Which stock has the highest dividend yield?

As of early October 2026, VICI Properties had the highest dividend yield among S&P 500 members at nearly 8%.

Are high-yield dividend stocks worth it?

High-yield dividend stocks can be worth the risks for many investors. The best ones generate an attractive income stream that steadily rises as the company increases its dividend. That can make them ideal for retirees or those seeking supplemental investment income. However, a high dividend yield can also signify a higher risk profile. Investors must ensure the company can maintain and grow its dividend over the long term.

What is a good dividend yield for a stock?

In October 2026, the average dividend yield of S&P 500 stocks was around 1.1%. A stock would need a yield twice that level to be considered a good yield in the current market. However, investors shouldn't focus on yield alone, as the payment needs to be sustainable. A good dividend stock will offer an above-average yield backed by a healthy business with durable cash flows and a strong balance sheet.

How do I know if a high dividend yield is sustainable?

Four factors tend to contribute to the sustainability of a high-yielding payout:A conservative dividend payout ratio.Stable cash flows from recurring sources.A strong investment-grade balance sheet.The company operates in a growing industry.If a stock has all four characteristics, it should be able to sustain and grow its high-yielding dividend over the long term.

What are the best high-yield dividend stocks for conservative investors?

Some of the best high-yield dividend stocks for conservative investors include REITs such as Realty Income and NNN REIT, as well as energy infrastructure companies such as Enterprise Products Partners and Enbridge. They generate contractually secured cash flows, have conservative balance sheets and payout ratios, and operate in steadily growing industries.

Should I focus on dividend yield or dividend growth?

Dividend growers have historically delivered the highest total returns among companies in the S&P 500. Over the last 50 years, dividend growers have produced an average annualized total return of 10.2%, according to data from Ned Davis Research and Hartford Funds. That compares to a 6.9% return from companies with no change in their dividend policies and a -0.1% return for dividend cutters and eliminators.

What are the five dividend stocks to hold forever?

Five dividend stocks to hold forever are:Realty IncomeVerizon CommunicationsPepsiCoProcter & GambleEnbridgeThey back their payouts with investment-grade balance sheets, durable cash flows, and conservative dividend payout ratios. They also have multi-decade records of dividend growth, which should continue.

20 Best High-Yield Dividend Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

A list of high-yielding dividend stocks to consider buying now.

By Matthew DiLallo – Updated Oct 2, 2026 at 3:53 PM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

+Fool.comon

Key Points

The top high-yield dividend stocks are financially strong companies with solid growth potential.
Investing in high-yield dividend stocks offers higher income potential and can help stabilize portfolios.
AbbVie, Mid-America, and Brookfield Infrastructure support their sustainable dividends with strong financial profiles.

There's no official definition of a high-yield dividend stock. Most investors would classify a stock as high yield if it has a dividend yield above a common benchmark, such as the S&P 500 index or a 10-year U.S. Treasury note.

In early October 2026, the dividend yield on the S&P 500 averaged around 1.1%, near multi-decade lows. Meanwhile, the yield on the 10-year note was just above 5.2%, its highest point in 24 years. Given the current wide divergence, I'd qualify a stock with a yield that's more than double the S&P 500's as a high-yield dividend stock.

However, investors shouldn't buy a stock solely because of its dividend yield. They need to make sure the dividend payments are sustainable. The company should be high-quality, with durable cash flow, a strong balance sheet, and visible growth potential. The following 20 companies should deliver sustainable, high-yielding dividends.

Loading paragraph...

20 top high-yield dividend stocks for 2026

Hundreds of companies pay dividends, many with above-average yields. The following companies back their high-yielding payouts with rock-solid financial profiles. They also have strong dividend growth records. These features make them among the 20 best high-yield dividend stocks for October 2026.

Loading paragraph...

