15 dividend stocks to watch as the Middle East conflict continues

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Heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are continuing to ripple through global financial markets, fueling volatility and driving oil prices higher. Ongoing concerns about supply disruptions and the potential for renewed inflation have added a layer of uncertainty to the investment landscape.

As the conflict extends beyond a month, market participants are increasingly shifting toward defensive strategies. In this environment, dividend-paying equities are drawing renewed attention for their ability to provide stable income and resilience.

As a result, Seeking Alpha compiled a group of 15 large-cap dividend stocks that combine strong income potential with solid financial fundamentals. Each company has a market capitalization above $10B and carries dividend grades ranging from B- to A+, reflecting strength in yield, growth, consistency, and safety.

Stocks below are ranked by YTD performance.

* Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/LMT]), +28.8% YTD.
* ONEOK, Inc. (OKE [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/OKE]), +20.1% YTD.
* Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/MRK]), +14.8% YTD.
* Evergy, Inc. (EVRG [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/EVRG]), +14.3% YTD.
* Texas Instruments Incorporated (TXN [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TXN]), +12.3% YTD.
* Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/BMY]), +10.5% YTD.
* Watsco, Inc. (WSO [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/WSO]), +9.9% YTD.
* PACCAR Inc (PCAR [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/PCAR]), +8.0% YTD.
* Amgen Inc. (AMGN [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AMGN]), +6.3% YTD.
* Snap-on Incorporated (SNA [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/SNA]), +6.1% YTD.
* Union Pacific Corporation (UNP [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/UNP]), +5.8% YTD.
* Canadian National Railway Company (CNI [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/CNI]), +5.4% YTD.
* Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/ITW]), +4.8% YTD.
* General Dynamics Corporation (GD [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/GD]), +3.7% YTD.
* Eversource Energy (ES [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/ES]), +3.2% YTD.

DIVIDEND ETFS: (VIG [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/VIG]), (SCHD [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/SCHD]), (VYM [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/VYM]), (DGRO [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/DGRO]), (SDY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/SDY]), (DVY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/DVY]), (IDV [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/IDV]), (DGRW [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/DGRW]), (NOBL [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NOBL]), (HDV [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/HDV]), (RDVY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/RDVY]), (VIGI [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/VIGI]), and (SDVY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/SDVY]).

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