The Compound: The 7 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

When markets falter, investors look for safety. For some, that may mean cash. Or short-term bonds. However, long-term investors tend to gravitate toward dividend-paying stocks.

These are companies with strong cash flows. They often have a long history of delivering returns to shareholders. Of the thousands of publicly-traded companies today, dozens have a history of increasing their payout for decades. That means these companies have an operating history that include the worst financial disasters.

Today’s economic uncertainty centers around tariffs and trades. Investors looking for safety should consider dividend-paying companies that aren’t reliant on trade.

For instance, telecom giant Verizon (VZ) has paid a dividend for over 40 years. With a current yield of 6.4%, it’s delivering hefty income for investors now.

Plus, with shares trading at 9 times forward earnings, it’s still a value today. And 96% of the company’s revenues come from the United States.

Utility Dominion Energy (D) has paid a dividend for a massive 92 years. And as a utility company, it generates 100% of its revenues in the U.S. Dominion currently pays a 5.4% dividend, and trades at about 15 times earnings.

Conagra Brands (CAG) reflects the fact that people have to eat. Conagra has paid a dividend for 49 years, and shares trade at 11 times earnings. That’s a strong valuation for the company’s basket of brands. Conagra gets 91% of its revenue in the U.S.

To see the full list of tariff and trade-safe dividend stocks now, click here.