Ticker Information Table
Annual dividend	Dividend yield	Industry
$6.83	2.57%	Biotechnology
$6.11	5.24%	Residential REITs
$1.80	4.94%	Gas Utilities
$1.55	5.47%	Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers
$4.28	3.76%	Electric Utilities
$3.12	5.60%	Capital Markets
$7.05	3.41%	Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels
$2.79	6.05%	Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels
$2.21	5.99%	Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels
$1.22	6.48%	Health Care REITs
$1.10	4.05%	Banks
$6.48	4.88%	Specialized REITs
$2.42	5.99%	Retail REITs
$1.72	6.28%	Pharmaceuticals
$1.81	8.03%	Specialized REITs
$3.25	6.03%	Retail REITs
$2.80	6.10%	Diversified Telecommunication Services
$5.17	4.97%	Capital Markets
$5.81	4.62%	Beverages
$4.29	2.94%	Household Products

Data as of Oct 6, 2026. Showing 20 of 20 total entries.

Loading ticker_table...

1. AbbVie

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: ABBV

AbbVie

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

80/100

Today's Change

(0.35%) $0.93

Current Price

$266.69

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$470B

Day's Range

$260.62 - $268.86

52wk Range

$190.75 - $269.39

Volume

4.5M

Avg Vol

Gross Margin

71.42%

Dividend Yield

2.57%

Loading company_card...

Drugmaker AbbVie (ABBV +0.35%) has had an excellent dividend track record. From its inception in 2013 through September 2026, AbbVie has increased its payout by a 330%, including a 5.5% increase in October 2025.

AbbVie has invested heavily in developing new therapies. It has also made several blockbuster acquisitions, including a $10.9 billion deal to acquire Apogee Therapeutics (NASDAQ:APGE) in June 2026, deepening its immunology portfolio. These investments support AbbVie's ability to sustain and grow its dividend payment.

2. Mid-America Apartment Communities

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: MAA

Mid-America Apartment Communities

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

62/100

Today's Change

(0.45%) $0.52

Current Price

$116.99

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$14B

Day's Range

$115.96 - $118.61

52wk Range

$114.39 - $144.41

Volume

1.2M

Avg Vol

1.1M

Gross Margin

29.51%

Dividend Yield

5.24%

Loading company_card...

As one of the largest apartment owners in the country, Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA +0.45%) benefits from steady rental income that supports its high-yielding payout. The real estate investment trust (REIT) also boasts a top-tier financial profile, enabling it to expand its apartment portfolio through development and acquisitions.

Since its 1994 initial public offering (IPO), Mid-America has never suspended or reduced its dividend. As of October 2026, it had paid 130 consecutive quarterly dividends and had raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years (including an 8.3% compound annual growth rate over the last five years). With demand for apartments continuing to grow, the REIT should be able to increase its dividend in the coming years. The landlord had nearly $600 million of apartment communities under construction to support its continued growth.

3. Brookfield Infrastructure

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: BIP

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners

Today's Change

(3.48%) $1.26

Current Price

$37.43

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$17B

Day's Range

$36.38 - $37.73

52wk Range

$33.21 - $44.03

Volume

894.7K

Avg Vol

915.3K

Gross Margin

26.53%

Dividend Yield

4.96%

Loading company_card...

Brookfield Infrastructure operates a diversified portfolio of infrastructure businesses focused on utilities, transportation, energy (midstream), and data. The businesses generate relatively stable cash flow to support Brookfield's growing dividend. The infrastructure stock delivered its 17th consecutive annual payout increase in 2026, up 6% from the prior level.

Brookfield envisions increasing its dividend by 5% to 9% annually over the long term. The company's growth drivers of inflation-linked rate increases, volume growth as the global economy expands, expansion projects, and acquisitions should grow its funds from operations (FFO) per share by more than 10% annually over the next few years.

Loading paragraph...

4. Brookfield Renewable

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: BEP

Brookfield Renewable Partners

Today's Change

(4.25%) $1.20

Current Price

$29.42

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$8.5B

Day's Range

$28.34 - $29.44

52wk Range

$26.29 - $38.12

Volume

1.7M

Avg Vol

998.3K

Gross Margin

16.64%

Dividend Yield

5.49%

Loading company_card...

Brookfield Renewable is a sibling company of Brookfield Infrastructure. Brookfield Corporation (BN +1.25%) controls both companies.

This Brookfield entity focuses on renewable energy, including hydroelectric, wind, and solar power, as well as energy storage facilities. The assets generate steady cash flow backed by long-term power purchase agreements with utilities and other users, supporting Brookfield's high-yield dividend.

