4 Stocks to Buy If You’re Looking For a Steady Dividend Yield

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In a volatile market shaken by fears of trade wars and inflation, investors are retreating into defensive territory. That typically means dividend stocks. But not just any dividend plays—those with a reliable payout history and strong dividend yield are quickly becoming hot picks among income-focused investors.

One of the biggest draws of dividend-paying stocks is their ability to provide consistent income while the market rides waves of uncertainty. Unlike growth stocks, which rely on share price appreciation, dividend stocks reward investors in cash. This helps offset losses when markets dip and adds passive income when they don’t.

Ellington Financial: A Double-Digit Dividend Yield

Ellington Financial (EFC), priced at $13.23 as of March 23, 2025, is offering a remarkable dividend yield nearing 12%. As a real estate investment trust (REIT), EFC focuses heavily on mortgage-backed securities and debt investments, maintaining approximately $13.7 billion in assets under management. The company's dividend yield is supported by monthly payouts, giving income-seeking investors a more regular return than the usual quarterly distribution.
Even after a revenue miss in Q4 2024, Ellington beat earnings expectations with a non-GAAP EPS of $0.45, comfortably covering its $0.39 quarterly dividend. That’s a crucial point for any investor looking at dividend yield: if earnings don’t cover the payout, the dividend might not last. For Ellington, coverage isn’t an issue.

Analyst Michael Diana of Maxim sees potential for both income and capital appreciation. He projects an 11.5% dividend yield and 13% share price growth, bringing total potential returns close to 25% over the next year.

Global Medical REIT: Defensive Yield in Healthcare

Global Medical REIT (GMRE), trading at $8.37, specializes in healthcare properties with a 96.4% occupancy rate. Its forward dividend yield sits at a strong 9.7%. GMRE's portfolio includes 190 buildings across the U.S., with lease agreements supported by healthcare systems and physician groups.
The REIT’s Q4 2024 revenue hit $36.2 million, while adjusted funds from operations reached $0.22 per share, exceeding forecasts and supporting its $0.21 dividend. Analyst Merrill Ross of Compass Point issued a $12.50 price target, citing GMRE’s return to acquisition-focused growth and strong fundamentals. That translates to a 49% upside, and with dividends included, a possible 59% total return.

Dominion Energy: Lower Yield, Higher Stability

Dominion Energy (D) closed at $54.51 on March 21 and offers a forward dividend yield of 4.94%. With 90% of earnings from state-regulated utility operations, Dominion provides consistent returns. Its share price trades below 16x forward earnings, lower than the S&P 500 utility average.
While the company isn’t expected to increase its dividend soon, its current payout is secure. For risk-averse investors, Dominion offers a stable and predictable income stream.

Enterprise Products Partners: A Reliable Cash Machine

Enterprise Products Partners (EPD), priced at $33.69, brings a forward dividend yield of 6.5%. The company operates over 50,000 miles of pipelines, generating steady revenue under long-term contracts. EPD has raised its distribution for 26 straight years.
With a forward earnings multiple of just 11.1, Enterprise remains attractively valued. Its dependable cash flow model gives it resilience during market downturns, making it a favored choice for conservative income investors.

Why Dividend Yield Matters Now More Than Ever

In a high-rate environment with inflation uncertainty looming, dividend yield isn't just about income. It’s a form of defense. Stocks with high dividend yield, like EFC and GMRE, offer protection during market pullbacks. Those with lower yields but stable fundamentals, like Dominion and EPD, provide peace of mind.
Still, investors must look beyond yield alone. Evaluate coverage ratios, dividend history, and business models. A high yield is only attractive if the company behind it is strong enough to sustain payouts through economic turbulence.

If analyst projections hold true, these dividend picks could offer investors a rare mix of income, safety, and upside potential. That makes dividend yield a strategy worth doubling down on.

Which dividend strategy makes the most sense in today’s market? Tell us what you think!

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