Core Insights - The article discusses three dividend stocks: Ares Capital, W.P. Carey, and Realty Income, highlighting their high yields and strong track records in maintaining and increasing dividends [1][3]. Ares Capital - Ares Capital is the largest publicly traded business development company (BDC) with a $27 billion portfolio yielding an average of 9.8% [4]. - The company offers an 8.7% quarterly dividend yield, with a history of stable or rising payouts since 2009 [5]. - Ares Capital has a low nonaccrual rate of 0.9% in its investment portfolio, supported by a well-experienced underwriting team [6][7]. W.P. Carey - W.P. Carey is a diversified real estate investment trust (REIT) that has faced pressure after spinning off its office portfolio in 2023, resulting in a 19.7% dividend reduction [8][9]. - The REIT has a history of raising dividends, currently offering a 5.7% yield, with expectations for significant growth in the future [10]. - Management projects adjusted funds from operations (FFO) between $4.82 and $4.92, sufficient to cover its annualized dividend commitment of $3.60 [11]. Realty Income - Realty Income is a diversified REIT with a strong history of profit growth and a 5.7% yield, having raised its monthly dividend for the 131st time since its IPO in 1994 [12][13]. - The company operates 15,627 commercial properties across eight countries and recently issued €1.5 billion in notes at an effective rate of 3.7% [14]. - Realty Income's business model includes leasing back properties, providing a steady stream of income and potential for future dividend increases [15].