The Motley Fool·2025-04-01 08:46Core Viewpoint - Many companies have reduced their focus on paying dividends, resulting in a low dividend yield of around 1.3% for the S&P 500, but several companies still offer higher yields around 4% for investors seeking dividend income [1] Group 1: Agree Realty - Agree Realty has a dividend yield of 4% and focuses on owning single-tenant net lease and ground lease retail properties, providing stable cash flow [2] - The REIT emphasizes tenant credit quality, with 68.2% of its rent coming from clients with investment-grade credit ratings, and regularly upgrades its portfolio by replacing lower-quality tenants [2][3] - Over the past decade, Agree Realty has grown its payout at a 5.6% compound annual rate, supported by a low dividend payout ratio and a conservative balance sheet, allowing for continued investment in income-generating properties [3] Group 2: Chevron - Chevron offers a dividend yield of 4.1% and generates significant cash flow through its integrated business model, which includes oil and gas production, midstream assets, and refining operations [4] - The company produced $15 billion in free cash flow last year, easily covering its $11.8 billion in dividend payments, and has a strong record of dividend growth with its 38th consecutive annual increase this year [5] - Chevron expects to generate an additional $10 billion in annual free cash flow by 2026, driven by expansion projects and cost-saving initiatives [5] Group 3: Kinder Morgan - Kinder Morgan has a dividend yield of 4.1% and generates nearly $5.9 billion of cash flow from operations, sufficient to cover its capital expenditures and dividend payments [6] - The company has increased its dividend for seven consecutive years and plans to raise its payout later this year, supported by $8.1 billion in growth capital projects [7] - Kinder Morgan's growth capital spending is expected to enhance its ability to pay dividends, with visible cash flow growth anticipated through the end of the decade [7] Group 4: Rexford Industrial Realty - Rexford Industrial Realty currently has a dividend yield of 4.4% and focuses on owning industrial buildings in Southern California, benefiting from strong demand and constrained supply [8] - The REIT has grown its dividend at an 18% compound annual rate over the past five years, driven by increasing rental income and an expanding portfolio [9] - Rexford expects its net operating income to surge 40% in the coming years, supported by annual rental increases, new leases at higher rates, and ongoing redevelopment projects [10] Conclusion - Agree Realty, Chevron, Kinder Morgan, and Rexford Industrial Realty are highlighted as excellent dividend stocks with above-average yields and a history of steady increases, making them attractive options for dividend income [11]