This article will count the dividend stocks from 10 to 1, which have grown firmer despite the mixed market sentiment in the past 3 trading days.
Dividend stocks are proving their worth despite the ever-changing market conditions. The changes in laws and regulations brought up by the new presidency of the U.S. and the advent of the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) models from foreign countries, and such events are having an unprecedented effect on the market, making it more volatile than ever before. Sometimes, investors are unsure where things are headed and how their investment will turn out. Even so, some dividend-paying companies stand firm, earning their trust, irrespective of the uncertainty. For these investors who are looking for steady returns, dividend stocks have proven to be a worthwhile investment. In our article, we will look closely into ten stocks that have stayed firm despite the ups and downs.
READ ALSO: Dividend Stock Portfolio For Income: Top 10 Stocks to Buy
Before entering the list, let’s see why dividend stocks are preferred. Primarily, they offer a reliable income stream. Some of them also show growth potential. However, we need to remember that they are not invincible. Changes in inflation rates, interest rates, and economic changes also affect dividend stocks. The uncertainty created by these factors makes picking the right ones a matter of informed decision. It is not always about high yields. We also focus on other aspects, including earnings, payout ratios, and consistency in making dividend payments.
In recent days, the smartness of the companies, reflected in their operational and financial management, has helped them maintain such consistency and even grow their dividends. Some sectors, like technology, are doing better than others. However, growth is recognized in companies irrespective of the favorableness of the market, showing they can handle harsh conditions. The big question: which among them firmly held their position and consistently rewarded their investors?
An investor must constantly balance risk and reward. When the market feels unpredictable, an investor must collect information and conduct research before making an investment decision. We aim to serve investors who are looking to make such informed decisions.
Our list contains dividend stocks with strong performance over the past three days, even though the market has been experiencing fluctuations. They can be worthy investments. But it is difficult to say based on the previous three days of performances alone. Hence, we urge our readers to thoroughly research the stocks they may find attractive in our list.
The following section will explain what makes these ten dividend stocks stand out. We believe valid reasons should accompany performance. Understanding the reason helps the investor decide better. In this regard, our article might be what you want before deciding to restructure your portfolio.
Stick with us as we count down the 10 dividend stocks that have remained strong despite the mixed market sentiment. You will likely be surprised by what’s number one on the list.
Our Methodology
While putting together the list of 10 dividend stocks that have grown despite mixed market sentiment, we followed a few key criteria. Primarily, we considered only those stocks with a minimum dividend yield of 3% shareholder returns to ensure consistency in returns. We further narrowed the list to those stocks that have grown at least 1.5% between February 24 and February 26, 2025. This three-day window is to capture stocks, maintaining stability irrespective of rapid market fluctuations. Since we wanted to ensure sufficient liquidity in our list of stocks, we did not consider those with a market capitalization of less than $300 million. With these criteria, we aimed to optimize the value of our article for income-focused investors. In our article, in addition to the growth of the stocks over the three days, we look into dividend yield, payout ratio, and the number of hedge funds holding onto them.
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 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:UVE)
Dividend yield: 3.12%
Dividend payout ratio: 25.81%
Ex-Dividend Date: March 7, 2025
Number of Hedge Funds: 20
Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:UVE) recorded a 13.1% increase in its stock price between February 24 and February 26, 2025, climbing from $19.82 to $22.41.
Based in the U.S., the integrated insurance holding company released its earnings call transcript whereby the company surpassed the analysts’ expectations with its EPS of $0.25, crossing the forecasted figure of $0.09. However, the company’s revenue fell to $384.8 million, missing the forecast of $449.9 million. The significant growth in direct premiums written, especially outside the Florida market, enabled Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:UVE) to manage its revenue despite the challenging market conditions. Three hurricanes in 2024 heavily impacted the insurance holdings market. However, since the company concentrated on strategic expansion into new markets over the past year, it notably reduced the impact, thus receiving a positive market reaction compared to its peers.
Offering a dividend yield of 3.12%, Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:UVE) maintains a payout ratio of 25.81%. Using a mere quarter of its earnings, the company meets its dividend payments and retains a healthy portion for future investments. With 20 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s portfolio holding positions, hedge fund interest stands high. Investors aiming to receive the dividend scheduled for March 14, 2025, must purchase shares before the ex-dividend date on March 7, 2025.
9. Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE:WD)
Dividend yield: 3.14%
Dividend payout ratio: 81.50%
Ex-Dividend Date: February 28, 2025
Number of Hedge Funds: 25
Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE:WD) experienced a 3.9% rise in its stock price over three days, ending February 26, 2025, reaching $85.26 from $82.09.
The U.S.-based real estate finance and advisory services company announced an EPS of $1.34, surpassing analysts’ expectations by $0.13, in its fourth quarter of 2024, attracting the investors’ attention. The positive outlook for the company is backed up by a 91% increase in Fannie Mae transaction volumes and a 70% rise in brokered transactions. Together, they contributed to a 24% rise in the quarter’s total revenue compared to the same quarter the previous year. Additionally, Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE:WD)’s $81 million loan for refinancing Enclave Heritage Flats indicates the company’s focus on strengthening its multifamily financing to build resilience against market challenges in 2025.
Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE:WD) maintains a dividend yield of 3.14%, with a payout ratio of 81.50%. Most of the earnings are used to pay dividends to the shareholders. With the debt level at $1.66 billion, the company may use outside funds alongside retained earnings to meet the capital needs for business operations. With 25 hedge funds from the Insider Monkey database holding positions in the stock in Q4 2024, institutional confidence remains high. To receive the dividend on March 14, 2025, investors must purchase shares before the ex-dividend date on February 28, 2025.
8. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB)
Dividend yield: 3.31%
Dividend payout ratio: 23.67%
Ex-Dividend Date: May 23, 2025
Number of Hedge Funds: 14
Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB) registered a 5.3% rise in its stock price, advancing from $20.60 to $21.70 between February 24 and February 26, 2025.
The German multinational investment bank and financial services company found their shares at their highest level over nine years. Like a few other financial institutions in Europe, the shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB) benefitted heavily from rising interest rates on the government bonds market. The takeover speculations in the European sector also contributed to the growth. In its earnings results, released last month, January 30, Deutsche Bank reported earnings per share of $0.16, which missed the consensus by $0.27. Yet the bank recently increased its annual dividend to $0.5122 from the previous annual dividend of $0.33, demonstrating its confidence in its growth potential for 2025 and gaining positive receptions from investors.
Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB) offers a dividend yield of 3.31%. The yield is supported by a low payout ratio of 23.67%, suggesting sustainability in the dividend policy. Institutional participation remains strong, with 14 hedge funds from the Insider Monkey database investing in stocks, as of Q4 2024. Shareholders aiming to qualify for the dividend payment on May 26, 2025, must acquire Deutsche Bank shares before May 23, 2025.
7. Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE:JXN)
Dividend yield: 3.77%
Dividend payout ratio: 23.85%
Ex-Dividend Date: March 11, 2025
Number of Hedge Funds: 34
Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE:JXN) witnessed a 4.2% appreciation in its stock price over three days. The value climbed from $83.62 to $87.13 between February 24 and February 26.
The U.S.-based financial services company updated its target for 2025 to $700 million-$800 million capital return from $631 million in 2024. The target is backed by strong annuity sales growth. Insights from the Q4 earnings call indicated that the net income exceeded $900 million, contributing mainly to the 39% increase in retail Annuity sales to $18 billion at the end of 2024. The 39% increase is owing to the ongoing “silver tsunami” of baby boomers showing significant interest in variable annuities. Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE:JXN) returned $631 million to common shareholders and announced a 14% dividend increase to $0.80 per share, leading to the recent rise in the company’s value.
Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE:JXN) provides a dividend yield of 3.77%, backed by a dividend payout ratio of 23.85%. The payout ratio indicates a sustainable approach to shareholder returns, where the company uses one-fourth of its earnings to cover its dividend payments, retaining the excess for reinvestment and debt coverage. Institutional interest remains strong, with 34 hedge funds listed in Insider Monkey holding positions in the company, as of Q4 2024. Investors seeking dividend eligibility for the March 20, 2025, payout must purchase the shares of Jackson Financial Inc. before the ex-dividend date on March 11, 2025.
