4 Dividend Stocks to Double Up on Right Now -- Including Chevron and Verizon

Core Viewpoint - The current economic uncertainty makes dividend-paying stocks attractive for investors seeking stable returns, especially as the S&P 500 has risen over 16% in the past year, suggesting a potential market correction ahead [1][2]. Group 1: Chevron - Chevron (CVX) offers a dividend yield of 4.5%, with a total yield of 9.4% when including share repurchases [4][6]. - The company has a market capitalization of $318 billion and has increased its dividend annually for 38 years, demonstrating resilience in uncertain economic conditions [5][6]. - Chevron's forward P/E ratio is 18.2, above its five-year average of 13.2, indicating it may not be a bargain at current prices [7]. Group 2: Vici Properties - Vici Properties (VICI), a real estate investment trust (REIT), has a dividend yield of 5.8% and is required to distribute at least 90% of its taxable earnings as dividends [7][8]. - The company focuses on casinos and entertainment properties, with a portfolio that includes 54 casinos and over 60,000 hotel rooms [9][10]. - Vici's stock has averaged annual growth of 10.9% over the past five years, and its dividend has increased from $1 per share in 2018 to $1.75 currently [10]. Group 3: Verizon Communications - Verizon Communications (VZ) has a dividend yield of 6.8% but carries significant debt, which may limit its ability to pay down obligations quickly [11][12]. - The company is less affected by tariffs and generates substantial free cash flow, with a forward P/E ratio of 8.5, below its five-year average of 9, suggesting it may be undervalued [13][14]. - While Verizon's dividend appears safe, it is not expected to be a strong growth stock [14]. Group 4: Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) offers a dividend yield of 3.8% and has a 10-year average annual gain of 11.5%, making it a suitable option for investors not ready to select individual dividend stocks [15][16]. - The ETF is diversified across approximately 100 companies known for increasing their dividends over time, providing a stable income source [15].