Income investors may have some exciting high-yield dividends to look forward to in the coming year.
There’s something comforting about the notion of “safe and sound,” especially for income investors, but not every stock boasting hefty dividends lives up to that description. Yet, it is possible to pursue secure income without compromising too much on returns. For those seeking dependable dividend income in 2026 and beyond, consider these three high-yield stocks.
1. Enbridge
Enbridge (ENB) markets itself as “low risk” and “utility-like,” and, honestly, the evidence supports that claim. Over the past two decades, the company has exceeded the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of total shareholder return compared to the S&P 500. While the stock does exhibit volatility, it’s more akin to that of utility stocks and significantly lower than the average for midstream stocks.
So, how does Enbridge manage to provide such robust risk-adjusted returns? It operates a public-interest business with the world’s longest pipeline network, delivering a good portion of North America’s crude oil and natural gas. Following some recent acquisitions, it is also the continent’s largest natural gas operator based on volume.
Right now, Enbridge boasts a forward dividend yield exceeding 5.8%. Even more impressive: last month, the company declared its 31st consecutive annual dividend increase and anticipates a roughly 5% hike in dividends each year starting in 2026.
2. Realty Income
Realty Income (O) has impressively recorded 29 consecutive years of positive total operating returns, encompassing both annual fund growth and dividend yield per share. That’s especially noteworthy, considering those years included the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The stability of this company can be traced back to its extensive real estate portfolio. As the 6th largest real estate investment trust (REIT) globally, Realty Income owns 15,542 properties leased to 1,647 customers across 92 different industries.
Celebrating its 56th anniversary, Realty Income holds solid A3 and A- credit ratings from Moody’s and S&P Global, respectively. Its growth potential seems bright, with rising demand for data centers and a significant opportunity in the European market.
Looking for a streak of dividend increases? Realty Income can deliver. It has raised its dividend for 30 consecutive years, marking 133 uninterrupted quarters of increases. Since it began trading on the New York Stock Exchange in 1994, the REIT has achieved a CAGR of 4.2% in dividends, and its current forward dividend yield is about 5.8%.
3. Verizon Communications
Can you picture a world where cell phones are no longer in use by 2026? It’s a thought, but even if something revolutionary comes along, communication will still be essential. That’s where Verizon Communications (VZ) enters the scene.
As one of the leading telecommunications firms globally, Verizon caters to millions of customers and businesses. There aren’t many rivals, partly due to the heavy capital that goes into establishing a telecom company, creating a high barrier for newcomers.
In September 2025, Verizon announced its 19th consecutive year of dividend increases, leading to a future dividend yield of 6.8%. Many may wonder if such an attractive yield is sustainable. Personally, I think it is. Verizon’s growing free cash flow appears more than sufficient to support dividends.
Sure, the company isn’t gearing up for explosive growth anytime soon—sales rose just 1.5% year over year in the third quarter of 2025, with adjusted earnings per share up 1.7%. However, potential growth opportunities are looming as 6G networks develop later this decade, promising a host of new features, possibly including holographic communications.
