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.
8. CVR Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CVI)
Change in Insider Ownership: 5.18%
Dividend Yield: 5.44%
CVR Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CVI) operates petroleum refining and nitrogen fertilizer businesses through its subsidiaries. Operating from its Texas headquarters, the company supplies fuels and agricultural products to U.S. Midwest and Gulf Coast markets. While players like Valero and CF Industries threaten market share, CVR Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CVI)’s integrated operations and strategic asset location help it thrive in the industry. The diversification across energy and agriculture, alongside cost-efficient refining infrastructure, further ensures optimal performance even during commodity price swings.
The fertilizer and renewable segments contributed to the company’s consolidated net income of $45 million and an EBITDA of $394 million for the full year of 2024. The increase in ammonia sales prices and the reduced feedstock cost enabled the company to achieve an adjusted EBITDA of $50 million in the fertilizer segment in Q4. The renewable segment generated an adjusted EBITDA of $9 million during the same period, significantly improving from the previous year’s quarter. For 2025, CVR Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CVI) anticipates an increased demand and supply rationalization to drive up its sales and net income.
CVR Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CVI) saw a 5.18% increase in insider ownership in the last six months, which attracted investor interest. A dividend yield of 5.44% marks the stock as a significant contender for investors looking for the best dividend stocks with a high return and capital appreciation capabilities.
7. Shoe Carnival, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCVL)
Change in Insider Ownership: 5.87%
Dividend Yield: 3.48%
Operating from its headquarters in Indiana, a family footwear retailer, Shoe Carnival, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCVL) offers value-priced shoes, accessories, and athletic wear through its 400+ stores and e-commerce platform. The company primarily targets consumers who prioritize affordability across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. In Shoe Carnival, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCVL), the focus is on in-store experience, promotional pricing, and regional assortment, which provides the company with a competitive edge over other players. Their inventory agility also supports differentiation in the fragmented footwear retail market amid consumer behavior sensitive to inflation rates.
In the fiscal year 2024, Shoe Carnival, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCVL) saw a 2.3% growth, reaching a revenue of $1.2 billion. However, the comparable store sales for the fourth quarter experienced a 6.3% decline because of non-event periods. Meanwhile, the Shoe Station banner incurred a 5.7% industry-leading growth, with a successful entry into new markets. In addition to this growth, the acquisition of Rogan Shoes is also receiving broad appreciation as the transfer is yielding profitable results ahead of schedule. With a plan to scale Shoe Station internationally, the company anticipates the 2025 revenue to be between $1.15 billion and $1.23 billion.
With a change in insider ownership of 5.87%, Shoe Carnival, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCVL) attracts investors seeking top dividend stocks with high insider interest. However, the dividend yield of 3.48% is comparatively lower than many other entrants on our list.
6. FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC)
Change in Insider Ownership: 6.01%
Dividend Yield: 6.16%
A global agricultural sciences company, FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) provides crop protection chemicals. Their portfolio includes insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The company serves growers across North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Competing with Syngenta and other players, the Pennsylvania-based company distinguishes itself through patented active ingredients and sustainable agriculture solutions. FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC)’s innovation pipeline, backed up by heavy investments in R&D and a significant focus on biologicals, allows the company to meet the regulatory and environmental sustainability demands easily.
FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) achieved a revenue of $1.22 billion in 2024, a 7% increase compared to the previous year, with two strong quarters that surpassed their earnings guidance. The growth comes amidst significant challenges with elevated channel inventories in Eastern Europe, Brazil, and India. FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) reported that substantial improvements are being made to reduce manufacturing costs. These improvements are expected to boost earnings as the company intends to increase revenue to $600 million by 2027 using new active ingredients like Isoflex and Fluinapi, as well as the growth of the Plant Health platform. For 2025, the revenue guidance stands moderate compared to 2024, between $4.15 billion and $4.35 billion.
FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) gathered high insider confidence in the last six months, as indicated by the 6.01% change in insider holdings. Further, the dividend yield of 6.16% increases the appeal of the company for investors interested in both yield and insider-backed upside potential.
5. CION Investment Corporation (NYSE:CION)
Change in Insider Ownership: 6.15%
Dividend Yield: 15.24%
New York-based company CION Investment Corporation (NYSE:CION) is a business developer, providing debt financing to middle-market U.S. companies. The focus is primarily on senior secured loans, with a diverse client base that includes healthcare, software, and manufacturing sectors. Ares Capital and FS KKR increase competition in the business developer market. However, the company gains a competitive advantage using risk-adjusted income generation through a diversified credit portfolio. The company’s investment strategy prioritizes capital preservation and disciplined underwriting in less liquid private credit markets.
In its last quarter of 2024, the company recorded a net investment income of $0.35 per share and an EPS of $0.10 per share. CION Investment Corporation (NYSE:CION) has also been actively repurchasing its common stock, demonstrating a firm belief that it is undervalued. The distributions also seem appealing, with the company paying a quarterly base distribution of around $19.2 million in Q4 2024 and a special year-end distribution totaling $2.7 million by the end of January 2025, thus incentivizing insiders to hold on to or raise their stakes.
FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC)’s level of insider ownership changed by 6.15% during the last 6 months. In addition, the company stands out with an attractive dividend yield of 15.24%, earning its place among high-performing dividend stocks backed by significant internal ownership.
