With the Federal Reserve holding rates at 3.5-3.75%, inflation pressures lingering, and oil back above US$100 a barrel, dependable dividend income can look more appealing than ever. Instead of chasing fast-moving stories, many investors are asking which dividend stocks might be better positioned, or more exposed, to this mix of higher rates, energy costs, and policy uncertainty. This article looks at three dividend stocks from our screener that are directly affected by the latest macro news and explains why their income profile and financial footing may either appeal to income seekers or warrant extra caution right now.

First Interstate BancSystem (FIBK)

Overview: First Interstate BancSystem is a regional bank headquartered in Billings, Montana that provides everyday banking, lending, and wealth services to individuals, businesses, and municipalities across a wide range of local industries. Through its First Interstate Bank subsidiary, it combines traditional branch banking with online and mobile services, plus trust, investment management, and insurance solutions.

Operations: First Interstate BancSystem generates all of its roughly US$1.1b in revenue from community banking services in the United States.

Market Cap: US$3.6b

First Interstate BancSystem is notable for income-focused investors because it combines a high and regular dividend yield of about 4.9% with a history of stable earnings as a regional bank. Higher rates can support interest income but can also test deposit loyalty. Recent results show a 3.48% net interest margin and ongoing share repurchases, together with a branch reshuffle and exits from non core lending that reshape its balance sheet. At the same time, loan runoff, insider selling, and exposure to slower growing core regions highlight some areas of tension. A key consideration is whether its capital strength, buybacks, and dividend policy can outweigh these structural risks in the years ahead.

First Interstate BancSystem’s 4.9% yield, 3.48% net interest margin, and ongoing buybacks suggest that the headline story may be incomplete. See how the 4 key rewards and 1 important warning sign might reframe the trade off between income and risk.

Simmons First National (SFNC)

Overview: Simmons First National is a regional bank holding company that operates Simmons Bank, offering everyday banking, lending, and wealth services such as deposits, consumer and commercial loans, credit cards, trust and investment services, insurance, and treasury management across several southern and midwestern U.S. states.

Operations: Simmons First National generates its revenue from banking activities in the United States, with reported revenue of about US$110.3m from this market.

Market Cap: US$3.3b

Simmons First National may appeal to income focused investors because it combines a regular dividend yield of about 3.7% with a management team that is openly focused on deposit growth, cost efficiency, and digital banking. This approach can matter when the Federal Reserve keeps rates elevated and funding competition stays intense. Recent quarterly results show higher net interest income, growing customer deposits, and active buybacks. At the same time, the bank has reported ongoing losses over the past few years, pressure on dividend coverage, and exposure to commercial real estate that could weigh on returns if credit conditions tighten. The key question is whether its efficiency push, technology spending, and improving loan mix can convert top line momentum into more durable earnings while still supporting that dividend profile in a more volatile rate backdrop.

Simmons First National’s deposit growth and net interest income story may be masking a deeper shift in quality and risk. Get the full context in the analysis report for Simmons First National

First Merchants (FRME)

Overview: First Merchants is a regional banking group headquartered in Muncie, Indiana that provides everyday banking, mortgages, agricultural and business lending, and a broad set of wealth management, brokerage, and financial planning services to consumers and companies across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, supported by both branches and digital channels.

Operations: First Merchants generates about US$642.2m in revenue entirely from community banking services in the United States.

Market Cap: US$2.7b

First Merchants operates in a higher rate, higher inflation environment and currently offers a 3.43% dividend yield. Analysts expect its earnings and revenue to grow faster than the wider US market, while one estimate suggests the stock trades well below fair value. The bank’s earnings quality and net profit margin of roughly 28.7% support its income profile, even as recent earnings declined and return on equity sits at a modest 6.9%. The company also has experienced leadership, has demonstrated disciplined underwriting through the rate cycle, and has been active with buybacks. At the same time, insider selling and rising credit costs mean investors may want to consider the full picture before deciding how comfortable they are with the risks around that dividend and growth path.

First Merchants’ solid net profit margin, modest 6.9% return on equity, and active buybacks hint at an underappreciated earnings story. See how the analyst forecasts for First Merchants ties together that income profile with one crucial twist.

The three dividend stocks covered here are only a starting point, and the full Dividend Stocks screener surfaces 14 more companies with similar income potential and financial profiles that could round out your watchlist. Use Simply Wall St to identify, compare, and analyze the exact catalysts, payout patterns, and balance sheet strengths that matter to you so you can focus on the dividend stocks that best fit your own conviction and risk comfort.

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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.