8 Dividend Giants with Lowest Short Interest in 2024

6. Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW)

Short % of Float as of September 22: 1.83%

Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW) is an American chemicals company that mainly operates in the material science industry. The company is involved in the manufacturing and marketing of a wide range of chemical, plastic, and agricultural products.

In the second quarter of 2024, Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW) reported revenue of $11 billion, which fell by 4.4% from the same period last year. Its volumes grew by 1% on a YoY basis but a sluggish global economy has led to lower prices. The global macroeconomic recovery has been progressing at a slower pace than anticipated. The company continues to focus on managing working capital, cutting costs, and aligning its operating rates with current demand. Moreover, its commitment to innovation with customers was evident during the quarter, as the company successfully tapped into increasing demand in sectors like packaging, electronics, and home and personal care.

Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW)’s cash position makes it one of the most reliable options among income investors. In the most recent quarter, the company generated $832 million in operating cash flow and its free cash flow came in at $109 million. During the quarter, it returned $691 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Its strong cash generation has allowed the company to pay uninterrupted dividends to shareholders since 1912. Currently, it pays a quarterly dividend of $0.70 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.38%, as of September 22. With 1.83% of its float sold short, DOW is one of the best dividend giants on our list.

As of the close of Q2 2024, 32 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owned stakes in Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW), compared with 35 in the previous quarter. These stakes are valued at over $1.2 billion. With 18.8 million shares, Pzena Investment Management was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q2.