6. Mercer International Inc. (NASDAQ:MERC)
Dividend yield: 3.79%
Dividend payout ratio: 15.71%
Ex-Dividend Date: March 26, 2025
Number of Hedge Funds: 26
Mercer International Inc. (NASDAQ:MERC) saw a 2.15% increase in its value between February 24, 2025, and February 26, 2025.
The Canada-based company is a global leader in responsibly sourced pulp and solid wood products. Mercer International Inc. (NASDAQ:MERC) was traded as high as $8.08 on February 26, 2025. The high was a gradual increase in the stock price after the company released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 20. The earnings per share (EPS) reported by the company stood at $0.25. The consensus estimate was $0.02, meaning the released EPS results beat the consensus estimate by $0.23. It demonstrated the company’s strong performance to the investors in the market. However, the business revenue of $488.41 million during the quarter falls below the anticipated $497 million, negatively reflecting the return on equity and net margin of the company, raising concerns among the investors.
Mercer International Inc. (NASDAQ:MERC) offers a dividend yield of 3.79%. It is covered by the dividend payout ratio of 15.71%, indicating that the company generates more earnings than required for making its dividend payments. We noted 26 hedge fund portfolios in the Insider Monkey database, backing the stock in Q4 2024 and suggesting strong institutional interest. Investors interested in stock can purchase it before March 26, 2025, to receive dividend payments on April 2, 2025.
5. Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR)
Dividend yield: 4.10%
Dividend payout ratio: 158.82%
Ex-Dividend Date: March 31, 2025
Number of Hedge Funds: 37
Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR) experienced a 1.9% gain in its stock price over three days, ending February 26, 2025, from $52.20 to $53.19.
The Canadian fertilizer company reported EPS of $0.31 in the fourth quarter of 2024, slightly below the consensus estimate of $0.33. Despite being lower than analysts’ expectations, the company was resilient against the challenging market environment, particularly with the new tariffs impacting U.S. agricultural exports. Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR)’s diversified portfolio includes potash, nitrogen, and phosphate production and an extensive retail network serving North and South America. Additionally, the agriculture and fertilizer sector is less volatile than other industries. The stability is expected to support a market leader like Nutrien Ltd., thus gaining a positive outlook from investors and analysts.
Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR) provides a dividend yield of 4.10%. The payout ratio, however, stands at 158.82%. The company pays more dividends than it earns, signaling debt risk and raising concerns. Institutional investors show strong interest, with 37 hedge funds from the Insider Monkey database holding positions in the stock, as of Q4 2024. Shareholders purchasing the shares before the ex-dividend date on March 31, 2025, will benefit from the upcoming dividend payment on April 10, 2025.
4. Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA)
Dividend yield: 5.07%
Dividend payout ratio: 74.51%
Ex-Dividend Date: February 26, 2025
Number of Hedge Funds: 27
Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) recorded a 4.3% increase in stock value, rising from $38.25 to $39.91 within three days.
The American energy company announced the fourth quarter earnings per share of $0.84. It fell short of the $0.89 consensus estimate. However, the value of Avista Corporation continued to rise in the last three days after the company’s projections for 2025. Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) initiated the 2025 earnings guidance of $2.52 to $2.72 per share. It was over the analyst projections of $2.52 per share. The president and CEO of the company, Heather Rosentrater, further said,
“I’m proud of our performance in 2024. Our utility operations led continued improvement in our consolidated earnings, even with the headwinds we experienced from higher power supply and operating costs during the year.”
Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) also achieved 2024 regulatory gains in Washington, anticipating continued progress in Oregon and Idaho rate cases throughout 2025. This created a positive outlook for the company among the investors, as demonstrated by the 4.3% increase in stock value.
With a dividend yield of 5.07% and a payout ratio of 74.51%, Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) retains sufficient capital for operations after paying dividends to its stockholders. The stock is included in 27 hedge fund portfolios of our Insider Monkey’s Q4 2024 database, implying notable institutional confidence. Interested investors can receive dividends on March 14, 2025, by purchasing shares before the ex-dividend date on February 26, 2025.
3. HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. (NYSE:HASI)
Dividend yield: 5.88%
Dividend payout ratio: 102.47%
Ex-Dividend Date: April 4, 2025
Number of Hedge Funds: 15
HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. (NYSE:HASI) experienced a modest 1.6% growth in its share price over three days, ending February 26, 2025. It moved from $28.35 to $28.80.
