Stocks hold a significant appeal for long-term investors due to their potential for capital appreciation over time. Historically, broad market indexes like the S&P 500 or the Russell 3000 have provided excellent returns for those with a long investment horizon. However, capital appreciation is not the only investment objective. Many investors, particularly retirees or those on fixed incomes, seek investments primarily to generate spendable income. Others aim for both growth and income.
High-dividend stocks can satisfy these various investor needs. When carefully selected with a focus on diversification and solid financial fundamentals, high-dividend stocks can offer a consistent income and significant growth potential. Here is a list of seven high-dividend stocks to consider buying right now, each providing exceptional dividend income and meaningful price appreciation opportunities.
Xerox Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: XRX)
Xerox, a leader in office and production digital printing solutions, has expanded its presence in digital communications and information technology. Beyond top-quality printing equipment, Xerox provides a wide range of communication management hardware and software. The company’s current market cap is $1.7 billion, and it offers an annualized dividend of $1 per share, yielding 7.3%.
Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO)
Altria, despite its controversial business in tobacco and vaping products, remains a strong dividend payer. The company owns international brands and holds a substantial stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD). Wall Street projects Altria's revenue to grow slightly in the coming years, supporting its stability and significant dividend payouts. Altria offers an impressive dividend yield of 8.3%.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ)
Verizon, a global leader in mobile communications, provides wireless services, high-speed internet, and data storage. The company has consistently increased its dividend payout for 17 years, recently raising it by 2%. With a trailing dividend of $2.65 per share, Verizon offers a dividend yield of 6.4%.
Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET)
Energy Transfer, a master limited partnership (MLP), operates in midstream oil and natural gas, owning extensive pipeline networks. MLPs are known for their income potential, and Energy Transfer is proud of its investment-grade credit rating. With a market cap of $52 billion, Energy Transfer offers a dividend yield of 8.2%.
Vale S.A. (NYSE: VALE)
Vale, one of the world's largest producers of iron ore, nickel, and other industrial metals, also deals in precious metals. Despite rising operating costs and economic sensitivity, Vale's impressive free cash flow and strong management make it a compelling investment. CFRA equity analyst Matthew Miller has a positive outlook on Vale, predicting a significant upside. Vale offers an outstanding dividend yield of 12.3%.
SL Green Realty Corp. (NYSE: SLG)
SL Green is the largest commercial real estate owner-operator in Manhattan, managing over 32 million square feet of commercial space. The company’s prudent management of its operations and debt levels has impressed shareholders. SL Green stands to benefit from a reversal in the current high-interest rate cycle. It offers a dividend yield of 5.8%.
Western Union Co. (NYSE: WU)
Western Union, a payment services company, operates through consumer money transfer and consumer services divisions. The company facilitates domestic and international money transfers and provides money orders, prepaid debit cards, digital bill payment services, and loans. Western Union is benefiting from globalization and immigration trends, reporting revenue growth in its money transfer segment. The company offers a dividend yield of 7.3%.
These seven high-dividend stocks provide investors with the potential for consistent income and significant capital appreciation. By carefully selecting and diversifying their investments, income-focused investors can achieve their financial goals while enjoying the stability and growth prospects offered by these exceptional dividend stocks