Core Insights - Retirees are benefiting from strong performance in dividend stocks in 2026, with notable gains in companies like Verizon, Honeywell, and Chevron, as investors seek stability amid tech stock volatility [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Verizon Communications (VZ) has achieved a year-to-date gain of 20.6% and offers a high yield of 5.9%, with a quarterly dividend increase to $0.7075 per share [1] - Honeywell International (HON) has seen a 23.1% increase year-to-date, although it faces restructuring challenges as it splits into automation and aerospace units [1] - Chevron Corporation (CVX) has delivered a 19.1% return year-to-date, with strong cash flow generation and a quarterly dividend increase to $1.78 per share [1] Group 2: Financial Metrics - Verizon's free cash flow surged 285% year-over-year to $20.13 billion, driven by the Frontier acquisition, with projections for free cash flow exceeding $21.5 billion in 2026 [1] - Honeywell reported a free cash flow increase of 33% year-over-year to $2.51 billion, despite missing revenue expectations [1] - Chevron's free cash flow climbed 26% year-over-year to $5.5 billion, with a 12% increase in worldwide production [1] Group 3: Dividend Reliability - Honeywell has raised its dividend for 23 consecutive years, with a 2025 payout of $4.58 per share, reflecting a 4.8% increase from 2024 [1] - Chevron has a history of uninterrupted dividend increases, marking decades of consistent payouts [1] - Verizon has also increased its dividend for 19 consecutive years, showcasing its commitment to returning value to shareholders [1]