to $6.12 per share. Over five years, that works out to compounded growth of 8.3%. This also marks the 16th straight year the company has raised its dividend.
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA)’s balance sheet gives it room to keep investing. The company plans to buy apartment communities, including properties still under development. It is also putting money into new projects and renovations across the portfolio. By late 2025, about $1 billion of development projects were already underway. Those investments matter as they are expected to support growth in FFO per share over the next few years. And that, in turn, helps keep the dividend moving higher at a steady pace.
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA) is one of the largest apartment owners in the US. Its focus stays on the Sunbelt, where population growth and housing demand remain strong.
12. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 4.65%
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) is one of the best dividend stocks for the dividend achievers list.
Several of the largest US and European drugmakers struck agreements with President Donald Trump on December 19 to voluntarily lower the prices of certain medicines. The move comes as the administration pushes to tie US drug prices more closely to lower costs overseas.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY)was part of that group and one of the most notable commitments came from the company, as it said that it will provide Eliquis, its blockbuster blood thinner and most prescribed drug, free of charge to Medicaid patients. The agreement fits with the company’s broader effort to improve cardiovascular care, expand patient access, and work with policymakers to reduce costs for Americans, without undercutting long-term innovation.
A week earlier, on December 12, Morgan Stanley raised its price target on Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) to $37 from $36. The firm kept an Underweight rating on the stock. In its 2026 outlook note, the analyst said many of the policy concerns that weighed on biopharma stocks this year should start to fade in 2026. As that pressure eases, attention may shift back to company fundamentals. That’s where stock selection could start to matter more again.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) operates globally and focuses on developing medicines for serious diseases. Its pipeline spans oncology, cardiovascular care, immunology, and other serious conditions.
11. Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 4.70%
Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) is among the best stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 16, Mizuho analyst Yaron Kinar initiated coverage of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) with a Neutral rating and a $125 price target. The initiation was part of a broader launch covering 23 companies. This included six life insurers, 11 property and casualty insurers, and six insurance brokers. Mizuho expressed a preference for life insurers, noting that the group appears undervalued despite ongoing credit-related concerns. The firm took a more cautious view on property and casualty insurers and insurance brokers, citing signs of market softening, plateauing investment yields, and potential reserve pressures.
The analyst also expects organic growth at insurance brokers to slow. There is concern that this could encourage more aggressive acquisition activity as firms look to sustain growth.
On December 11, Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) announced a share repurchase program of up to $1 billion. The authorization will be effective from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. The company stated that repurchases may be executed through open-market transactions, derivatives, accelerated buybacks, or other negotiated arrangements.
During its Q3 2025 earnings call, Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) highlighted the completion of the sale of its PGIM Taiwan business. The divestiture supports the company’s focus on higher-growth opportunities. Management also outlined an accelerated shift toward a unified asset manager model within PGIM, with the goal of expanding multi-business client engagement and driving margin improvement in 2026.
PGIM reported higher asset management fees during the most recent quarter, supported by market appreciation, positive net flows, and strong investment performance. Results also included $40 million in reorganization charges related to integrating PGIM’s multi-manager structure. These costs were partially offset by a $25 million gain from the Taiwan business sale.
Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) provides a range of financial products and services, including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, and investment management.
10. T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 4.92%
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW) is among the best stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 17, Morgan Stanley raised its price target on T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW) to $128 from $126 and maintained an Equal Weight rating on the stock. In a preview note, the analyst said client flows were weaker than expected in the fourth quarter. As a result, the firm lowered its Q4 flow estimate by 30 basis points. Morgan Stanley also reduced its Q4 earnings estimates by about 5% on average across the asset managers it covers. The update reflects near-term pressure rather than a shift in long-term views.
A few days earlier, on December 15, Goldman Sachs Asset Management and T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW) announced the launch of co-branded model portfolios. This marks the first set of products to reach the market since the two firms revealed a strategic alliance in September. The new portfolios combine the firms’ respective investment capabilities. They are designed for advisors serving mass-affluent and high-net-worth clients, with an emphasis on diversified and scalable solutions.
Four of the model portfolios are now available on the GeoWealth platform, which supports registered investment advisors. Through GeoWealth’s technology, RIAs can deliver a broad range of portfolio options using mutual funds and ETFs. A fifth model portfolio is expected to launch in the first half of 2026. That offering is intended to support high-net-worth investors through flexible allocations that include direct indexing and evergreen alternative strategies.
