Core Viewpoint - Investing in dividend stocks like Chevron, NNN REIT, and Verizon is a strategic way to generate passive income, especially as these companies have a history of high and steadily rising dividends, making them attractive options for investors looking to boost their income in 2026 [1][13]. Chevron - Chevron pays a quarterly dividend of $1.71 per share, which annualizes to $6.84, resulting in a yield of 4.6%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1.2% [2][5]. - The company has increased its dividend for 38 consecutive years, marking the second-longest streak in the oil sector [2]. - Chevron's breakeven level is low, requiring oil prices to average around $50 per barrel to sustain its dividend and capital spending, allowing it to generate substantial free cash flow even when crude prices are lower [3]. - The recent acquisition of Hess and ongoing capital investments are expected to drive over 10% compound annual free cash flow growth through 2030, supporting continued dividend increases [5]. NNN REIT - NNN REIT offers a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per share, equating to an annualized dividend of $2.40 and a yield of 5.9% [6][7]. - The REIT has a 36-year history of increasing its dividend, the third-longest streak in its sector [6]. - NNN REIT's business model focuses on freestanding retail properties with long-term, triple net leases, providing stable rental income as tenants cover all operating costs [8]. - The REIT conservatively pays out about 70% of its adjusted funds from operations (FFO) in dividends, allowing for reinvestment in new properties and maintaining a conservative balance sheet for financial flexibility [9]. Verizon - Verizon recently raised its quarterly dividend to $0.69 per share, resulting in an annualized dividend of $2.68 and a yield of 6.8% [10]. - The company has a 19-year streak of increasing its dividend payments [10]. - Verizon generates over $7 billion in excess free cash flow after covering capital expenses and dividends, contributing to a strong balance sheet [11]. - The anticipated $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications is expected to enhance Verizon's fiber network and customer service capabilities, further supporting dividend growth [12].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights several companies that offer attractive dividend yields above 5%, contrasting with the average S&P 500 dividend yield of only 1.2% [1]. Group 1: Clearway Energy - Clearway Energy has a current dividend yield of 5%, supported by stable cash flows from its renewable energy facilities [2]. - The company plans to pay out approximately 70% of its free cash flow in dividends, with expectations to grow cash available for distribution from $2.11 per share in 2023 to at least $2.70 per share by 2027 [3]. - Clearway aims to increase its annualized dividend from $1.81 per share to $1.98 per share by 2027, with long-term goals of reaching around $3.00 per share by 2030 [3]. Group 2: Oneok - Oneok has a dividend yield of 5.9%, supported by resilient, fee-based cash flows and a history of dividend stability and growth [5]. - The company plans to increase its dividend by 3% to 4% annually and has completed strategic acquisitions expected to generate significant cost savings [6]. - Ongoing organic expansion projects are anticipated to enhance cash flow, supporting the company's dividend growth strategy [6]. Group 3: NNN REIT - NNN REIT offers a dividend yield of 5.9% and has raised its dividend for 36 consecutive years, indicating strong performance in the REIT sector [7]. - The REIT pays out 70% of its stable cash flow in dividends, allowing for reinvestment in new properties [9]. - NNN REIT focuses on retail properties secured by triple-net leases, providing stable cash flow as tenants cover all operating costs [9]. Group 4: Verizon - Verizon's dividend yield stands at 6.7%, with a growth streak of 19 consecutive years [10]. - The company generated $28 billion in cash flow from operations in the first nine months of the year, with $15.8 billion in free cash flow available to cover its $8.6 billion dividend payout [11]. - Verizon is working on a $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications to expand its fiber footprint, which is expected to enhance customer loyalty and profit margins [12]. Group 5: VICI Properties - VICI Properties has a dividend yield of 6.2%, focusing on experiential real estate and leasing properties under long-term NNN agreements [14]. - The REIT pays out about 75% of its stable rental income in dividends and has grown its payout at a 6.6% compound annual rate since 2018 [15]. - Recent acquisitions, including a $1.2 billion sale-leaseback deal, are expected to support continued dividend increases [15]. Group 6: Investment Outlook - The highlighted companies provide high-quality, high-yield dividend stocks with solid financial profiles and growth potential, making them attractive investment opportunities for income-seeking investors [16].