In this article, we will be looking into the top 10 dividend-paying stocks insiders buy.
Uncertainty is not among the market’s favorites. Yet, at present, uncertainty is prevailing throughout the market. The U.S.-China trade escalation and the new tariffs on all other U.S. trading partners have left investors scrambling to find stable ground.
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Just this week, CNBC reported President Trump’s announcement to charge steep fees on ships built in China, presently docking at the U.S. ports, a move the analysts perceive could cause the shipping costs to go high and send a ripple through consumer prices. China, the significant retaliator to Trump’s tariffs, has started targeting the U.S. service sector by threatening everything from tourism to tech talent pipelines. Even the blue-chip stocks find the current climate unfavorable, thus increasing the adoption rate of another strategy: dividend-paying stocks. And here’s the kicker – insiders are loading up on them.
Dividends are the financial shock absorbers when growth stocks swing wildly on trade war headlines. Investors in such an unfavorable market condition often prioritize the cash flow today rather than the promises of growth tomorrow. Historically, in many instances, when the market is experiencing turbulence, the dividend-paying stocks outperformed their non-dividend peers. In addition to padding the portfolio, the dividend stocks have signaled corporate resilience. And right now, insiders like executives and board members are betting big on the stability of the dividend stocks.
Corporate leaders buy shares of their companies to add credibility to the stocks. At the same time, it also indicates that they see an undervalued potential in their stocks. Unlike analysts, the insiders have first-hand information regarding earnings forecasts, balance sheets, and the company’s strategies that would allow it to weather the upcoming storms.
The recent U.S.-China tariff escalations stand as a prime example of such storms. The headlines focus on the two countries’ shipping fees and rare-earth export controls. Meanwhile, board members of some companies are scooping up stocks. But these are not speculative plays; they are calculated decisions made using the unique knowledge of the company’s cash flows, debt, and history of raising dividends.
Now, let us zoom out. The market position is clear. According to CNBC, volatility has become the new normal with China’s retaliation squeezing the services trade sector, where the U.S. holds a $32 billion surplus. Finding an appropriate dividend that could add some resilience to the portfolio becomes a necessity. Using insider backing to find the best stock offers a rare blend of defensive positioning and growth potential.
In this regard, we have done the legwork to uncover 10 dividend-paying stocks with high insider confidence. In addition to offering a positive yield, our picks could fortify your investments against the market chaos caused by the trade war. You may be hedging against inflation, chasing reliable income, or simply copying the moves of those in the know.
So, let’s dive in and count down our top picks from 10 to 1. The top 5 might just find a place in your portfolio.
Our Methodology
When putting together our top 10 picks for the best dividend-paying stocks investors are buying, we followed a few criteria. We set the dividend yield at a minimum of 3%. This criterion is in place to provide investors with optimal income-generating stocks. We did not include stocks with an insider ownership change of less than 4% in the last six months since a larger percentage correlates with a significant shift in ownership, potentially based on recent and relevant information. Stocks with an average volume of over 200,000 are included in the list, suggesting much trading activity with strong interest from buyers and sellers. Additionally, we have considered only those stocks with a positive return on equity (ROE). With this criterion, we ensured that our picks generated income for the investments made by the shareholders.
All the data in the article was taken from financial databases and analyst reports, with all information updated as of April 16, 2025. And we have ranked our picks based on the percentage change in insider ownership.
10. Myers Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MYE)
Change in Insider Ownership: 4.25%
Dividend Yield: 5.76%
An Ohio-based company, Myers Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MYE) is engaged in the manufacturing of polymer-based storage and material handling products. The company serves industrial, agricultural, automotive, and food processing sectors. It also operates a distribution segment and supplies tire repair and retread products. Compared to Berry Global and Orbis Corporation, the company gains a competitive edge through product customization and regional reach. Placing importance on niche market solutions, the company stands strong amid rising volatility in the logistics, transportation, and manufacturing sectors.
Myers Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MYE) reported a 6.7% year-over-year increase in its revenue in the fourth quarter results. The most significant contributors to this growth are the consumer and industrial end markets, where sales grew by 33% and 13%, respectively. On the other hand, the distribution segment saw a 20.2% decline in sales due to lower volume and pricing. However, the outlook for the company remains positive after an announcement from Myers Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MYE) about a new $10 million share repurchase authorization. While the company has not issued formal annual guidance for 2025, it has implemented a focused transformation program that would result in an annualized cost saving of $20 million, which translates positively among insiders and external shareholders.
Myers Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MYE)’s change in insider ownership in the last six months stands low at 4.25% compared to other companies in our list. However, coupled with a significant 5.76% dividend yield, the company stands out as one of the best dividend-paying stocks with notable insider confidence.
9. Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR)
Change in Insider Ownership: 4.53%
Dividend Yield: 5.42%
Headquartered in Switzerland, Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) is a global leader in responsible packaging solutions. The company offers flexible and rigid packaging for customers in the food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care industries. Focusing on sustainability, the company competes for market share through its global footprint and investment in recyclable and compostable packaging. Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR)’s strong relationship with consumer goods companies stabilizes demand and helps establish long-term contracts.
In their most recent quarter, the company reported $3.2 billion in sales, slightly surpassing the previous year’s value. For four consecutive quarters, the company has consistently increased its sales volume and net income despite the declining healthcare and the almost flat demand in the North American beverage business. The successful merger with Berry has also given Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR), a positive outlook. The synergies from the merger could potentially assist the company in achieving its 2025 earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 72 to 76 cents per share.
Insiders have modestly enhanced their ownership in Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) by 4.53% over six months. It signals the growing confidence in the stock. With this and a solid 5.42% dividend yield, the packaging giant joins our list of top dividend-paying stocks worth watching.