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW) is a global investment management firm offering mutual funds, subadvisory services, separate accounts, and retirement solutions. Its clients include individuals, institutions, and financial intermediaries across multiple markets.
9. The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 5.05%
The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) is among the best stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 19, Bank of America analyst Anna Lizzul lowered the firm’s price target on The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) to $110 from $125 and kept a Neutral rating on the stock. Looking ahead to 2026, Lizzul said the biggest open question for consumer staples remains consumption growth. Valuations across the sector remain uneven. Still, she noted that “there feels little to get them off the sidelines in ’26 until fundamentals signal a greater turning of the tide,” according to her year-ahead note on the group.
Jefferies has taken a more constructive view of household and personal care products. The firm points to easing macro pressures, improving category sentiment, and a strong pipeline of innovation expected over the coming year. At The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) , Jefferies sees portfolio changes as a key driver. The additions of Touchland and VMS are expected to improve product mix and margins. Innovation is also expected to support incremental growth. As analyst Akshay Gajrawala put it, “The runway is compelling given low household penetration and international expansion.” Jefferies’ $102 price target is based on a 26x multiple of its fiscal 2027 EPS estimate.
The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) shares are down nearly 40% since the start of 2025. Despite that decline, the company’s underlying performance has improved since 2024. Revenue and profit trends have stabilized and begun to recover. One metric stands out. Return on invested capital has rebounded sharply. Clorox’s ROIC is now around 25%, in line with levels seen before the pandemic. For long-term investors, that recovery carries weight. It suggests the business has regained discipline and efficiency, even after several difficult years.
The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) is a US-based multinational that manufactures and markets consumer and professional products across cleaning, household, and lifestyle categories.
8. Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 5.29%
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) is among the best dividend stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 19, Wells Fargo downgraded Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) to Equal Weight from Overweight. The firm kept its price target unchanged at $70. The move was part of a broader reset across the chemicals sector. Wells Fargo downgraded four companies, pointing to industry checks that suggest “trough-like conditions” may extend into the first half of 2026.
According to the analyst, the group continues to face pressure from a muted recovery in China and sluggish housing markets in both the US and Europe. Interest rate cuts could offer some support over time. Still, Wells Fargo believes meaningful catalysts that would drive valuation recoveries are likely several quarters away. Near-term visibility remains limited.
A few weeks earlier, on December 4, Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) shared a more shareholder-friendly update. The company’s board approved a modest increase in its quarterly dividend, raising it to $0.84 per share from $0.83. The dividend will be paid on January 8, 2026, to shareholders of record as of December 15, 2025. The increase signals confidence in cash flow durability, even as the operating backdrop stays challenging.
Willie McLain, executive vice president and chief financial officer of EMN, made the following statement:
“By raising our dividend for the 16th consecutive year, we are reaffirming our commitment to delivering value to our shareholders. This action demonstrates the Board’s continued trust in our ability to achieve consistent earnings and maintain strong cash generation.”
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) operates as a global specialty materials company. Its products are used across a wide range of everyday applications. The company works closely with customers to develop tailored solutions, with a focus on innovation, safety, and sustainability.
7. Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 5.50%
Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) is one of the best stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 17, Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 per share. The payment is scheduled for January 9, 2026, for shareholders of record as of December 30, 2025. The new dividend reflects a 3.1% increase from both the prior quarter and the same period last year. The company has raised its dividend every year since 1981. That consistency continues to stand out in the asset management space.
The board also approved an expanded share repurchase authorization. Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) can now buy back up to an additional 20.8 million shares, bringing the total authorization to as many as 40.0 million shares. At the end of November 2025, about 19.2 million shares were still available under the prior program.
Earlier in November, Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) shared a separate update tied to its technology strategy. It connected its blockchain infrastructure to the Canton Network, a bank-backed platform designed to support institutional use cases. The goal is to expand the adoption of its tokenized fund offerings.
Major financial firms, including Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Tradeweb Markets Inc., are already involved in Canton. The network is structured to allow certain transaction details to remain private, which has helped drive interest from large institutions. With Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) joining the network, participants will be able to hold and trade its Benji token, which represents digital shares of its money market fund. According to Sandy Kaul, the integration opens the door to broader institutional use. The company sees this as a step toward greater collateral mobility. The idea is to allow assets such as money market funds to move and be reused as collateral almost instantly across institutions through blockchain infrastructure.
Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) operates as a global investment manager, serving individuals and institutions through a wide range of products, including mutual funds, ETFs, and alternative strategies.
6. NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE:NNN)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 6.04%
NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE:NNN) is among the best stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 15, Evercore ISI lowered its price target on NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE:NNN) to $43 from $44 and maintained an In Line rating. The analyst said the recent NAREIT conference delivered more insight than expected. There were signs of improving sentiment across parts of the REIT market. Office and industrial segments showed a more constructive outlook, while residential and storage continue to face pressure. Against that backdrop, NNN’s operating results stood out.
NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE:NNN) delivered a strong third quarter. Management closed 20 transactions covering 57 assets for a total of $283 million. Execution remained disciplined, even as broader market conditions stayed uneven. Balance sheet flexibility remains a key strength. The company reported $1.4 billion of total liquidity and an average debt maturity of nearly 11 years, one of the longest in the sector. That structure gives the company room to act without forcing timing.
Management also highlighted swift progress on problem areas. A major tenant emerged from bankruptcy, with 100% of leases affirmed during restructuring. In addition, the company resolved 23 of 35 furniture-related assets and noted strong interest in the remaining properties. Looking ahead, NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE:NNN) raised its acquisition outlook. The company now expects $850 million to $950 million in acquisitions, with a midpoint of $900 million. That would mark the highest annual investment volume in its history. The disposition outlook also moved higher. Management increased the expected range by $50 million to a new range of $170 million to $200 million. Bad debt assumptions were revised lower as well, dropping to 25 basis points from 60 basis points earlier in the year.
NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE:NNN) operates as a net lease real estate investment trust. It focuses primarily on restaurant properties under long-term triple-net leases, a model designed to support stable cash flows across market cycles.
5. United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 6.44%
United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) is among the best stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 18, Bank of America analyst Ken Hoexter raised the firm’s price target on United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) to $99 from $95. The firm kept an Underperform rating on the shares.UPS told investors that peak season unfolded largely as expected. The company now targets US domestic average daily package volumes to decline about 11% year over year in the fourth quarter. That compares with Bank of America’s earlier estimate of a 13% drop. The firm raised its Q4 EPS estimate by 1%, while leaving its fiscal 2026 EPS forecast unchanged at $7.10. It also slightly increased the valuation multiple applied to that estimate.
According to Bloomberg, United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) plans to invest about $120 million in 400 robots designed to unload trucks. The move adds detail to the company’s broader $9 billion automation strategy, which aims to lift margins by reducing labor costs.
Truck and container unloading is still largely manual across the industry. It remains a persistent bottleneck in warehouse operations. UPS’s order draws attention to Pickle Robot Co., a Massachusetts-based startup that already works with UPS. The company has raised roughly $97 million since its founding in 2018, according to PitchBook.
Pickle’s system uses a robotic arm mounted on a mobile base. The robot drives into shipping containers, lifts boxes weighing up to 50 pounds using suction, and places them onto conveyor belts. People familiar with the matter said United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) plans to deploy the robots across multiple facilities starting in the second half of 2026 and continuing into 2027.
Automation has been a long-term priority for UPS. In 2024, the company announced a four-year, $9 billion investment plan covering more than 60 U.S. facilities. The goal is to generate $3 billion in cost savings by 2028.
United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS) operates one of the world’s largest shipping and supply chain networks, serving customers across e-commerce, healthcare, and industrial markets.
4. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 6.83%
Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) is among the best stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 18, Morgan Stanley downgraded Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) to Underweight from Equal Weight and set a $34 price target. Keeping pace with the broader midstream group “is becoming harder to make,” the analyst wrote. Buybacks alone are unlikely to change that. Without a clearer growth story, Morgan Stanley does not see unit repurchases as enough to drive a meaningful re-rating.
That view comes as Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) moves into a different phase of its cycle. The partnership is wrapping up a heavy investment period that started back in 2022. Roughly $6 billion of organic projects are set to enter commercial service in the second half of this year. These assets won’t deliver their full impact overnight, but as volumes build, cash flow should follow.
This year marks the high point for spending. Capital investment reached about $4.5 billion. Next year, management expects growth capital to drop sharply, down to roughly $2.2 billion to $2.5 billion. If the numbers play out, free cash flow should rise meaningfully in 2026. That extra cash gives Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) more room to reward unitholders. The partnership recently expanded its repurchase authorization to $5 billion from $2 billion. It also continues to lean on its long-standing distribution record. The company has raised its payout for 27 straight years, including a 3.8% increase over the past year.
Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD)operates one of the largest midstream networks in North America.
3. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 7.30%
Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) is one of the best dividend stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 19, Bank of America analyst Lisa Lewandowski lowered the firm’s price target on Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) to $64 from $66. She kept a Buy rating on the shares. Looking toward 2026, Lewandowski said the biggest open issue for consumer staples remains consumption growth. Valuations across the sector remain uneven. In her year-ahead note, she added that “there feels little to get them off the sidelines in ’26 until fundamentals signal a greater turning of the tide.”
For Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO), fundamentals have held up better than volumes might suggest. Cigarette shipments continue to decline, and the company has been able to raise prices enough to offset much of the volume pressure. Tobacco users tend to be sticky. Some trade down to cheaper brands, but many stay with what they know and absorb the higher cost. That dynamic has helped keep revenue and earnings relatively stable.
The dividend remains the core of the investment case. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO)’s payout is large and consistent, which naturally raises questions when volumes fall. If price increases ever stop covering the gap, pressure would build. For now, that risk appears contained. Cash flow remains solid, and earnings still support the payout. The company targets a payout ratio of about 80% of adjusted earnings per share. Adjusted EPS removes one-time items and gives a clearer view of recurring operating performance. That framework provides some flexibility, even in a slow-growth environment.
Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) has a portfolio of well-known tobacco brands, including Marlboro, Black & Mild, Copenhagen, Skoal, and Virginia Slims.
2. Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 8.77%
Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) is one of the best stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 15, JPMorgan lowered its price target on Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) to $18 from $20 and kept a Neutral rating on the stock. The firm said the change followed an update to its financial model.
For the third quarter of 2025, Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) reported revenue of $1.04 billion. That marked a 4.06% decline from the same period last year. Operating income totaled $73 million, down from $80 million a year earlier. President and CEO Patrick Lockwood-Taylor said over-the-counter consumption remained soft during the quarter. Even so, the company posted solid in-market results. Perrigo gained dollar, unit, and volume share in five of its seven store-brand categories. It also expanded its share in several key brands. According to management, those trends show that consumers continue to choose Perrigo products on the shelf.
In other news, on November 5, Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) announced a strategic review of its infant formula business. The move reflects a shift toward higher-margin branded products. The company is a leading supplier of store-brand baby formula sold under retailer labels, typically priced below national brands. That business has faced challenges tied to quality issues at manufacturing facilities, which created contamination risks.
Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:PRGO) operates as a global consumer health company with more than 100 years of experience. Its portfolio focuses on health and wellness products, with primary operations across North America and Europe.
1. LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB)
Dividend Yield as of December 21: 12.72%
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) is among the best stocks for the dividend achievers list.
On December 19, Wells Fargo analyst Michael Sison cut LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) to Equal Weight from Overweight and lowered the price target to $45 from $55. The call reflects a tougher view on the chemicals sector overall. Wells Fargo downgraded four companies, saying its industry checks suggest “trough-like conditions” may linger into the first half of 2026. The firm pointed to a slow recovery in China and weak housing markets in the U.S. and Europe as ongoing drags on demand. Interest rate cuts could help over time, but the analyst said clear triggers for a rebound in valuations are still likely a few quarters away.
That backdrop shows up clearly in LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB)’s stock. Shares are down nearly 41% so far in 2025. Higher raw material costs, soft demand, and tougher competition have all taken a toll. In the third quarter, the company reported revenue of $7.73 billion, down 10% from a year earlier. EBITDA swung sharply, moving to a loss of $835 million from a $1.17 billion profit in the prior-year quarter.
Even with those pressures, management continues to focus on cash. LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) reported a cash conversion rate of 135% in the third quarter, a sign that its cash improvement plan is gaining traction. CEO Peter Z. Vanacker said the company remains on track to generate $600 million in cash flow in 2025 and at least $1.1 billion by the end of 2026.
Operating cash flow reached $983 million during the quarter. The company returned $443 million to shareholders through dividends. That steady cash return suggests confidence in the balance sheet, even as earnings remain under pressure.
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) is a global chemical producer and one of the world’s largest makers of polymers. Its scale and technology leadership remain intact, even as the cycle works through a difficult phase.
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