Although not every wise investment must pay a dividend, a consistent and reliable dividend stream can help a portfolio’s performance. For example, Procter & Gamble has paid a dividend every year since 1891. PG’s stock price has not grown every year since 1891, but stockholders who owned the shares were still compensated throughout those years, regardless of the stock’s performance.
Essentially, dividend stocks allow investors to get paid even when the market is volatile. They act as a good inflation hedge, and dividend-paying companies tend to be less unpredictable than those who don’t pay one. And a steady supply of dividends can help you generate significant wealth over time. Most of us already know this, and I’ve recommended stocks that pay dividends before, but timing is crucial for investors managing their portfolios amidst a chaotic, unpredictable marketplace. So, here we are.
That being said, let’s have a look at three dividend-paying stocks the experts consider to be reliable investments during these uncertain times, making for smart portfolio picks:Â
Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP)
Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP) is a private firm that owns a portfolio of renewable power plants on four continents. Hydroelectric, wind, solar, and energy transition are among BEP‘s areas of expertise. The Bermuda-based corporation was established on June 27th, 2011. BEP’s development pipeline can roughly triple the company’s energy capacity. Countries and big companies worldwide have pledged to reduce carbon emissions, and wind and solar energy are less expensive than fossil fuels for large-scale energy generation. This makes BEP a forward-looking company poised for growth.
BEP shows mixed results regarding its earnings history, but it most recently bested Wall Street’s projections on revenue by 5.41%. BEP shows year-over-year revenue growth of 18.33%. With revenue being its strong suit, BEP’s current quarter shows us $1.1 billion in sales. BEP has a dividend yield of 3.65%, with a quarterly shareholder payout of $1.28 per share.
BEP has outperformed the S&P 500 with a total return of more than 360% over the last ten years. This secure dividend investment might easily double one’s money in less than five years. The consensus price target for BEP from analysts that provide 12-month predictions is 41.00, with a high estimate of 47.00 and a low of 38.00. The estimate is up 20.27% from its most recent price, and BEP comes with a well-earned buy rating.
Verizon Communications Inc (VZ)
Verizon Communications, Inc (VZ) is a holding company that provides individuals, companies, and government agencies with communications, information, and entertainment goods and services. Consumer wireless/wireline communications services and products are supplied by VZ’s consumer segment. VZ’s business segment offers various Internet of Things (IoT) services, wireless/wireline services and products, video and data services, corporate networking solutions, security services, and network access. VZ was established in 1983 and is based in New York, New York.
VZ is one of the world’s foremost wireless providers. The company’s 5G network is considered the most dependable in the U.S. by mobile analytics firm RootMetrics. By the end of 2022, VZ expects its 5G network, its fastest, to cover more than 175 million people. As of late, there have been some mixed results when it comes to VZ’s financial showings, but it has notably beaten analysts’ EPS projections for four consecutive fiscal quarters. VZ has a dividend yield of 5.32%, with a quarterly payout of 64 cents per share.
Its current quarter presently shows $33.8 billion in sales, with an EPS of $1.35 per share. The median price target for VZ from the analysts that provide 12-month predictions is 57.00, with a high of 72.00 and a low of 52.00. The forecast reflects an increase of 18.43% from current pricing, and analysts tell us to buy and hold stock in VZ.
Medical Properties Trust Inc (MPW)
Medical Properties Trust, Inc (MPW) is a self-advised real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in purchasing, developing, and investing net-leased healthcare properties. Rehabilitation hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, women’s and children’s hospitals, long-term acute care centers, medical office buildings, and other single-discipline institutions are among the many properties in its portfolio. Edward K. Aldag Jr., R. Steven Hamner, Emmett E. McLean, and William Gilliard McKenzie founded MPW on August 27th, 2003, and it is based in Birmingham, Alabama.
MPW has provided mixed results regarding its earnings but has shown very healthy year-over-year numbers; revenue growth of 10.8%, EPS growth of 275%, with a profit margin growth of 248.1%. For the past ten years, the corporation has raised its dividend distribution. MPW currently has a dividend yield of 6.61%, with a quarterly shareholder payout of 29 cents per share.
It’s also impressively notable that MPW‘s total return has surpassed the S&P 500 over the last ten years. MPW shows sales of $397.9 million for its current fiscal quarter, at 31 cents per share. Continued growth is expected for both EPS and revenue. MPW has a consensus price target of 23.00, with a high of 27.00 and a low of 19.00 among analysts issuing annual price estimates. The median forecast is up 29.65% from its most recent price, and MPW boasts a robust consensus behind its buy rating.