3 High Dividend Stocks for the Long Run: Income Stability in a Volatile Market

In an era marked by economic uncertainty and fluctuating markets, income-focused investors are increasingly seeking stocks that combine resilient dividend histories with robust financial fundamentals. Three names stand out as compelling long-term buys: Chevron (CVX), Kinder Morgan (KMI), and Kimberly-Clark (KMB). These companies exemplify value-driven income investing, offering a blend of sector-specific strengths, disciplined capital allocation, and undervalued opportunities. Below, we analyze their unique advantages and why they merit a place in diversified portfolios.

1. Chevron: Energy Sector Resilience and Strategic Diversification

Chevron's 2025 strategy underscores its commitment to balancing shareholder returns with long-term growth. The company has maintained a 38-year streak of dividend increases, averaging 7% annual growth over the past 25 years, while simultaneously investing in energy transition initiatives. Its disciplined approach includes reducing capital expenditures to $18–$21 billion annually and targeting 10%+ free cash flow growth at $70 Brent-a threshold well below its capex and dividend breakeven of $50 per barrel through 2030 according to investor presentations.

Chevron's diversification into green hydrogen, carbon capture, and lithium extraction further insulates it from oil price volatility. For instance, its $10 billion energy transition investment plan through 2028 includes renewable fuels and carbon capture projects, aligning with global decarbonization trends. Meanwhile, its $10–$20 billion annual buyback program through 2030 as reported by Yahoo Finance reinforces its dedication to shareholder value, even as it navigates weaker refining margins. With a low debt-to-equity ratio and a diversified portfolio of high-margin assets, Chevron remains a cornerstone for income investors seeking stability in the energy sector.

2. Kinder Morgan: Predictable Cash Flows and Leverage Flexibility

Kinder Morgan's fee-based business model provides a rare level of cash flow predictability in the energy infrastructure space. 64% of its revenue is derived from take-or-pay contracts, ensuring consistent earnings regardless of oil and gas price swings. For 2025, the company projects $8.3 billion in Adjusted EBITDA and a Net Debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 3.8x, comfortably within its 3.5x–4.5x leverage target. This flexibility allows KMI to sustain its $1.17 annualized dividend-an 8-year growth streak-and fund strategic expansions.

Recent performance highlights its resilience: the Natural Gas Pipelines segment generated $1.4 billion in Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025, driven by U.S. LNG export demand. Analysts project 4% EBITDA growth in 2026, with no signs of slowing down.Kinder Morgan's ability to balance leverage with disciplined capital spending makes it a reliable income generator, particularly for investors prioritizing cash flow stability over high-growth speculation.

3. Kimberly-Clark: Undervalued Consumer Staple with a Dividend Legacy

Kimberly-Clark, a Dividend King with 53 consecutive years of increases, offers a compelling mix of defensive characteristics and undervaluation. Its 5% dividend yield as noted in market analysis is supported by a diversified global footprint (70 countries) and iconic brands like Kleenex and Huggies. However, the stock's current valuation appears disconnected from its fundamentals.

As of December 2025, KMB trades at a P/E ratio of 17.7x, below its historical average of 18.6x and significantly under its estimated fair value of 28.2x. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis suggests an intrinsic value of $687 per share, implying an 85% discount to current levels. Analysts echo this view, with a $127.67 average price target (30.4% upside) and a DCF-derived fair value of $135.56. Kimberly-Clark's recent $48.7 billion acquisition of Kenvue as reported by market sources adds a high-growth consumer healthcare segment, further bolstering its earnings potential. With free cash flow projected to rise from $1.8 billion to $12.3 billion by 2035 according to financial modeling, the stock represents a rare opportunity to invest in a resilient business at a discount.

Conclusion: Building a Resilient Income Portfolio

Chevron, Kinder Morgan, and Kimberly-Clark each address critical needs for long-term income investors: energy sector resilience, predictable cash flows, and undervalued consumer staples. Chevron's disciplined energy strategy and transition investments ensure adaptability in volatile markets, while Kinder Morgan's fee-based model provides a buffer against commodity swings. Kimberly-Clark, meanwhile, offers a compelling valuation and a dividend legacy that spans decades.

For investors prioritizing stability and growth, these three stocks form a robust foundation for a diversified income portfolio-one that thrives even in uncertain times.