Avista (AVA) stock price is up over 2% year-to-date. "Avista did not see a big share price run and we think it is fairly valued. They have already managed rate increases for three of its largest markets that take affect later this year. Those rate increases will help preserve their ability to pay their 4% dividend. Avista has been an early adopter of reporting on its environmental impact and is one of the higher rated utility companies on ESG metrics," says Tammy Trenta. Other dividend paying stock picks include Verizon (VZ), IBM Corp. (IBM) and LTC Properties (LTC).