Brookfield Renewable delivered its 15th straight year of raising its payment by at least 5% in 2026. The company expects to increase its payout at an annual pace of 5% to 9% over the long term. Like its sibling, Brookfield Renewable expects a combination of organic growth drivers and acquisitions to power more than 10% annual FFO per share growth through at least 2031.

5. Duke Energy

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: DUK

Duke Energy

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

77/100

Today's Change

(1.60%) $1.82

Current Price

$115.66

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$89B

Day's Range

$114.06 - $115.74

52wk Range

$112.40 - $134.49

Volume

4.9M

Avg Vol

4.1M

Gross Margin

31.37%

Dividend Yield

3.76%

Loading company_card...

Duke Energy (DUK +1.60%) is a leading utility. The company's electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers across six states, while its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers across five states. Its businesses generate very stable cash flows backed by government-regulated rate structures, enabling Duke to pay dividends since 1926.

Duke has a large-scale investment program underway ($103 billion of capital spending from 2026 through 2030) to expand its transmission and distribution network. These investments should grow Duke's earnings per share by 5% to 7% annually through 2030. Earnings growth should enable the utility to continue increasing its dividends, which it has done each year for over two decades.

6. Main Street Capital

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: MAIN

Main Street Capital

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

69/100

Today's Change

(-0.40%) $-0.22

Current Price

$54.77

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$5.1B

Day's Range

$54.67 - $55.14

52wk Range

$48.40 - $64.15

Volume

383.7K

Avg Vol

545.4K

Gross Margin

100.00%

Dividend Yield

5.60%

Loading company_card...

Main Street Capital (MAIN -0.40%) is a business development company (BDC) focused on providing capital solutions (private debt and private equity) to lower-middle-market companies (those with annual revenues between $10 million and $150 million). It also provides debt capital to middle-market companies ($150 million+ in annual revenue).

The company's debt investments generate interest income, while most of its equity investments provide it with dividend income. As a BDC, Main Street Capital must pay out 90% of its taxable net income to shareholders. It does so through a sustainable, steadily rising monthly dividend (141% growth since its 2007 IPO). The company has increased its base monthly dividend payment by 3.9% over the past year and 12 times since the end of 2021. Main Street Capital also periodically pays a supplemental quarterly dividend (20 consecutive quarters).

Loading paragraph...

7. Chevron

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: CVX

Chevron

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

69/100

Today's Change

(0.54%) $1.11

Current Price

$207.58

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$408B

Day's Range

$204.89 - $208.69

52wk Range

$146.49 - $217.78

Volume

5.5M

Avg Vol

8.4M

Gross Margin

18.48%

Dividend Yield

3.41%

Loading company_card...

The big oil giant's top financial priority is to sustain and grow its dividend. In 2026, the company delivered its 39th consecutive annual dividend increase, one of the longest streaks among oil stocks. Chevron (CVX +0.54%) has delivered peer-leading dividend growth over the past decade.

Its integrated operations, low-cost oil business, and lower-carbon energy investments position Chevron to sustain and grow its dividend. Chevron expects to grow its free cash flow at a more than 10% compound annual rate through 2030 at $70 oil. In September 2026, it agreed to invest more than $7 billion to expand its operations in Venezuela over the next five years, thereby more than doubling its output in the country. As a result, Chevron should have plenty of fuel to continue increasing its high-yielding dividend.

8. Enbridge

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: ENB

Enbridge

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

77/100

Today's Change

(1.09%) $0.50

Current Price

$46.54

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$104B

Day's Range

$45.82 - $46.58

52wk Range

$45.02 - $58.45

Volume

Avg Vol

Gross Margin

25.44%

Dividend Yield

6.05%

Loading company_card...

Canadian pipeline and utility giant Enbridge (ENB +1.09%) has been an outstanding dividend stock over the years. It has paid dividends for over 70 years and has increased its payout (in Canadian dollars) in each of the past 31 years.

While the world is transitioning its fuel supply from oil to cleaner alternatives, Enbridge is adapting by investing in infrastructure to support natural gas and renewable energy. The company's investments have it on track to increase its cash flow per share at a 5% annual rate over the next several years, which should support continued dividend growth. Enbridge raised its dividend payment by 3% in December 2025.

