The Smartest High-Yielding Dividend Stocks in the S&P 500 Index to Buy With $3,000 Right Now

Market Overview - The stock market has experienced significant volatility in 2023, with a nearly 20% decline from February highs followed by a recovery of approximately 20% after President Trump's tariff announcement in April [1] - Two of the three major indexes entered bear market territory at one point [1] Dividend Stocks - Many investors are shifting focus towards passive income through stocks with healthy, growing dividends, particularly in the S&P 500 index [2] Philip Morris International - Philip Morris International has transitioned from cigarettes to smoke-free products, with a stock price increase of 149% over the last five years and a 35% year-to-date gain as of May 15, 2025 [3][4] - In Q1, Philip Morris reported a 25% increase in earnings per share and a 6% rise in net revenue, with management projecting a full-year adjusted EPS surge of over 50% [5] - The company has consistently increased its annual dividend at a compound annual rate of approximately 7% since going public in 2008, with dividends in Q1 amounting to about 78% of earnings [6] Realty Income - Realty Income, known as "The Monthly Dividend Company," operates as a REIT and must distribute at least 90% of its taxable income in dividends, currently offering a 5.9% dividend yield [7] - The company manages over 15,600 properties across the U.S. and Europe, focusing on non-discretionary and service-oriented businesses, while also exploring new sectors like data centers and gaming [8] - Realty Income has a strong dividend history, having paid 658 consecutive monthly dividends and increased its dividend for 110 consecutive quarters, with a 4.3% compound annual growth rate since 1994 [9] - In Q1, Realty Income paid $0.796 per share in dividends while generating$1.06 in AFFO per share, indicating that dividends equate to about 75% of AFFO [10]