Buy 5 Top-Ranked Solid Dividend-Paying Stocks to Remain Safe in 2026

Market Overview - Wall Street began 2026 positively after a significant bull run over the past three years, but U.S. stock markets experienced fluctuations in February due to concerns regarding artificial intelligence (AI) trade [1] - Investors are moving away from tech stocks amid growing worries about the downsides of AI stocks, leading to a continued selloff as fears increase about the potential of AI stocks compared to the substantial investments in the sector [1] Investment Strategy - It is advisable to invest in high dividend-paying corporate giants, which typically possess strong financial positions, robust business models, and globally recognized brand value, providing a steady income stream during market fluctuations [2] Stock Recommendations - Five stocks with a top Zacks Rank are identified as strong investment opportunities: - AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU) - Ford Motor Co. (F) - The Hershey Co. (HSY) - Rio Tinto Group (RIO) - BHP Group Ltd. (BHP) - Each of these stocks currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [3] Company Profiles AngloGold Ashanti plc (AU) - Operates as a gold mining company with a focus on Africa, Australia, and the Americas, primarily exploring for gold and producing silver and sulphuric acid as by-products [6] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 22.5% and 52.9%, respectively, with a 10% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [7] - Current dividend yield stands at 3.36% [7] Ford Motor Co. (F) - Generated $187 billion in revenues in 2025, marking its fifth consecutive year of revenue growth, with the Ford Pro unit being a key growth driver [8][9] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 0.3% and 39.5%, respectively, with a 3.4% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [11] - Current dividend yield is 4.33% [11] The Hershey Co. (HSY) - Focused on innovation, supply-chain agility, and commercial execution, expanding its presence in the snacking category [12] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 4.4% and 27.1%, respectively, with a 15.9% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [14] - Current dividend yield is 2.62% [14] Rio Tinto Group (RIO) - An international mining company with interests in various minerals, including aluminum, copper, and iron ore, with operations in multiple countries [15] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 10% and 19%, respectively, with a 9% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [16] - Current dividend yield is 2.98% [16] BHP Group Ltd. (BHP) - Experienced a 1% dip in iron ore output, while copper production increased by 4% in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, projecting iron ore production of 258-269 million tons for fiscal 2026 [17][9] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are -4.1% and 29.1%, respectively, with a 0.4% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last seven days [19] - Current dividend yield is 3.18% [19]