9. Enterprise Products Partners

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: EPD

Enterprise Products Partners

Today's Change

(1.25%) $0.46

Current Price

$37.26

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$79B

Day's Range

$36.69 - $37.33

52wk Range

$30.01 - $40.16

Volume

2.3M

Avg Vol

Gross Margin

12.98%

Dividend Yield

5.99%

Loading company_card...

Enterprise Products Partners (EPD +1.25%) ranks as one of the top players in the midstream oil and gas market. The master limited partnership (MLP) -- it sends a Schedule K-1 Federal tax form -- has increased its payout at least once annually for 28 consecutive years. Its latest raise in July 2026 was 2.8% above the level it paid in mid-2025.

The company continues to invest heavily to expand its midstream operations. It had $6.5 billion of major capital projects under construction that it should complete by the first quarter of 2029. The MLP also has a history of making accretive acquisitions. These and future investments should give Enterprise the fuel to continue increasing its dividend.

10. Procter & Gamble

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: PG

Procter & Gamble

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

75/100

Today's Change

(1.69%) $2.47

Current Price

$148.41

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$339B

Day's Range

$147.06 - $149.68

52wk Range

$137.62 - $167.25

Volume

13.3M

Avg Vol

8.5M

Gross Margin

50.87%

Dividend Yield

2.94%

Loading company_card...

Procter & Gamble (PG +1.69%) is a leading consumer products company. Procter & Gamble owns top brands that include Bounty, Charmin, and Gillette. Demand for these essential household consumer products is very resilient and steadily rising.

The company has paid dividends for 136 straight years and delivered its 70th consecutive annual dividend increase in April 2026. That puts it in the elite group of Dividend Kings, companies with 50 or more years of annual dividend increases. Procter & Gamble's strong portfolio of brands positions it to continue growing its high-yielding dividend in the coming years.

11. Healthpeak Properties

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: DOC

Healthpeak Properties

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

71/100

Today's Change

(0.85%) $0.16

Current Price

$19.00

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$13B

Day's Range

$18.80 - $19.18

52wk Range

$15.70 - $22.95

Volume

8.3M

Avg Vol

5.4M

Gross Margin

20.87%

Dividend Yield

6.48%

Loading company_card...

Leading healthcare REIT Healthpeak Properties (DOC +0.85%) owns a diversified portfolio of healthcare real estate, including medical office buildings, lab space, and retirement communities. These properties generate healthy rental income growth, giving the REIT high income now and more later.

Healthpeak Properties switched to paying monthly dividends in 2025 and resumed dividend growth. Healthpeak is upgrading its portfolio in 2026 by selling some of its outpatient medical properties (including entering a $2.1 billion joint venture for an 86-property portfolio with Brookfield Asset Management (BAM +1.07%) in July 2026) to fund development projects and lab acquisitions. It also created a new REIT (Janus Living (JAN -0.66%)) to unlock the value of its senior housing properties and grow that portfolio. These enhancements should enable the REIT to continue growing its high-yielding dividend.

12. Regions Financial

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: RF

Regions Financial

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

72/100

Today's Change

(-0.07%) $-0.02

Current Price

$27.05

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$23B

Day's Range

$26.99 - $27.41

52wk Range

$22.70 - $32.47

Volume

9.3M

Avg Vol

8.9M

Dividend Yield

4.05%

Loading company_card...

Regions Financial (RF -0.07%) is one of the country's largest banks, focusing on the South and Midwest. It has a long history of paying dividends. While the company reset its dividend level during the 2008-09 financial crisis, it has increased the dividend 20-fold since then.

It gave investors another raise in 2026, boosting its dividend by 13% in July. With its banking and financial services businesses growing, Regions should be able to continue increasing its high-yielding payout.

13. Extra Space Storage

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: EXR

Extra Space Storage

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

69/100

Today's Change

(0.74%) $0.98

Current Price

$133.89

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$28B

Day's Range

$132.91 - $135.54

52wk Range

$125.71 - $158.88

Volume

1.7M

Avg Vol

1.2M

Gross Margin

34.60%

Dividend Yield

4.88%

Loading company_card...

