12 Best Consistent Dividend Stocks to Buy

9. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 47

Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) ranks ninth on our list of the best dividend stocks for consistent payments. The Virginia-based tobacco company manufactures a wide range of related products including cigarettes and other nicotine products. Cigarette consumers are typically highly loyal to their preferred brands, giving Altria a significant advantage over competitors due to Marlboro’s dominant market share. However, Altria’s operations are limited to North America, as it separated its international business into Philip Morris International several years ago. As a result, the company’s long-term success depends entirely on its ability to perform well within this single market. In the past 12 months, the stock has surged by over 34%, outperforming the broader market.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) reported revenue of $5.11 billion, reflecting a 1.63% increase from the prior year and exceeding analyst estimates by $59.6 million. Strong brand performance contributed to higher earnings and improved margins in its core tobacco business, while the company continued making strategic investments to support long-term growth. Looking ahead to 2025, Altria expects adjusted diluted EPS to range between $5.22 and $5.37, representing a projected increase of 2% to 5% compared to its 2024 EPS of $5.12.

Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) currently pays a quarterly dividend of $1.02 per share and has a dividend yield of 7.08%, as of March 22. The company has a long history of delivering value to shareholders through consistent dividend payments. In fiscal 2024, the company distributed $6.8 billion in dividends. With 55 consecutive years of dividend growth, it remains one of the top-performing dividend stocks.