Investors often look for dependable dividend stocks that provide high returns. There are three companies that not only reward their shareholders generously but have also demonstrated resilience in challenging market conditions. Let’s dive into these high-yield stocks that can help you earn while you sleep.
Dividend Stock #1: Altria Group (MO)
Dividend yield: 6.8%
Altria (MO), known for Marlboro, is frequently a reliable option for income-focused investors. Operating in a mature and well-regulated tobacco market, Altria boasts a dividend yield of around 6.8%, significantly above the consumer staples average of 1.8%. The company plans to return over $1.7 billion to shareholders in the third quarter and more than $5.2 billion in the first nine months of 2025.
Even with stricter regulations on tobacco, Altria saw its adjusted diluted EPS rise by 3.6% year-over-year, reaching $1.45 in the third quarter. This growth can be traced back to a sensible pricing strategy and increasing profits from smoke-free products. Looking ahead, Altria anticipates profit growth between 3.5% and 5%, with analysts forecasting a 6.3% increase.
Rather than experiencing explosive growth, Altria is about steady wealth accumulation through consistent income. The company just announced a 3.9% dividend increase in August, and its 60-year history of raising dividends, along with its status as a Dividend King, marks it as a dependable stock.
Wall Street gives Altria a “hold” rating overall. Out of 15 analysts covering the stock, 4 consider it a “strong buy,” 9 a “hold,” 1 a “moderate sell,” and another a “strong sell.” Currently, Altria trades about 10% below its average price target of $62.36, but the higher price target of $72 suggests a potential 27% increase in the coming year.
Dividend Stock #2: Verizon Communications (VZ)
Dividend yield: 6.8%
Verizon Communications (VZ) remains a standout in the U.S. communications sector, boasting a 6.8% dividend yield and a long history of uninterrupted dividends. This leading telecommunications provider has raised its dividend for 19 consecutive years, showcasing its commitment to shareholder returns. Its upcoming payout ratio stands at about 57.3%, striking a balance between rewarding investors and keeping enough resources for reinvestment and debt management.
In the third quarter, Verizon reported consolidated revenue of $33.8 billion in 2025, a 1.5% climb from the previous year, alongside adjusted earnings per share of $1.21, up 1.7%. This uptick can be attributed to a 2.1% rise in wireless services revenue and a more than 5.2% increase in equipment sales. Free cash flow, often considered a key indicator of dividend sustainability, remained robust at $15.8 billion for the first nine months of the year. Looking ahead, management expects earnings to rise between 1% and 3%, with free cash flow projected between $19.5 billion and $20.5 billion, making Verizon a strong pick for dividend-focused portfolios.
Overall, analysts rate Verizon as a “moderate buy.” Out of 30 covering the stock, 8 rate it a “strong buy,” 3 a “moderate buy,” and 19 a “hold.” The average price target is set at $48.06, indicating a 21% upside potential from current prices, while the high target of $58 suggests the stock could jump by 46% over the next year.
Dividend Stock #3: Enterprise Product Partners (EPD)
Dividend yield: 7%
Enterprise Product Partners (EPD) stands out in the midstream energy sector, providing stable cash flow and an attractive dividend yield of approximately 7%. With one of the largest and most diverse collections of midstream assets in North America, Enterprise recently reported a resilient third quarter. The company announced a significant increase in unit purchase authorizations by $3 billion, bringing the total to $5 billion.
During the third quarter, Enterprise reported a net income of $1.3 billion, or $0.61 per common unit, slightly down from $1.4 billion ($0.65 per common unit) in the same period last year. Despite this decline, the company continued to generate strong cash flow, with distributable cash flow (DCF) hitting $1.8 billion, covering 1.5 times the quarterly distribution. This allowed Enterprise to retain $635 million for reinvestment and announce a distribution of $0.545 per unit, reflecting a 3.8% increase year-over-year. With a payout ratio of just 58%, including both dividends and share buybacks, Enterprise maintains ample flexibility for growth and a robust balance sheet.
Overall, EPD is viewed as a “moderate buy.” Among the 17 analysts covering the stock, nine view it as a “strong buy,” one as a “fair buy,” and seven as a “hold.” The average price target stands at $35.87, suggesting a 16% upside potential, with a higher target of $40 indicating a possible 30% growth in the next year.
