As the U.S. stock market navigates through a mixed December, with encouraging inflation data providing some relief amidst recent declines, investors are keenly observing opportunities that can offer stability and income. In this context, dividend stocks stand out as attractive options for those seeking consistent returns in a volatile environment, offering potential benefits such as regular income and reduced portfolio volatility.

Top 10 Dividend Stocks In The United States

Click here to see the full list of 156 stocks from our Top US Dividend Stocks screener.

Let's dive into some prime choices out of the screener.

Ituran Location and Control

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★★☆

Overview: Ituran Location and Control Ltd. provides location-based telematics services and machine-to-machine telematics products, with a market cap of $594.02 million.

Operations: Ituran Location and Control Ltd. generates revenue from two main segments: Telematics Products, contributing $90.81 million, and Telematics Services, accounting for $240.37 million.

Dividend Yield: 5.2%

Ituran Location and Control's dividend yield of 5.22% ranks in the top 25% among US market dividend payers, supported by a sustainable payout ratio of 59.7%. However, its dividend history is marked by volatility over the past decade. Recent strategic alliances, such as with Daimler India Commercial Vehicles and Nissan Chile, underscore potential growth avenues which may bolster future financial stability. The company's earnings have shown consistent growth, aiding in maintaining current dividend levels.

• Click here to discover the nuances of Ituran Location and Control with our detailed analytical dividend report.
• The analysis detailed in our Ituran Location and Control valuation report hints at an deflated share price compared to its estimated value.

Bunge Global

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★★☆

Overview: Bunge Global SA is an agribusiness and food company with worldwide operations, and it has a market cap of approximately $11.04 billion.

Operations: Bunge Global SA's revenue segments include Milling at $1.69 billion, Agribusiness at $47.16 billion, Sugar & Bioenergy at $173 million, and Refined and Specialty Oils at $13.25 billion.

Dividend Yield: 3.4%

Bunge Global's dividend yield of 3.44% is lower than the top 25% of US dividend payers, yet it offers a stable and reliable payout with a low payout ratio (33.3%). The company's dividends are well covered by cash flows, and payments have grown over the past decade. Despite recent declines in profit margins and net income, Bunge trades below fair value estimates and has expanded its share buyback plan to $2.7 billion, potentially enhancing shareholder value.

• Click to explore a detailed breakdown of our findings in Bunge Global's dividend report.
• According our valuation report, there's an indication that Bunge Global's share price might be on the cheaper side.

Merck

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★★☆

Overview: Merck & Co., Inc. is a global healthcare company with operations worldwide and a market cap of approximately $248.03 billion.

Operations: Merck & Co., Inc.'s revenue is primarily derived from its Pharmaceutical segment, which generated $56.50 billion, and its Animal Health segment, contributing $5.76 billion.

Dividend Yield: 3.3%

Merck's dividend yield of 3.3% is below the top 25% of US dividend payers, but it maintains a stable and reliable payout supported by earnings and cash flows with payout ratios of 63.4% and 55.2%, respectively. Recent developments include a $588 million charge for licensing LM-299, which may impact short-term earnings but highlights Merck's strategic focus on innovative therapies. Despite high debt levels, Merck's dividends have been consistent over the past decade, indicating financial resilience.

• Delve into the full analysis dividend report here for a deeper understanding of Merck.
• Insights from our recent valuation report point to the potential undervaluation of Merck shares in the market.

Make It Happen

• Explore the 156 names from our Top US Dividend Stocks screener here.
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Seeking Other Investments?

• Explore high-performing small cap companies that haven't yet garnered significant analyst attention.
• Fuel your portfolio with companies showing strong growth potential, backed by optimistic outlooks both from analysts and management.
• Find companies with promising cash flow potential yet trading below their fair value.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include NasdaqGS:ITRN NYSE:BG and NYSE:MRK.

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