As November begins amid familiar uncertainty, investors are once again grappling with new market volatility, fueled by inflated AI valuations, hawkish signals and geopolitical nervousness around tariffs and supply chains.
Source: Investing.com
In times like these, the allure of high-flying growth stocks can fade, replaced by a desire for stability, predictability and tangible returns. Enter dividend stocks: reliable payers that generate stable cash flows, acting as a buffer when prices fall and a reward when calm returns. These aren’t flashy; they are fortresses.
For investors looking to build a moat around their portfolio, here are two dividend stocks worth owning for their resilience and generous payouts.
1. Altria Group – The high-performance defensive pillar
Dividend yield: 7.40%
Annual payment: $4.24 per share
Few sectors weather economic storms like consumer staples, and Altria Group (NYSE:) is a colossus in the tobacco world. Its strong balance sheet and predictable earnings provide a safe haven when tech-heavy indexes falter. Plus, with shares trading at a forward P/E of around 10, the downside appears limited compared to overvalued AI darlings.
Source: InvestPro
Altria offers an attractive dividend yield of 7.4%, with an annual payout of $4.24 per share. The company has a strong history of dividend growth, having consistently increased its dividend for 15 consecutive years.
The tobacco giant earns a strong overall financial health rating of 2.88 (“GOOD”), supported by strong profitability (4.69) and reliable cash flow (3.05). With a fair value increase of around 18%, the market is pricing in a lot of risk, but analysts see room for a rebound.
Source: InvestPro
Altria’s dominant position in the U.S. cigarette market, anchored by the iconic Marlboro brand, generates substantial cash flows that remain remarkably stable even as volumes gradually decline. Additionally, the company’s focus on smoke-free alternatives, like oral nicotine pouches, adds a layer of sustainability, supporting stable cash flow even as…
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