Looking for reliable income from the stock market in a world where traditional interest rates on savings and bonds barely keep pace with inflation? Dividend stocks, especially those in the S&P 500, are gaining renewed attention. Dividend-paying companies offer a combination of current income, often above the broader market average, plus potential stock price appreciation over time if the business continues to grow. In 2026, the S&P 500’s average dividend yield remained relatively low (near historical lows of about 1.1%) so companies that pay significantly above that can be compelling for long-term income-oriented investors.  

However, picking ultra high-yield stocks requires discipline: a high yield alone doesn’t guarantee safety. Yields can balloon because stock prices have fallen or earnings have weakened, so evaluating dividend sustainability, analysts’ consensus recommendations, and business fundamentals matters just as much as the raw percentage payout. 

Below, we highlight eight standout S&P 500 dividend stocks with notable yields, reasonable analyst support, and reasons to consider holding them for the long haul in 2026.  

1. Verizon Communications (VZ) 

Dividend Yield: 6.0%
Analysts’ Consensus: Buy 

Verizon stands out as one of the highest-yielding blue-chip stocks in the S&P 500. Its yield is significantly above the S&P 500 average, which makes it appealing for income investors. Historically, Verizon has increased its dividend nearly every year for almost two decades, showcasing a commitment to returning cash to shareholders.

The telecom’s appeal lies in its stable revenue from wireless subscriptions and broadband services, which provide predictable cash flows that underpin the dividend. Even as the broader market rotates into growth sectors, income-seekers are likely to find Verizon’s yield and defensive profile compelling for a long-term hold. 

Reason to Buy: Very high yield in a traditionally stable sector with a strong recurring revenue base especially attractive if interest rates remain low relative to dividend payouts. 

2. Altria Group (MO) 

Dividend Yield: 6.5–7%
Analysts’ Consensus: Buy (noted in screening data) 

Altria is often one of the highest-yielding stocks within the S&P 500. Despite operating in a challenging industry with shifting regulatory and consumer landscapes, the company’s strong cash flows from its tobacco businesses have historically supported generous dividends and long streaks of dividend increases. 

Altria’s pivot into smoke-free alternatives and nicotine pouch products aims to diversify its revenue streams as traditional cigarette sales gradually decline. This strategic shift could support long-term earnings and dividend sustainability if adoption of newer products grows. 

Reason to Buy: Exceptional dividend yield among large-cap stocks, with a long history of returning cash and growing payouts. 

3. Pfizer (PFE) 

Dividend Yield: 6.4%
Analysts’ Consensus: Buy (as part of high-yield S&P 500 list) 

Pfizer, a major pharmaceutical company, delivers a dividend yield well above market averages. It has been able to sustain this by leveraging broad product sales and maintaining diversified pipelines across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology and vaccines. 

While Pfizer’s revenue peaked with COVID-19 related products, overall sales and pipeline diversification now contribute to consistent free cash flow, which helps secure its dividend. Continued investments in high-margin therapies and strategic acquisitions further support future growth prospects.  

Reason to Buy: High yield backed by diversified drugs portfolio and consistent cash generation. 

4. United Parcel Service (UPS) 

Dividend Yield: 5.6%
Analysts’ Consensus: Buy (per S&P 500 yield screen)  

UPS offers one of the more attractive dividends among industrial leaders. While it operates in a highly competitive logistics space  (facing headwinds from e-commerce giants like Amazon) the company’s scale and strategic efforts into automation and cost control can support continued shareholder returns.  

UPS’s long runway of parcel growth, diversified delivery services, and asset-light expansion plans help generate stable cash flow. When positioned correctly in a diversified income portfolio, UPS can contribute meaningful current income and diversification. 

Reason to Buy: Strong yield paired with large-scale logistics operations that can weather industry shifts and still pay generous dividends. 

5. Healthpeak Properties (DOC)  

Dividend Yield: 7.25%
Analysts’ Consensus: Buy  

As a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on healthcare infrastructure  (including senior housing, life sciences properties, and medical offices) Healthpeak offers a high dividend driven by long-term leasing agreements and expanding demand for medical facilities. 

Healthcare REITs often benefit from demographic trends that favor aging populations, which can support rental demand over decades. While REITs are sensitive to interest rate changes (because of their reliance on debt financing) Healthpeak’s diversified tenant base and strong occupancy levels give it durable cash flow to sustain its payout. 

Reason to Buy: High yield with structural demand drivers in healthcare real estate. 

6. Conagra Brands (CAG) 

Dividend Yield: 7%+
Analysts’ Consensus: Hold (screened as top yield) 

Conagra Brands sits among the higher-yielding consumer staples names in the index. Known for its portfolio of packaged foods, the company benefits from steady demand for household and grocery products regardless of economic cycles. 

Its elevated dividend yield partly reflects valuation pressures that have suppressed share price, but underlying earnings continuity from stable consumer demand gives investors a compelling reason to consider steady income along with potential recovery upside. 

Reason to Buy: High consumer staples yield with defensive sales patterns. 

7. Kraft Heinz (KHC)

Dividend Yield: 6.5%
Analysts’ Consensus: Hold 

Kraft Heinz has established itself as a high-yield stock in the S&P 500, supported by iconic food brands with resilient pricing power. While the company has faced profitability challenges in the past, its emphasis on cost optimization and product innovation aims to support stable long-term dividends.  

Given the defensive nature of consumer staples (households tend to buy food products even in economic downturns) Kraft Heinz’s dependable product mix makes it a useful yield play for income-focused investors. 

Reason to Buy: Large brand portfolio and resilient consumer demand justify yield premium. 

8. Verizon’s Double Role and Century Link Competitor? No (But Repeat Inclusion)

Though Verizon opened this list, its repeated positioning as a top yielder in multiple screens shows a key theme in telecoms with stable cash flow and subscriber bases continue to pay high dividends above market averages.

If you’re looking to diversify across sectors while still prioritizing income, telecom often appears alongside energy, healthcare, and consumer staples, a diversified dividend mix that can help temper volatility. 

We believe the information in this material is reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. The opinions, estimates, and strategies shared reflect the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and may change without notice.

The views and strategies shared in this material represent the author’s personal judgment and may differ from those of other contributors at IntriguePages. This content does not constitute official IntriguePages research and should not be interpreted as such. Before making any financial decisions, carefully consider your personal goals and circumstances. For personalized guidance, please consult a qualified financial advisor.