Rising tensions in the Middle East and surging oil prices are increasing market volatility, prompting investors to look for defensive assets. Dividend-paying stocks are attracting attention as they provide steady income during uncertain periods while still offering potential upside.
Claim 55% Off TipRanks
- Unlock hedge fund-level data and powerful investing tools for smarter, sharper decisions
- Discover top-performing stock ideas and upgrade to a portfolio of market leaders with Smart Investor Picks
Leveraging TipRanks’ Best Dividend Stocks Screener, we identified two stocks that offer dividend yields above 10%. Both stocks also carry a Strong Buy rating from analysts and an Outperform Smart Score (8, 9, or 10) on TipRanks. The Smart Score reviews eight factors to measure a stock’s potential to beat the broader market.
Here are this week’s stocks:
MSC Income Fund (MSIF) – MSC Income Fund is also a business development company that provides financing to middle-market companies through private debt and equity investments. The stock carries a dividend yield of 11.56% and a Smart Score of Nine. In the last three months, all five Wall Street analysts covering MSIF stock have rated it a Buy, with their 12-month consensus price target indicating an upside of about 26%.
Ares Capital (ARCC) – This is a U.S.-based business development company that provides capital and financing to middle-market companies. The stock carries a dividend yield of 10.63% and a Smart Score of Nine. In the last three months, all five Wall Street analysts covering ARCC stock have rated it a Buy, with their 12-month consensus price target indicating an upside of about 19.77%.