The U.S.-based investor investing in sustainable infrastructure assets claimed in the fourth quarter results in a 20% year-over-year increase in its total revenue, contributed by an increase in interest and securitization asset income, rental income, and gain on sale of assets. Despite the market challenges, such as a higher average interest rate causing a $71 million increase in 2024, the company achieved a net income of $200 million to its controlling shareholders in 2024. In its sustainability report, the company also announced the annual avoidance of an estimated 872 thousand metric tons of carbon emissions because the transactions closed in 2024. It equals a CarbonCount® score of 0.39 metric tons per $1,000 invested. The financial and sustainability performance gained a positive perception for the company in the market.
HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. (NYSE:HASI) offers a dividend yield of 5.88% with a payout ratio of 102.47% to cover it. The dividend distributions exceed the reported earnings, raising the possibility of debt risks. Hedge fund interest is strong, with 15 funds in the Insider Monkey database holding the stock, as of Q4 2024. The following dividend payments are scheduled for April 18, 2025. Investors completing their purchases before the ex-dividend date on April 4, 2025, will be eligible for it.
2. The AES Corporation (NYSE:AES)
Dividend yield: 6.42%
Dividend payout ratio: 47.46%
Ex-Dividend Date: May 1, 2025
Number of Hedge Funds: 53
The AES Corporation (NYSE:AES) saw its stock appreciate by 1.9%, from $10.72 to $10.92, over three days ending February 26, 2025.
The utility and power generation company in Virginia, the U.S., grew after being recognized as the top corporate energy provider globally. It strengthened its position as a leader in clean energy with record-breaking deals totaling 62GW. Though the company faces heavy headwinds from severe weather conditions in South America, the strong performance in renewable energy expansion and U.S. utility growth made the competitor stand out. The AES Corporation (NYSE:AES)’s price-to-earnings ratio remains at 7.4x compared to the peer average of 23.4x, indicating that its stocks are traded at a lower price than its competitors. However, since the price is quite stable, analysts expect the stocks’ value to move closer to the industry peers in 2025. The AES Corporation also gained a positive outlook in our 7 Stocks on Jim Cramer’s Radar.
With a dividend yield of 6.42% and a payout ratio of 47.46%, The AES Corporation (NYSE:AES) uses less than half its earnings to cover its dividend payments while retaining the remaining portion for future projects. The stock enjoys substantial institutional backing, with 53 hedge funds from the Insider Monkey database holding positions in Q4 2024. Investors acquiring shares before the ex-dividend date on May 1, 2025, will be qualified for dividend payments on May 15, 2025.
1. B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS)
Dividend yield: 11.13%
Dividend payout ratio: 333.33%
Ex-Dividend Date: March 31, 2025
Number of Hedge Funds: 18
B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS) experienced a 4.3% rise in its stock value in the last three days. Between February 24, 2025, and February 26, 2025, the company’s value increased from $6.74 to $7.03.
The branded foods holding company based in New Jersey saw its value rise after declaring its regular quarterly dividend. Its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.19 per share of common stock, on Monday, February 24th. The dividend marks the 82nd consecutive quarterly dividend declared by the company since October 2004. During the fourth quarter of 2024, B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS) saw a fall in its net sales, owing to the sale of the Green Giant U.S. shelf-stable product line as well as the fall in unit volume. Even so, there is a slight increase in the company’s adjusted net income. The company anticipates gradual improvement in the second half of 2025, boosting the investor’s outlook for the company.
B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS) offers a dividend yield of 11.13%. The dividend payments, however, significantly exceed its earnings, as suggested by the payout ratio of 333.33% and indicating the possibility of debt risk. The Insider Monkey’s Q4 2024 database identifies 18 hedge fund portfolios holding positions in B&G Foods, reflecting notable institutional interest. Investors looking to secure dividend payments on April 2, 2025, must purchase the stock before the ex-dividend date on March 31, 2025.
Overall, B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE:BGS) ranks first on our list of the best dividend stocks that have grown firmer despite the mixed market sentiment. While we acknowledge the potential for BGS as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than BGS but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and Complete List of 59 AI Companies Under $2 Billion in Market Cap.
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