Extra Space Storage (EXR +0.74%) is a REIT focused on owning, operating, and managing self-storage facilities. Over the past decade, it has been one of the best-performing self-storage REITs.

A big driver is its rapidly rising dividend. Extra Space Storage has increased its payout by a peer-leading 10.3% annualized over the last 20 years, and more growth seems likely. The self-storage REIT has a strong balance sheet, giving it ample flexibility to continue making new investments as opportunities arise.

Loading paragraph...

14. NNN REIT

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: NNN

NNN REIT

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

68/100

Today's Change

(0.32%) $0.13

Current Price

$40.51

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$7.8B

Day's Range

$40.32 - $40.74

52wk Range

$38.90 - $50.00

Volume

2.1M

Avg Vol

1.7M

Gross Margin

67.00%

Dividend Yield

5.99%

Loading company_card...

NNN REIT (NNN +0.32%) is a REIT focused on single-tenant retail properties secured by triple-net (NNN) leases. That lease structure provides it with very stable rental income, supporting its high-yielding dividend.

The company has one of the best dividend track records in the REIT sector. It extended its annual dividend growth streak to 37 straight years in 2026, the third-longest streak in the industry. Its strong financial profile should enable NNN REIT to continue expanding its portfolio and dividend payments.

15. Pfizer

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: PFE

Pfizer

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

65/100

Today's Change

(0.33%) $0.09

Current Price

$27.50

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$156B

Day's Range

$27.20 - $27.71

52wk Range

$23.62 - $29.21

Volume

24M

Avg Vol

36.7M

Gross Margin

64.83%

Dividend Yield

6.28%

Loading company_card...

As of July 2026, Pfizer (PFE +0.33%) has paid dividends for 351 consecutive quarters, increasing them for 16 consecutive years. The pharmaceutical giant's investments in research and development (R&D) are paying off. The company developed one of the first COVID-19 vaccines and followed up with a successful oral treatment.

The commercial successes have enabled Pfizer to continue making research and development investments and strategic acquisitions (it bought Metsera for up to $10 billion in cash in late 2025). These investments should help grow Pfizer's cash flow in the coming years, offsetting the impact of patent expirations for key products.

16. VICI Properties

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: VICI

Vici Properties

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

73/100

Today's Change

(0.89%) $0.20

Current Price

$22.73

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$25B

Day's Range

$22.56 - $22.89

52wk Range

$22.43 - $32.33

Volume

7.5M

Avg Vol

9.8M

Gross Margin

99.23%

Dividend Yield

8.03%

Loading company_card...

VICI Properties (VICI +0.89%) is a REIT focused on owning experiential real estate, such as casinos and bowling entertainment centers. The company leases those properties back to operating companies under long-term NNN leases. The agreements supply it with steadily rising rental income from annual rate increases.

The company also steadily invests in new gaming and nongaming real estate to drive growth. VICI Properties increased its dividend in September 2026 and has raised it every year since its 2018 IPO. The REIT has grown its payout at a peer-leading 6.1% compound annual rate, well ahead of the sector's 2.5% average.

17. Realty Income

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: O

Realty Income

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

84/100

Today's Change

(0.89%) $0.48

Current Price

$54.25

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$51B

Day's Range

$53.88 - $54.37

52wk Range

$53.33 - $67.94

Volume

7.6M

Avg Vol

6.4M

Gross Margin

50.82%

Dividend Yield

6.03%

Loading company_card...

Realty Income (O +0.89%) lives up to its name. The REIT, which pays a monthly dividend, has made 675 consecutive payments as of October 2026. Even better, it has increased its payout 136 times since its IPO in 1994, expanding it at a 4.1% compound annual rate. That adds up to over 30 consecutive years of steady dividend growth.

A steady diet of acquisitions has driven its growth. Realty Income purchases properties in sale-leaseback transactions, acquires larger property portfolios, merges with other REITs, and invests in strategic joint ventures to grow its portfolio, rental income, and dividend. It plans to invest $10 billion in new properties in 2026, which should increase per-share cash flow and drive continued dividend growth.

