5 Dividend-Paying Stocks to Watch as Market Volatility Rises

With inflation, rising energy prices and Fed uncertainty rattling markets, five dividend stocks offer yields of 2.5% to 3.2% and a record of dividend growth.

Zacks Investment Research • Oct 15, 2026

Avient Names George T. Clark Director of Investor Relations

CLEVELAND, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Avient Corporation (NYSE: AVNT), an innovator of materials solutions, today announced that George T. Clark, CFA, has joined the company as Director of Investor Relations, effective October 12, 2026.

PRNewsWire • Oct 14, 2026

Dividend Announcements: October 3-9, 2026

I track dividend announcements across 1,200+ stocks. This week, I'm highlighting 5 dividend increases. RPM announced the largest dividend increase this week of 5.56% and boasts the highest Quality Score (7.10). LMT raised its dividend by 4.35%, marking its 24th consecutive annual increase. Its payout ratio is well covered at 50%, and it has an A+ Dividend Safety Grade.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 13, 2026

Avient Corporation: Strong Q2 Results Meet Abrupt CEO Change

Avient Corporation delivered strong Q2 results, with adjusted EPS up 20% YoY and revenue exceeding consensus by $20M. AVNT's adjusted EBITDA margin hit a record 18.3%, driven by pricing power, market share gains, and new product introductions across both segments. Management raised 2026 guidance: adjusted EBITDA growth is now projected at 6–11%, with the adjusted EPS growth floor lifted to 10%.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 12, 2026

Why Avient (AVNT) is a Great Dividend Stock Right Now

Dividends are one of the best benefits to being a shareholder, but finding a great dividend stock is no easy task. Does Avient (AVNT) have what it takes?

Zacks Investment Research • Oct 12, 2026

Why Avient (AVNT) is a Top Value Stock for the Long-Term

The Zacks Style Scores offers investors a way to easily find top-rated stocks based on their investing style. Here's why you should take advantage.

Zacks Investment Research • Oct 12, 2026

Avient (AVNT) Upgraded to Buy: Here's Why

Avient (AVNT) might move higher on growing optimism about its earnings prospects, which is reflected by its upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Zacks Investment Research • Oct 12, 2026

Avient Appoints Mike Frank as Chief Executive Officer

Richard H. Fearon Appointed Non-Executive Chairman of the Board Reaffirms Full Year and Third Quarter 2026 Financial Guidance CLEVELAND, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Avient Corporation (NYSE: AVNT), a leading provider of specialized and sustainable material solutions, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Mike Frank as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Frank, who has served as CEO of UPL Corporation ("UPL") since 2022, succeeds Dr. Ashish K.

PRNewsWire • Oct 9, 2026

3 Stocks in Focus That Hiked Dividends Amid Ongoing Market Volatility

AVNT, OZK and AFG hiked dividends amid market volatility driven by inflation, rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions, offering income-focused investors three stocks to watch.

Zacks Investment Research • Oct 9, 2026

Avient Announces Sixteenth Consecutive Annual Dividend Increase

CLEVELAND, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Avient Corporation (NYSE: AVNT), an innovator of materials solutions, has declared a quarterly cash dividend of twenty-eight and a quarter cents ($0.2825) per share on the common stock outstanding, representing the sixteenth consecutive annual increase. The $0.2825 per share will be paid on January 7, 2027, to stockholders of record on December 11, 2026.

PRNewsWire • Oct 6, 2026