3 of the Best Dividend Stocks to Buy in 2026

Core Viewpoint - Investing in dividend stocks in 2026 can provide stability and generate extra cash, with a focus on high yield, safety, and dividend growth Group 1: Verizon Communications - Verizon offers a dividend yield of 6.8%, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average of 1.1% [4] - The stock has increased by approximately 2% this year, indicating stability for dividend-focused investors [5] - Verizon's market capitalization is $170 billion, with a dividend payout ratio of less than 60%, ensuring the sustainability of its high yield [7] Group 2: Realty Income - Realty Income has a high occupancy rate of around 99% and offers a dividend yield of 5.6%, with monthly payments instead of quarterly [8][9] - The stock has risen nearly 8% this year and has a beta value of 0.81, suggesting some independence from market movements [9] - Realty Income has consistently raised its dividend, with a 15% increase over the past five years [11] Group 3: ExxonMobil - ExxonMobil provides a dividend yield of 3.5% and has increased its dividend for 43 consecutive years [12][13] - The company has updated its 2030 growth plan, increasing earnings growth expectations by an additional $5 billion [13] - ExxonMobil's stock has risen around 7% this year, with a beta of 0.38 over the past five years, indicating stability [15]