Loading paragraph...

18. Verizon Communications

Loading paragraph...

NYSE: VZ

Verizon Communications

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

70/100

Today's Change

(0.28%) $0.13

Current Price

$45.98

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$190B

Day's Range

$45.29 - $45.98

52wk Range

$38.39 - $51.68

Volume

21.5M

Avg Vol

22.7M

Gross Margin

45.75%

Dividend Yield

6.10%

Loading company_card...

Telecommunications giant Verizon (VZ +0.28%) delivered its 20th consecutive annual dividend increase in early 2026. That's the longest current streak in the U.S. telecom sector.

Verizon generates strong cash flow, enabling it to invest in expanding its operations (it bought Frontier Communications for $20 billion in early 2026). It produces significant excess free cash flow, supporting its ability to pay a growing dividend, repurchase shares, and strengthen its financial foundation.

19. T. Rowe Price

Loading paragraph...

NASDAQ: TROW

T. Rowe Price Group

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

62/100

Today's Change

(-0.32%) $-0.33

Current Price

$103.60

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$22B

Day's Range

$103.19 - $104.55

52wk Range

$85.22 - $122.00

Volume

1.2M

Avg Vol

1.7M

Gross Margin

79.54%

Dividend Yield

4.97%

Loading company_card...

Global financial services and asset manager T. Rowe Price (TROW -0.32%) has a long history of paying dividends. The company raised its payment by 2.4% in early 2026, marking its 40th straight year of dividend growth.

T. Rowe Price generates stable, steadily rising management fees as its clients entrust it with more of their money. It's expanding by launching new ETFs, growing its separately managed accounts (SMAs) business, and forming strategic partnerships.

20. PepsiCo

Loading paragraph...

NASDAQ: PEP

PepsiCo

Premium Feature

Moneyball Superscore

69/100

Today's Change

(0.05%) $0.06

Current Price

$125.71

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$171B

Day's Range

$124.63 - $127.21

52wk Range

$124.22 - $171.48

Volume

10M

Avg Vol

8.2M

Gross Margin

53.98%

Dividend Yield

4.62%

Loading company_card...

PepsiCo (PEP +0.05%) has an illustrious record of paying dividends. The global snacking and beverage giant extended its dividend growth streak to 54 in a row in 2026. PepsiCo has grown its dividend at a 7% compound annual rate since 2010.

The iconic company invests heavily in new product innovation, productivity enhancements, and other drivers to grow its revenue and profit margins. It also routinely acquires snack and drink brands that consumers love (it paid almost $1.7 billion for Poppi in 2025). PepsiCo's continued investments should enable it to maintain its exceptional track record of dividend growth.

How to invest in high-yield dividend stocks

Open your brokerage app: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments. If you don't have one yet, take a look at our favorite brokers and trading platforms to find the right one for you.
Search for the stock: Enter the ticker into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.

Loading paragraph...

Loading pitch...

Benefits and risks of investing in high-yield dividend stocks

Some of the pros of investing in high-yield dividend stocks include:

More income: Investing in high-yield dividend stocks enables you to generate more dividend income from every dollar you invest compared to lower-yielding stocks or those that don't pay a dividend.
Lower volatility: High-yielding dividend stocks tend to be slower-growing companies and are often less volatile.
Higher long-term total return potential: Companies that pay a dividend have historically delivered a higher total return than non-dividend payers.

On the other hand, here are some cons:

Potentially higher risk profile: Some higher-yielding dividend stocks are at greater risk of dividend reductions due to high payout ratios or weaker financial profiles.
Slower growth: Most higher-yielding dividend stocks are slower-growing companies.
Interest rate risk: When the 10-year Treasury yield rises, it has historically weighed on the value of higher-yielding dividend stocks.
Tax complications: Investing in REITs, MLPs, and foreign companies can increase your taxes and the complexity of your tax filing.

Methodology: How these stocks were chosen

Many companies pay dividends with above-average current yields. However, not all those high-yield dividend stocks are worthy investments. These stocks stood out for their combination of above-average current yields (at least double the S&P 500's yield), financial strength, and a reliable record of dividend growth. They appear highly likely to sustain and grow their high-yielding dividends over the long term.

