Dividend Yields Are Near Record Lows. Here's Where You Can Lock in a Bigger Payday.

Core Insights - The S&P 500's dividend yield is declining, nearing 1.2%, which is close to its record low last seen in 2000, resulting in lower dividend income for new investments [1] - Real estate and energy sectors currently offer higher average dividend yields of 3.4%, making them attractive for investors seeking better payouts [2] Energy Sector - Many energy stocks provide higher dividend yields, with Kinder Morgan (KMI) offering above 4% backed by a strong financial profile, including take-or-pay contracts securing 69% of cash flows [6] - Kinder Morgan maintains a conservative payout ratio of 44% of its cash flow from operations in 2025, allowing for substantial excess free cash flow for expansion and consistent dividend increases [6] - Brookfield Renewable (BEPC) yields around 4.5%, supported by stable cash flow from long-term fixed-rate power purchase agreements, with 70% of revenue linked to inflation [7][8] - Brookfield aims to increase its dividend by 5% to 9% annually, having grown its payout at a 6% compound annual rate since 2001 [8] Real Estate Sector - The REIT sector is a strong source of dividend income, with NNN REIT yielding over 5%, focusing on freestanding retail properties secured by triple net leases [10] - NNN REIT has a history of increasing its dividend for 35 consecutive years, supported by a conservative payout strategy [11] - Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA) has a dividend yield of around 4%, driven by strong rental demand in the Sun Belt region, and has increased its dividend for 15 straight years [12] Investment Opportunities - Despite the overall decline in average dividend yields, energy stocks and REITs present lucrative opportunities for investors seeking higher income streams without incurring additional risk [13]