5 Dividend Stocks Worth Considering: Premium Yields Between 5.7% and 9.6% for Income-Focused Investors

What captures the attention of income-focused investors? Reliable quarterly payouts paired with solid long-term performance typically top the list. While not all investors prioritize dividend income during their early accumulation years, the appeal of sustained monthly or quarterly distributions is undeniable as a portfolio strategy heading into 2026.

The market currently offers several compelling opportunities across different sectors. Below we examine five dividend stocks to buy now that combine attractive yields with proven track records.

Understanding the High-Yield Opportunity Landscape

The dividend stock universe extends across multiple asset classes. Some options come from specialized lending vehicles, while others represent infrastructure operators or property holders. Current market conditions have created valuations where yields ranging from 5.7% to 9.6% are achievable through disciplined equity selection.

Ares Capital: The Business Development Company Leader

Ares Capital (NASDAQ: ARCC) commands the largest position among publicly traded business development companies. Its $28.7 billion portfolio spans more than 15 distinct industries, with no single holding outside its Ivory Hill Asset Management subsidiary representing more than 2% of total assets.

The forward dividend yield reaches an impressive 9.6%. This BDC has maintained or increased distributions for 16 consecutive years. Performance metrics demonstrate that since 2004, Ares Capital has delivered returns substantially exceeding both peer BDCs and the broader S&P 500 benchmark.

Energy Infrastructure: Three Compelling Midstream Operators

Enbridge’s Decades of Consistency

Enbridge (NYSE: ENB) operates critical North American energy infrastructure. The company’s pipeline network transports roughly 30% of crude oil produced on the continent and 20% of U.S. natural gas consumption. Additionally, Enbridge functions as North America’s premier natural gas utility by volume, serving 7.1 million customers across the U.S.

The dividend track record spans three decades of consecutive increases. The forward dividend yield stands near 5.9%. Management has identified approximately $50 billion in expansion opportunities through 2030, positioning the company for sustained cash generation.

Energy Transfer’s Data Center Pivot

Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET), organized as a limited partnership, controls over 144,000 pipeline miles plus storage terminals, processing facilities, and fractionation assets. The forward distribution yield reaches 8.1%.

Recent growth initiatives target the data center sector. The company has secured contracts with CloudBurst and Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) to supply natural gas powering dedicated data center electricity generation. This evolution reflects adaptation to emerging energy demand patterns.

Enterprise Products Partners’ Stability and Scale

Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE: EPD) represents another major midstream infrastructure player operating as an LP. The company manages over 50,000 pipeline miles alongside liquids storage capacity, natural gas processing trains, fractionation equipment, and deepwater dock facilities.

With 27 consecutive years of distribution increases, Enterprise Products demonstrates commitment to shareholder returns. The distribution yield reaches 6.8%. The company maintains one of midstream’s strongest balance sheets, earning the industry’s highest credit rating. A long operational history of robust cash flow generation supports consistent distribution funding.

Realty Income: Monthly Dividend Real Estate

Realty Income (NYSE: O), organized as a real estate investment trust, owns 15,542 commercial properties across nine countries. The tenant portfolio encompasses 1,647 companies spanning 92 industries.

Notable tenants include household names such as Dollar General (NYSE: DG), FedEx (NYSE: FDX), Home Depot (NYSE: HD), and Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT).

The REIT matches Enbridge’s 30-year dividend increase streak. More remarkably, distributions have risen for 112 consecutive quarters. The forward dividend yield stands at 5.7%. Unlike most dividend-paying stocks offering quarterly payouts, Realty Income distributes monthly—a structural advantage for income planning.

Key Considerations for 2026

These five dividend stocks to buy now span different asset classes yet share common traits: proven management, consistent payout histories, and valuations offering meaningful yields. Whether selecting BDC exposure, infrastructure partnerships, or commercial real estate, investors can construct diversified income portfolios from this selection. The combination of current yields and historical performance creates a foundation worthy of portfolio consideration for income-oriented investors entering the new year.