Loading paragraph...

Should you invest in high-yield dividend stocks?

Investors should hold at least a few dividend stocks in their portfolio, even if income isn't their main goal. Over the last 50 years, dividend stocks have delivered higher total returns with less volatility than non-apyers, according to data from Ned Davis Research and Hartford Funds. Meanwhile, income-focused investors should definitely consider buying high-yielding dividend stocks as they're an ideal way to generate passive income.

Loading paragraph...

Loading pitch...

Investing in high-yield dividend stocks: FAQ

Loading faq...

About the Author

Matt DiLallo has been a contributing Motley Fool stock analyst specializing in the energy, industrials, and real estate sectors since 2012. He also covers dividend-paying stocks, pre-IPO companies, ETFs, and other investing topics. He holds an MBA from Liberty University.

TMFmd19

@MatthewDiLallo

Matt DiLallo has positions in Brookfield Corporation, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, Brookfield Renewable Partners, Chevron, Enbridge, Enterprise Products Partners, Gilead Sciences, Main Street Capital, Mid-America Apartment Communities, NNN REIT, PepsiCo, Realty Income, Regions Financial, T. Rowe Price Group, Verizon Communications, and Vici Properties. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AbbVie, Abbott Laboratories, Brookfield, Brookfield Corporation, Chevron, Enbridge, Gilead Sciences, Mid-America Apartment Communities, NNN REIT, Pfizer, Realty Income, and T. Rowe Price Group. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, Brookfield Renewable Partners, Duke Energy, Enterprise Products Partners, Extra Space Storage, Healthpeak Properties, Regions Financial, Verizon Communications, and Vici Properties. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

20 Best High-Yield Dividend Stocks for 2026 and How to Invest

A list of high-yielding dividend stocks to consider buying now.

Key Points

20 top high-yield dividend stocks for 2026

1. AbbVie

Key Data Points

2. Mid-America Apartment Communities

Key Data Points

3. Brookfield Infrastructure

Key Data Points

4. Brookfield Renewable

Key Data Points

5. Duke Energy

Key Data Points

6. Main Street Capital

Key Data Points

7. Chevron

Key Data Points

8. Enbridge

Key Data Points

9. Enterprise Products Partners

Key Data Points

10. Procter & Gamble

Key Data Points

11. Healthpeak Properties

Key Data Points

12. Regions Financial

Key Data Points

13. Extra Space Storage

Key Data Points

14. NNN REIT

Key Data Points

15. Pfizer

Key Data Points

16. VICI Properties

Key Data Points

17. Realty Income

Key Data Points

18. Verizon Communications

Key Data Points

19. T. Rowe Price

Key Data Points

20. PepsiCo

Key Data Points

How to invest in high-yield dividend stocks

Benefits and risks of investing in high-yield dividend stocks

Methodology: How these stocks were chosen

Should you invest in high-yield dividend stocks?

Related investing topics

How to Invest in Dividend Stocks: A Guide to Dividend Investing

9 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold for October 2026

How Are Dividends Taxed? 2025 and 2026 Dividend Tax Rates

How Often Are Dividends Paid on Stocks?

Investing in high-yield dividend stocks: FAQ

About the Author

Read Next

Stocks Mentioned

Motley Fool Stock Advisor’s Latest Pick

Premium Investing Services

1. AbbVie

4. Brookfield Renewable

7. Chevron

20 top high-yield dividend stocks for 2026

How to Invest in Dividend Stocks: A Guide to Dividend Investing

9 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold for October 2026

How Are Dividends Taxed? 2025 and 2026 Dividend Tax Rates

How Often Are Dividends Paid on Stocks?

Key Data Points

Investing in high-yield dividend stocks: FAQ

Which stock has the highest dividend yield?

Are high-yield dividend stocks worth it?

What is a good dividend yield for a stock?

How do I know if a high dividend yield is sustainable?

What are the best high-yield dividend stocks for conservative investors?

Should I focus on dividend yield or dividend growth?

What are the five dividend stocks to hold forever?

14. NNN REIT

18. Verizon Communications

Benefits and risks of investing in high-yield dividend stocks

Methodology: How these stocks were chosen