Best Stocks with High Dividends: 5 Income-Generating Picks for 2026

Looking for best stocks with high dividends to boost your portfolio this year? If you’re seeking consistent quarterly payouts, several compelling opportunities offer yields ranging from 5.7% to 9.6%. Let’s explore five income-generating investments that could make 2026 a prosperous year for dividend-focused investors.

Why These High-Dividend Stocks Stand Out

The following picks represent a mix of investment types: one business development company, three energy midstream operators, and a commercial real estate trust. Each has demonstrated a strong commitment to shareholder returns through years of consistent or growing distributions.

1. Ares Capital (NASDAQ: ARCC) — The High-Yield Leader at 9.6%

When it comes to best stocks with high dividends, Ares Capital takes the crown with a forward yield of 9.6%. As the largest publicly traded BDC, this company manages a $28.7 billion portfolio spanning over 15 industries. Its diversified approach means no single investment (outside its Ivory Hill Asset Management subsidiary) exceeds 2% of total holdings.

What makes this particularly attractive? A 16-year track record of maintained or increased dividends. Since 2004, Ares Capital has delivered substantially superior returns compared to rival BDCs and the S&P 500, making it a standout choice for income-focused investors.

2. Realty Income (NYSE: O) — Steady Monthly Payouts at 5.7%

Realty Income operates a different model entirely. This REIT owns 15,542 commercial properties across nine countries, with tenants including Dollar General, FedEx, Home Depot, and Walmart across 92 different industries.

The standout feature? Monthly dividend payments rather than quarterly distributions, providing 12 income events per year instead of four. With a 5.7% yield and 30 consecutive years of dividend increases (plus an impressive 112 consecutive quarters of raises), Realty Income exemplifies stability among best stocks with high dividends for steady income seekers.

3. Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET) — Growth-Focused Infrastructure at 8.1%

This midstream energy limited partnership operates over 144,000 miles of pipelines, plus terminals, storage facilities, and fractionators. Its 8.1% forward distribution yield appeals to income investors, but the real story is growth. Energy Transfer is building data centers powered by natural gas generation—contracts with CloudBurst and Oracle demonstrate this emerging opportunity.

4. Enbridge (NYSE: ENB) — Blue-Chip Energy Play at 5.9%

Enbridge transports 30% of North America’s crude oil production and 20% of U.S. natural gas consumption while serving 7.1 million utility customers. This leading midstream operator has increased dividends for 30 consecutive years—a testament to business resilience.

With approximately $50 billion in identified growth opportunities through decade’s end and a 5.9% yield, Enbridge represents the best stocks with high dividends for conservative income investors seeking established companies with expansion potential.

5. Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE: EPD) — Cash Flow Champion at 6.8%

Operating over 50,000 miles of pipelines plus liquids storage, gas processing, and deepwater facilities, Enterprise Products Partners matches Enbridge’s dividend commitment with 27 consecutive years of distribution increases. Its 6.8% yield reflects solid fundamentals.

The partnership’s strongest advantage: a long history of generating substantial cash flow to sustain distributions, plus the highest credit rating among midstream peers—evidence of financial strength backing these reliable payouts.

The Bottom Line for Income Investors

Whether you prefer monthly distributions from a REIT, quarterly payouts from energy infrastructure, or high yields from specialized BDCs, these best stocks with high dividends offer genuine opportunities to enhance portfolio income. Each has demonstrated through years of consistent distributions that management prioritizes shareholder returns, making them worthy considerations for 2026.