Introduction
In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best cheap dividend stocks to buy now.
Value investing has been a favorite approach among investors for years, popularized by Warren Buffett, who focuses on stocks that he believes are undervalued relative to their true worth. Although growth investing has dominated market sentiment in recent times, the long-term performance of value stocks remains strong.
Former professor turned investment manager Joseph Lakonishok and value investing expert David Dreman strongly advocate a patient, long-term approach to investing, believing that steady, disciplined strategies often outperform fast, high-growth strategies. Their research showed that regardless of the size of the company, value investing outperforms growth strategies in about 70% of cases. After analyzing companies with different market capitalizations, they found that over the long term, value stocks consistently delivered an average annual return of slightly above 7%, outperforming growth stocks.
- What are
the best dividend paying stocks right now?
1. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 104
Forward P/E Ratio: 13.46
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is one of the top integrated oil and gas companies in the United States. The company's operations are attractive because they span the entire oil and gas supply chain, including exploration and production, transportation, and refining of crude oil into products such as gasoline, diesel, and petrochemicals. This diversified structure provides stability in an often unpredictable energy market. When oil prices are high, the exploration and production segments thrive, while during low prices, the transportation and refining divisions help mitigate the impact of market fluctuations.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) reported revenue of $83.4 billion, representing a slight decline of 1.1% compared to the previous year. Since 2019, the company has achieved $12.1 billion in structural cost savings, helping to mitigate inflationary pressures and expansion costs while outperforming its industry peers. For the full year, the company reported the highest return on capital employed in its sector at 12.7%, with a five-year average of 10.8%.
As of March 6, they are paying a quarterly dividend of $0.99 per share, which equates to a yield of 3.68%. The company delivered strong financial results in 2024, generating free cash flow of $55 billion—the third-highest figure of the past decade. Total free cash flow for the year was $36.2 billion, of which $16.7 billion was returned to shareholders via dividends. Exxon remains committed to its $20 billion annual share repurchase program, which will continue through 2026, as well as continuing its streak of 42 consecutive years of dividend increases.
On our list of affordable dividend stocks to consider right now, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) takes the top spot. While we acknowledge the investment potential in XOM, we believe some AI stocks have the potential to deliver higher returns, and in a shorter period of time. If you're looking for an AI stock that's more promising than XOM but trades at less than 5 times its earnings, be sure to check out our report on the cheapest AI stocks.
2. Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 101
Forward P/E Ratio: 9.67
Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) is a leading player in the global investment banking sector, offering a wide range of financial products and services to meet various client needs. The company operates through three key business segments: Global Consumer Banking, Institutional Clients Group, and Treasury & Trade Solutions. By harnessing its extensive client network and international presence, Citigroup aims to strengthen its competitive positioning in the market.
Recently, however, Citigroup has faced notable challenges, particularly between February 28 and March 6, when its shares plummeted following reports of manual errors in transactions. A Financial Times article detailed a significant blunder where the bank erroneously deposited $81 trillion into a client’s account instead of the intended $280, highlighting recurring mistakes that the bank is actively working to rectify in its efforts to rebuild its reputation. Additionally, Bloomberg reported a costly error in the wealth management division, where nearly $6 billion was mistakenly transferred to a client’s account.
These incidents have raised eyebrows, especially considering a consent order regulators imposed against Citigroup in 2020, which included a $400 million fine for failing to adequately tackle persistent internal and risk management issues. The situation was further exacerbated by an accidental $900 million transfer to Revlon creditors that same year. More recently, in July 2023, the bank incurred an additional fine of $136 million for failing to promptly address the issues highlighted in the 2020 order.
Despite these setbacks, analysts believe that the repercussions of these missteps may be limited, viewing them as short-term challenges in light of Citigroup’s overall performance. The bank continues to be a reliable dividend payer, distributing $6.7 billion to its shareholders through dividends and stock buybacks in fiscal year 2024, demonstrating its commitment to providing value to stakeholders. With an impressive track record of 34 consecutive years of dividend payments, Citigroup is recognized as one of the leading dividend stocks, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $0.56 per share and a dividend yield of 3.17% as of March 6.
3. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 92
Forward P/E Ratio: 8.76
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) has emerged as a major player in the pharmaceutical sector, focusing on the production, marketing, and sale of oncology products worldwide. The company recently made a bold move to enhance its oncology services, a highlight of which is the impressive $43 billion acquisition of Seagen. This strategic decision has been taken to strengthen Pfizer's position in cancer treatment. Over the next five years, Pfizer is expecting significant growth in this sector, aiming to double its number of patients by 2030 and introduce at least three new blockbuster medicines, each of which is projected to generate annual sales of over $1 billion. The positive momentum is evident, with forecasts indicating a 25% increase in oncology revenue for 2024.
