Top 20 Profitable Dividend Stocks in the U.S. Market
Explore the top 20 high-dividend stocks in the U.S., featuring consistent payers like Microsoft, Costco, and Apple. These stocks offer attractive yields and strong growth prospects, making them ideal for income-oriented investors seeking steady returns and portfolio diversification. The list highlights companies across various industries with proven dividend track records and future growth potential, providing valuable insights for smarter investment decisions in today's market environment.
Leading Dividend-Paying Stocks in the United States
Smart investing in the stock market today can generate impressive returns. Several companies offer attractive dividends, and here are the top 20 high-yield stocks worth considering:
Comcast
Comcast has consistently increased its dividend by 20% annually over the past five years, complemented by stock buybacks and rising stock prices.
Costco Wholesale
While offering a modest yield of around 1.2%, Costco’s dividends have grown by 24% yearly for a decade, thanks to its cost-efficient business model.
Dividend yields saw a 0.59% increase in 2017.
Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft’s P/E ratio rose to 18.3, yet its dividend yield remains attractive at 2.6%. The company has increased its dividends for 12 consecutive years, providing steady income.
Union Pacific Railroad
Benefiting from favorable crude oil prices and commodity shipments, Union Pacific’s stock gained 17.5% last year, supported by increased freight volume.
PepsiCo
The beverage and snack giant maintains a 10% annual dividend growth, backed by strong cash flow, and offers a potential 2.9% increase from current yields.
Cisco Systems’ products and technologies span switching, routing, wireless, and security, with 76% of revenue from product sales in 2016.
EQT Midstream Partners aims for 20% annual growth in 2017 and 15–20% in 2018.
Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology, offers a dividend yield of 2.1%, surpassing many peers.
Apple holds $170 billion in investments, facilitating share buybacks and 10% dividend growth over four years.
Air Products & Chemicals supplies industrial gases to manufacturing sectors, with dividend growth of 0.39%.
Pfizer continues to be among the top 20 with an expected EPS increase of 8% in 2017, paying substantial dividends.
Schlumberger, a leading oilfield services firm, maintains stable market share despite oil price volatility.
L Brands, owner of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, boasts a 3.4% yield with 25% annual dividend increases since 2011.
Nike develops and markets athletic apparel and footwear, with rising earnings and a current payout ratio of 22%, indicating strong dividend prospects.
International Paper, a major packaging and paper supplier, expects earnings per share to grow by 23% in 2017.
AbbVie, a biotech giant, projects over 60% sales growth, targeting $37 billion by 2020.
Chevron’s stock rose 36% in 2016, with revenue estimates increasing from $113 billion to $153 billion for 2017.
PPL Corporation has increased dividends by 3.3% annually over the past decade, with EPS growth of 5–6% through 2020.
TELUS anticipates dividend hikes of 7–10% annually from 2017 to 2019, maintaining a payout ratio of 65–75%.
Disney, a global entertainment powerhouse, with a market cap of $166.91 billion, has boosted EPS by 14% annually and dividends by 18% over the last ten years.
These companies represent the top 20 dividend-paying stocks in the U.S. market, ideal for income-focused investors.