4. Noble Corporation plc (NYSE:NE)
Change in Insider Ownership: 6.19%
Dividend Yield: 10.15%
Based in Texas, Noble Corporation plc (NYSE:NE) provides offshore contract drilling services to the oil and gas industry worldwide. The company’s fleet includes high-specification jack-ups and ultra-deepwater drillships. North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and West Africa comprise the key regions where the company operates. Noble Corporation plc (NYSE:NE) stands apart from its competitors through modernized assets, operational efficiency, and safety performance. The offshore demand from the long-cycle exploration investments alongside global energy diversification efforts immensely benefits the company’s revenue-making capabilities.
Noble Corporation plc (NYSE:NE) reported an EBITDA of $319 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. The newly acquired Diamond Offshore elevated the company’s position in the deepwater market during the period through synergies. The acquisition is expected to raise the company’s value in 2025. Additionally, in 2024, the company returned over $575 million to shareholders via share repurchases, indicating its commitment to creating shareholder value. Securing over $500 million in new contract commitments, the company anticipates the total revenue for 2025 to be between $3,250 and $3,450 million.
Noble Corporation plc (NYSE:NE)’s insiders raised their stake in the company by 6.19%, reflecting increased confidence in its recovery. Offering a highly attractive dividend yield of 10.15%, the company finds a place among the best dividend stocks for investors seeking high-yield opportunities.
3. Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH)
Change in Insider Ownership: 6.41%
Dividend Yield: 3.37%
A specialty materials company, Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH) serves markets such as pharmaceuticals, personal care, coatings, and adhesives from its headquarters located in Delaware. The company’s portfolio includes excipients, rheology modifiers, and biofunctional ingredients. Customization of these products is carried out about performance and regulatory compliance. Formulation expertise and innovation focusing on sustainability allow the company to compete against market players like DuPont. The company repositioned itself toward high-margin and science-based businesses, increasing its foothold despite consumer demand shifts.
Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH)’s sales in the first quarter of 2025 went down by 14%, reaching $405 million due to portfolio optimization, including the divestiture of Nutraceutical. On the other hand, the strong demand for skin and hair care resulted in a fourth consecutive quarter of over 25% year-over-year EBITDA growth in the personal care segment. Additionally, the portfolio optimization initiatives, though they have caused a decline in sales in the recent quarter, are expected by the company to improve profitability in the long term. As per the 2025 company guidance, a sale of $1.90 billion to $2.05 billion is anticipated.
Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH) has high internal optimism, as insider ownership has surged by 6.41% in the last six months. Though it has the lowest dividend yield (3.37%) on our list, the company could be the best addition for investors looking to diversify their portfolio with a dividend-paying stock from the chemicals and specialty ingredients industry.
2. Mach Natural Resources LP (NYSE:MNR)
Change in Insider Ownership: 7.25%
Dividend Yield: 18.55%
Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Mach Natural Resources LP (NYSE:MNR) is an independent upstream energy company focusing on the acquisition, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and NGLs in the Anadarko Basin. The company operates a stable asset base and competes with players like Dorchester Minerals, Devon Energy, and Continental Resources for market share. The company generates consistent free cash flow through disciplined capital deployment and a focus on legacy assets with low decline rates, thus gaining a competitive edge over its peers.
Mach Natural Resources LP (NYSE:MNR) generated $235 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Completing the acquisition of over one million acres of land and significant infrastructure has contributed to the EBITDA of $78 million in 2024. The lift and operating expenses on all the acquisitions were reduced between 25% and 35%, leading to the company’s elevated operational efficiency. Additionally, the distribution of over $1 billion to unitholders highlights the company’s commitment to maximizing cash distribution, instilling confidence in the stock. For 2025, the company has planned to operate three rigs with a capital expenditure budget between $225 and $240 million.
Mach Natural Resources LP (NYSE:MNR) saw a 7.25% change in insider ownership, reflecting a surge in insider confidence. The stock stands out as one of the best dividend stocks for aggressive yield hunters, with a dividend yield of 18.55%.
1. Chimera Investment Corporation (NYSE:CIM)
Change in Insider Ownership: 8.14%
Dividend Yield: 12.99%
Chimera Investment Corporation (NYSE:CIM) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) based in New York. The focus is on mortgage assets, including agency- and non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities, mortgage loans, and other credit-sensitive investments. The company utilizes a hybrid strategy, balancing yield and risk through active portfolio management to gain a strong foothold amidst heavy competition. In addition to credit performance, the company prioritizes asset diversification and interest rate hedging to survive volatile fixed-income markets.
Chimera Investment Corporation (NYSE:CIM) reported a GAAP net loss of $168.3 million in the Q4 of 2024. However, the quarterly dividend increased by 12%, indicating confidence in the company’s financial health and a strong commitment to shareholders. The acquisition of the Palisades Group is expected to assist Chimera Investment Corporation (NYSE:CIM) in diversifying its revenue stream by offering a new fee-based source of income that would elevate its earnings. Completing significant share repurchases and maintaining consistency in dividend payments has also earned the company confidence among shareholders and insiders. The company’s plans for the year include diversifying the portfolio and increasing liquidity to stabilize its dividends amid the market volatility.
Chimera Investment Corporation (NYSE:CIM) insiders expressed their growing confidence in the company through an 8.14% increase in holdings. The firm offers a sizable dividend yield of 12.99% and gains the top spot in the list of best dividend stocks for income-focused portfolios.
Overall, Chimera Investment Corporation (NYSE:CIM) ranks first among the 10 dividend paying stocks insiders are buying. While we acknowledge the potential of CIM, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CIM but trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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