Last year, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) reported a 12% increase in operating revenue from its non-COVID products, reflecting its dedication to delivering on strategic goals. The company has successfully achieved its $4 billion net cost savings target through a focused cost realignment initiative and has now raised this target to approximately $4.5 billion by the end of 2025. As part of its manufacturing optimization program, Pfizer aims to achieve $1.5 billion in net cost savings by 2027, with initial benefits expected to be visible in the latter half of 2025. The outlook for restoring pre-pandemic operating margins in the coming years remains optimistic.
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is making a mark as a top dividend stock, currently providing a quarterly dividend of $0.43 per share. With a commendable 2.4% increase announced in December 2024, the company has successfully upheld a remarkable record of annual dividend growth for 15 years in a row. As of March 6, Pfizer is offering an impressive dividend yield of 6.5%.
4. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 91
Forward P/E Ratio: 10.34
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), an American pharmaceutical giant headquartered in New Jersey, has built a strong reputation for its diverse range of treatments, including those for oncology, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, vaccines, and infectious diseases. Beyond its pharmaceutical offerings, the company boasts a robust animal health division and is engaged in both biotechnology and traditional drug development. This varied portfolio, paired with a history of innovation, positions Merck as a compelling choice for investors.
However, since the beginning of 2025, shares of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) have seen a decline of over 5%. This drop is primarily attributed to the company’s revenue forecast for the year, which fell short of market expectations. Merck projected revenue between $64.1 billion and $65.6 billion, trailing behind analysts’ predictions of $67.31 billion. Additionally, a temporary halt in shipments of its Gardasil vaccine to China has added to concerns, although deliveries are expected to resume by mid-2025.
Despite missing its guidance, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) delivered solid results for the fourth quarter of 2024. The company reported revenue of $15.6 billion, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the previous year. Merck has solidified its presence in the specialty pharmaceuticals and oncology markets, with its flagship cancer treatment, Keytruda, making significant strides in cancer care and bolstering revenue growth. This strong market standing has enabled the company to generate healthy cash flow, reinforcing its commitment to returning value to shareholders. In fiscal 2024, Keytruda sales surged 18% year-over-year to reach $29.5 billion.
Currently, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) offers a quarterly dividend of $0.81 per share, boasting a dividend yield of 3.45% as of March 6. With a track record of increasing its dividend payout for 14 consecutive years, it stands out as one of the best dividend stocks in the market.
5. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 88
Forward P/E Ratio: 8.83
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY), a key player in the pharmaceutical industry headquartered in New York, showcased impressive growth in the fourth quarter of 2024. The company's revenue reached $12.34 billion, marking a notable 7.5% increase from the prior year. A standout performer within its growth portfolio, revenue soared by 21%, totaling $6.4 billion. This success can be attributed to the rising demand for vital treatments like Reblozil, Breyanzi, and Camzios, which experienced staggering sales growth at 71%, 125%, and 101%, respectively. At the close of the year, Bristol-Myers Squibb was in a robust financial state, boasting over $10.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents. BMY is highly regarded as one of the best cheap dividend stocks to buy and hold. It boasts an outstanding history of distributing dividends for 93 straight years, including an impressive 16-year run of consistently increasing its payouts. As of March 6, the company’s quarterly The dividend is currently $0.62 per share, providing a dividend yield of 4.12%. Bristol-Myers Squibb is dedicated to advancing new molecular entities and strategically acquiring businesses to enhance its research efforts. development capabilities. This strategy not only solidifies its competitive edge but also fuels innovation and reinforces its leadership within the pharmaceutical sector. According to Insider Monkey's data, by the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, the company garnered attention from 88 hedge funds, a significant increase from 70 in the previous quarter, with total holdings exceeding $3.2 billion.
6. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 86
Forward P/E Ratio: 10.01
ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP), a notable player in the energy sector based in Texas, has made significant strides in hydrocarbon exploration and production. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the company announced an impressive annual production increase of 14.8%, bringing its daily output to 2,183 thousand barrels of oil equivalent (MBOED). This upward trend is primarily due to strategic acquisitions, particularly the successful takeover of Marathon Oil completed in November 2024. Additionally, ConocoPhillips has showcased strong financial results, reporting an operating cash flow of $20.1 billion for the year, with total operating cash reaching $20.3 billion.
