In an investment landscape where volatility and macro uncertainty remain part of the environment, many investors are turning to dividend-paying stocks for a mix of income, downside defense, and long-term wealth preservation. Dividend stocks, especially those with high yields supported by stable cash flows can offer income that outpaces many fixed income alternatives and helps hedge against market swings while putting money in your pocket on a regular basis. 

1. Ares Capital (ARCC) 

Dividend Yield: 9.5%
Net Assets / Market Cap: $14 billion
Why it’s worth buying: As one of the largest publicly traded BDCs, Ares Capital specializes in providing debt and equity financing to middle-market companies. Its diversified portfolio spans more than a dozen industries, and the company has maintained or increased its dividend for over 15 consecutive years. Income from BDCs often includes a mix of interest and dividend income that can stay robust in various rate environments because many debt instruments are floating-rate. ARCC’s yield of 9.6% reflects this diversified strategy. Importantly, historical total returns have outpaced many rival BDCs and broader market benchmarks since its inception, showing its ability to convert strong earnings into dependable shareholder payouts.  

Investment focus: In a world where bond yields are close to historical norms, a nearly double-digit yield backed by diversified cash flow can be an effective income engine for long-term investors. 

2. Realty Income (O) 

Forward Dividend Yield: 5.62%
Net Assets: $50+ billion
Why it’s worth buying: Realty Income is one of the most recognizable names in income investing, often nicknamed “The Monthly Dividend Company.” It owns thousands of commercial properties leased long-term to tenants in essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies, dollar stores, and convenience retailers businesses that tend to remain steady through economic cycles. This portfolio results in predictable revenue streams and supports one of the most consistent dividend track records in the industry, with decades of increases and payouts made monthly rather than quarterly. Recent valuation metrics show shares trading at less than 13 times projected cash flow for 2026, about 19% discount to its five-year average suggesting current prices embed a margin of safety.  

Investment focus: For income investors, monthly dividends improve cash flow timing and enhance the compounding effect of dividends reinvested over time. 

3. Pfizer (PFE) 

Forward Dividend Yield: 6.83%
Net Assets / Market Cap: $140+ billion
Why it’s worth buying: Pfizer’s yield has expanded as share prices have moderated from pandemic highs, yet fundamental earnings have remained strong. The company has diversified revenue streams including vaccines, oncology, and chronic care medications, and its acquisition of additional oncology assets stands to improve margins through scale and improved cost structure. Healthcare demand, especially in aging populations, tends to be less cyclical than other sectors, which supports both earnings and dividend sustainability. 

Investment focus: Pfizer’s combination of a near 7% dividend yield and pipeline diversity makes it a reliable income choice with defensive qualities in uncertain markets. 

4. Sirius XM Holdings (SIRI) 

Forward Dividend Yield: 5.3%
Net Assets / Market Cap: Listed on Nasdaq
Why it’s worth buying: Sirius XM operates a unique business model as the dominant satellite radio provider in the U.S., complemented by digital listening platforms like Pandora. This subscription-driven revenue yields highly predictable cash flows, as more than three-quarters of sales come from recurring subscriptions rather than advertising. This model supports generous payouts and makes the dividend more defendable even when advertising cycles soften. 

Investment focus: This isn’t a traditional “safe” stock by yield alone, but its business stability and predictable subscription revenue make its dividend more durable than it appears at first glance. 

5. Enbridge (ENB) 

Forward Dividend Yield: 5.7%
Net Assets / Market Cap: $80+ billion (U.S. listed)
Why it’s worth buying: Enbridge is one of North America’s largest energy infrastructure companies, operating an extensive network of oil and natural gas pipelines. What makes it particularly attractive for dividend investors is the fee-based nature of most of its contracts, nearly all earnings come from long-term, inflation-linked contracts that insulate cash flows from commodity price swings. With more than 30 years of dividend increases and strong underlying EBITDA, Enbridge’s yield is supported by both operational scale and durable demand for energy transportation.  

Investment focus: Energy infrastructure stocks like Enbridge blend yield with defensive cash flow characteristics, ideal for income portfolios that need stability. 

6. Altria Group (MO) 

Forward Dividend Yield: 7.1%
Net Assets / Market Cap: Large domestic consumer base
Why it’s worth buying: Altria’s dividend pains years of consistent increases, reflecting strong free cash flow from its tobacco business. While smoking rates have declined, pricing power and diversification into smoke-free products and nicotine alternatives have sustained margins and earnings. Its low price-to-earnings ratio and robust payout further emphasize the company’s appeal as a core income stock. 

Investment focus: For investors who prioritize high income and buy a defensive consumer-oriented business, Altria’s yield and track record make it compelling despite sector headwinds. 

7. Conagra Brands (CAG) 

Forward Dividend Yield: 7.0%+ (as screen quality data shows)
Net Assets / Market Cap: Mid-cap consumer staple
Why it’s worth buying: Conagra, a food products company with brands like Healthy Choice and Slim Jim, often ranks among high-yield stocks with strong free cash flow payout ratios. Dividend screening frameworks that evaluate sustainability and growth place Conagra in the buy category, and its payout coverage remains healthy relative to earnings. The defensive nature of consumer staples (products people buy regardless of the economy) supports dividend durability. 

Investment focus: Strong dividends in consumer staples show investors don’t always need financial or REIT exposure to earn high yields. 

8. Verizon Communications (VZ) 

Forward Dividend Yield: 6.5%+ (quality screens show)
Net Assets / Market Cap: Large telecom infrastructure
Why it’s worth buying: Verizon combines high yield with stable cash flow from wireless services and network infrastructure. Dividend quality screens that balance payout growth, earnings consistency, and institutional confidence include Verizon among buy-rated dividend names. Despite a competitive telecom landscape, its scale and cash generation support both dividend stability and future increases.  

Investment focus: Telecoms may not be growth leaders, but they often offer yields that beat bond alternatives while providing resilient operational footing. 

What Makes These Dividend Stocks Worth Buying 

Selecting reliable dividend stocks goes beyond merely chasing yield. Here’s what separates income winners from yield traps: 

Sustainable Cash Flows: Companies with predictable earnings and strong operating margins are likelier to maintain and grow dividends, particularly in economic downturns. Recurring revenue models, fee-based contracts, or subscription income enhance predictability. 

Reasonable Payout Ratios: A dividend that exceeds sustainable payout coverage (90% of earnings repeatedly) can signal risk. The best dividend stocks typically have payout ratios that allow room for investment, buybacks, or dividend increases. 

Business Moats: Consumer staples, energy infrastructure, and regulated sectors like telecom or BDCs have entrenched market positions that support competitive stability, something regulators and markets often reward with consistent dividends. 

Track Record of Increases: Consistent dividend raising particularly over decades signals management discipline and confidence in future earnings. Many top dividend stocks highlighted above maintain histories of long-term increases. 

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.

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