Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three top dividend stocks for August, emphasizing their strong dividend yields and potential for total returns. Group 1: Enbridge - Enbridge is described as a "low-risk" and "utility-like" stock, making it attractive in the current market environment [3] - The company operates the world's longest oil and liquids transportation system, with over 18,000 miles of crude oil pipeline and nearly 19,000 miles of natural gas pipeline, generating steady cash flow [4] - Enbridge has become the largest natural gas utility in North America, delivering approximately 9.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to around 7 million customers [5] - The company has increased its dividend for 30 consecutive years, with a forward dividend yield exceeding 6% and projected average annual growth of around 5% through the decade [6] Group 2: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products Partners LP offers a higher distribution yield of 6.93% and has increased its distribution for 26 consecutive years [8] - The company has maintained a double-digit percentage return on invested capital (ROIC) and solid cash flow for two decades, indicating relatively low risk [9] - Growth prospects are bolstered by the European Union's agreement to increase natural gas purchases from the U.S., utilizing the company's extensive pipeline network of over 50,000 miles [10] - The forward price-to-earnings ratio of approximately 11.2 is lower than many peers and less than half that of the S&P 500, suggesting favorable valuation [10] Group 3: Realty Income - Realty Income is one of the largest real estate investment trusts (REITs), owning 15,627 properties across eight countries, with a diversified portfolio of nearly 1,600 tenants from 91 industries [11] - The REIT has a strong track record, delivering an average annual total return of 13.6% since its NYSE listing in 1994, with positive operational returns each year [12] - Realty Income has increased its monthly dividend for 30 consecutive years, with a forward dividend yield of 5.68% [12] - The growth prospects in Europe are particularly attractive, with an addressable market of $8.5 trillion and limited competition [12]