Recently, the company has shifted its focus towards enhancing its liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector and boosting operational efficiency. Its strong performance can be linked to effective cost management, seamless integration of acquired assets, and innovations in low-carbon technologies. Reflecting its commitment to sustainability, ConocoPhillips attained the Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 Gold Standard in 2024, underscoring its efforts to minimize emissions.
On the shareholder front, ConocoPhillips distributed $3.6 billion in dividends. Following an impressive 34% increase in October, its quarterly dividend is now set at $0.78 per share. Boasting a track record of 10 consecutive years of dividend hikes, it's recognized as one of the leading dividend stocks in the market. As of March 6, the stock presented an appealing dividend yield of 3.52%.So this is the best cheap dividend stocks to buy now
7. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 80
Forward P/E Ratio: 12.94
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is showing renewed strength after overcoming considerable obstacles in recent years. The company has redirected its focus towards enhancing its wireless and fiber services by divesting its pay-TV division, DirecTV. This strategic move, along with last year's sale, has brought in billions of dollars, aiding AT&T in its efforts to lower its substantial debt. As it stands, the company has a net financial debt exceeding $122 billion, which is nearly a 10% reduction from the $136 billion reported two years ago.
In its communications with shareholders, AT&T is committed to maximizing investment returns through robust cash flow. In the most recent quarter, the company announced an operating cash flow of $11.9 billion and a free cash flow of $4.8 billion. At present, AT&T is offering a quarterly dividend of $0.2775 for each share, which leads to a dividend yield of 2.15% as of March 6.
During the fourth quarter of 2024, AT&T reported steady growth, with revenue increasing by 0.6% to $32.3 billion compared to the previous year. Operating income was reported at $5.3 billion, and net income amounted to $4.4 billion. The company welcomed 482,000 new subscribers to its postpaid phone segment, maintaining an impressive churn rate of 0.85% for postpaid phones. Furthermore, mobility service revenue rose by 3.3% to $16.6 billion compared to the previous year, and the AT&T Fiber division added 307,000 new subscribers, marking the 20th consecutive quarter of surpassing the 200,000 new subscriber milestone.
8. QUALCOMM Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 79
Forward P/E Ratio: 13.51
Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) ranks as the eighth most attractive dividend stock on our list. This American semiconductor company has strong financials and advanced R&D capabilities, positioning it well to explore rapidly expanding markets like robotics chips. As automation transforms sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and services, the need for cutting-edge robotics technology is expected to grow, paving the way for new opportunities for the company. Its innovative semiconductor designs, highlighted by the custom 'Orion' core in the Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon 8 Elite, deliver outstanding performance and energy efficiency—key factors for real-time decision-making in robotics.
Qualcomm has reported impressive results for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, achieving revenues of $11.7 billion—an increase of 17.6% compared to the same period last year. This marks the company's third straight quarter of double-digit growth, breaking records for quarterly sales. The semiconductor division (QCT) alone generated $10.1 billion, reflecting a strong 20% year-over-year increase. Sales in the smartphone sector rose by 13%, totaling $7.6 billion, while the automotive segment experienced a significant leap, climbing by 61% to reach $961 million. In the latest reporting period, the Internet of Things (IoT) industry experienced impressive growth, increasing by 36% and generating a significant $1.5 billion in revenue.
Furthermore, Qualcomm showcased its strong financial health, with cash and cash equivalents exceeding $3.1 billion by the close of the period.
9. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 74
Forward P/E Ratio: 9.17
For the last quarter of 2024, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) reported impressive results, achieving $35.7 billion in revenue, reflecting a 1.6% rise compared to the previous year. This increase was fueled by higher customer acquisitions in both mobile wireless and internet services. Within the mobile wireless sector, net additions of postpaid phone subscribers rose to 568,000, up from 449,000 during the same quarter last year. Revenue in this area increased by 3.1% year-over-year to $20 billion, marking the 18th straight quarter of growth.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) has garnered attention from investors thanks to its strong cash flow and focus on innovation. During the fiscal year 2024, the firm reported operating cash flow of $37 billion, with free cash flow rising to $19.8 billion from $18.7 billion the year before. Starting March 6, the company provides a quarterly dividend of $0.6775 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 6.13%.
10. Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 53
Forward P/E Ratio: 13.42
Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) is a global insurance company that provides a diverse range of insurance offerings such as property and casualty insurance, life insurance, and reinsurance solutions. The company differentiates itself through its efficient risk management and strategic pricing of policies, enabling it to generate consistent underwriting profits. An added benefit for investors in Chubb is that the company is able to take advantage of the current high interest rate scenario. With an impressive investment portfolio of $150 billion, Chubb can benefit from increased returns from fixed income investments compared to the past ten years. In the year 2024, the company announced net investment income of $5.9 billion, which represents a 20% increase compared to the previous year.
Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) is currently dealing with difficulties due to the financial impact of recent wildfires, which are projected to lower free cash flow by $1.5 billion.. Despite this difficulty, the Company has shown resilience in the face of historically large losses, including those related to Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Milton, demonstrating its ability to manage significant financial challenges.
Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) has a strong financial position, having generated operating cash flow of $4.57 billion. Additionally, the Company has returned approximately $1.1 billion in benefits to its shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. Chubb has achieved an enviable track record of 31 years of consecutive dividend increases, making it one of the top dividend stocks available. As of March 6, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.91 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 1.27%.
11. General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 49
Forward P/E Ratio: 13.83
General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) ranks eleventh on our list of top cheap dividend stocks for potential investment. This company is a well-established entity in the food sector, famous for diverse brands such as Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs, and Betty Crocker. Operating in more than 100 countries, General Mills maintains a strong market presence through its broad brand portfolio and continuous innovation. More recently, the company has focused on increasing sales volume and growing its market share, both important components of its growth strategy.
In the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) announced robust earnings, reporting revenue of $5.24 billion. This figure marks a 2% rise compared to the same period last year and exceeds analysts’ projections by $97 million. The operating profit saw a substantial increase of 33%, reaching $1.1 billion, mainly due to enhanced gross profit and the lack of goodwill impairment charges that affected results in the previous year.
General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.85% as of March 6.. With a steady cash flow, the company is dedicated to continuing its dividend payments. During the initial six months of fiscal year 2025, the operating cash flow increased by 19% in comparison to the prior year, reaching a total of $1.8 billion.. Throughout this timeframe, the company returned $676 million to its shareholders in the form of dividends. Importantly, General Mills has upheld its longstanding practice of paying dividends for over 125 years, further enhancing its status as a dependable dividend issuer.
12. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 47
Forward P/E Ratio: 10.54
Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: MO) is based in Virginia and operates as a tobacco company in the United States. The organization produces a variety of products linked to nicotine, including cigarettes. In its fourth quarter for 2024, the company achieved a revenue of $5.11 billion, which marks a 1.63% rise compared to the previous year and is $59.6 million above what analysts predicted. The impressive performance of its brands led to an increase in earnings and better margins within its primary tobacco division, while strategic investments continue to be made for future growth.For 2025, Altria projects adjusted diluted EPS of $5.22 to $5.37, which represents growth of 2% to 5% compared to 2024's $5.12 EPS. Why This Is a Good Sign
In recent years, the tobacco industry has undergone significant changes.. Despite a global decrease in smoking rates, a growing perception of reduced harm has resulted in heightened interest towards smoke-free options, including e-cigarettes and oral tobacco products. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO), recognized for its brands like Marlboro and Parliament, is responding to the evolving preferences of consumers by broadening its range of smoke-free offerings. Over the past year, its stock has risen almost 37%.
Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) boasts a longstanding commitment to delivering returns to its shareholders via regular dividend payments. During the fiscal year of 2024, the company paid out a total of $6.8 billion in dividends. With a remarkable history of 55 consecutive years of increasing dividends, MO ranks as one of the top dividend stocks available. As of March 6, it offers a quarterly dividend of $1.02 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 7.19%.
13. The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 43
Forward P/E Ratio: 10.59
For some time, The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) has faced challenges, with its stock price decreasing by over 11% in the last year. In its fourth-quarter report for 2024, the company presented mixed outcomes, where weak sales figures were somewhat balanced by initiatives aimed at boosting profitability. Adjusted earnings per share amounted to $0.84, exceeding market predictions by $0.06, primarily due to unexpected tax advantages and a reduced share count. Nevertheless, revenue for the quarter decreased by 5% year over year, totaling $6.58 billion, which fell short of the anticipated $6.66 billion, as organic sales continued to slump. In the core U.S. market, net sales declined by 3.9% compared to the previous year, with price hikes only partially compensating for decreased sales volumes.
In spite of these challenges, The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ:KHC) exhibited a solid financial performance in fiscal 2024, generating $3.2 billion in free cash flow, a 6% rise from the prior year. Operating cash flow also saw a year-over-year increase of 5.2%, reaching $4.2 billion. Additionally, the company distributed $2.7 billion to its shareholders via dividends and share buybacks, positioning it as one of the top dividend stocks on our list. Currently, the company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share, with a dividend yield of 5.09% as of March 6.
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