Unlock Steady Retirement Cash: 10 High-Yield Stocks You Can’t Miss!

Published on December 26th, 2024

Are you ready to supercharge your income with high-yield stocks? The current landscape shows the S&P 500 offering a modest yield of about 1.3%, but what if I told you that there are stocks out there delivering yields of 5% or more? That’s right—these high-yield stocks can be your ticket to a more comfortable retirement.

Imagine investing $120,000 in a selection of these dividend-rich stocks, and reaping an average of $500 a month in dividends. Sounds enticing, doesn’t it?

We’ve put together a comprehensive spreadsheet featuring stocks, along with related real estate investment trusts (REITs) and master limited partnerships (MLPs) that have dividend yields of 5% or higher.

Ready to unlock this treasure trove? Download your FREE full list of high dividend stocks—complete with crucial financial metrics like dividend yield and payout ratio—by clicking the link below:

 

High dividend stocks are a magnet for income investors, particularly those in or approaching retirement. With these stocks, you can enjoy a flourishing income stream while enjoying your golden years.

Of course, due diligence is key—always ensure that any stock you choose has a solid foundation for sustaining its dividend payouts.

This article delves into the allure of dividend stocks for retirees and presents a carefully curated list of 10 high-yield stocks that can secure lasting retirement income.

Table of Contents

The table of contents below allows for seamless navigation:

Why Invest in High Dividend Stocks?

There are plenty of compelling reasons for income investors to gravitate towards high dividend stocks boasting yields above 5%.

Firstly, dividends are a powerful contributor to a company’s total returns over time. Research shows that since 1960, a staggering 85% of the S&P 500’s cumulative total return can be traced back to reinvested dividends and the magic of compounding.

High dividend stocks don’t need to rely as much on share price appreciation compared to non-dividend stocks to yield favorable total returns.

Secondly, resilient dividend stocks that continue to pay out during economic downturns can cushion your portfolio against market slumps. While shares may take a temporary dip, you still benefit from a steady income stream.

Thirdly, companies with a proven history of paying dividends tend to practice discipline in their management, ensuring a focus on sustainability.

Therefore, the 10 high yield stocks listed below are poised to provide you with reliable retirement income. Each stock currently boasts a yield above 5%, along with Dividend Risk Scores of A or B, making them all the more attractive.

High Yield Stock for Lasting Retirement Income: UGI Corp (UGI)

UGI Corporation is a well-established gas and electric utility, with operations spanning Pennsylvania and a robust energy distribution network across the U.S. and beyond.

Founded in 1882, UGI has been steadily paying dividends since 1885, backed by a market capitalization of $6.2 billion. The company operates through four segments: AmeriGas, UGI International, Midstream & Marketing, and UGI Utilities.

In their latest fiscal results, UGI reported record-breaking numbers, achieving an adjusted diluted EPS of $3.06, fueled by strategic execution and efficiency gains. They realized significant cost reductions ahead of schedule, equating to a $75 million savings, while returning $320 million to shareholders through dividends.

UGI continues its legacy with a 140-year streak of dividend payments and a 6% growth in EPS over five years. Their commitment to infrastructure improvement remains strong, with $500 million dedicated to utility advancements.

Click here to access our latest Sure Analysis report on UGI (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield Stock for Lasting Retirement Income: NNN REIT (NNN)

National Retail Properties, or NNN, is a REIT with a diversified portfolio of about 3,000 single-tenant, net-leased retail properties across the United States.

With a focus on retail clients, NNN enjoys a low occupancy rate of around 96%, typically maintaining a range of 98%-99%. Their disciplined management approach has proven effective, particularly in their latest performance report.

In Q3 2024, NNN showcased impressive financials, tightening their full-year core FFO guidance while raising acquisition guidance by 22% to $550 million. They reported a core FFO of $0.84 per share, reflecting a 3.7% year-over-year increase, and maintaining an outstanding occupancy of 99.3% across their properties.

Click here to access our latest Sure Analysis report on NNN (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield Stock for Lasting Retirement Income: Universal Corp. (UVV)

Universal Corporation stands out as a leading supplier of leaf tobacco and plant-based inputs for consumer product manufacturers.

The Tobacco Operations segment is responsible for procuring and processing tobacco used in cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and smokeless products, serving both domestic and international markets.

Additionally, their Ingredient Operations focus on vegetables and fruits, though this segment is smaller compared to tobacco. Universal has been expanding through strategic acquisitions since 2020.

In their latest earnings report, Universal Corporation showcased revenues of $710 million for the second quarter, bolstered by strong carryover crop sales.

Click here to access our latest Sure Analysis report on Universal (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield Stock for Lasting Retirement Income: Realty Income (O)

Realty Income is not just a REIT; it’s a phenomenon known for its monthly dividends and a remarkable history of dividend growth.

Owning a diverse range of standalone retail properties, Realty Income ensures a versatile tenant base across sectors such as government services, healthcare, and entertainment—helping it weather economic fluctuations.

In its latest earnings report, Realty Income posted an EPS of $0.30, slightly missing estimates, but revenue surged to $1.27 billion—a 26% year-over-year increase that exceeded expectations. The company’s portfolio maintained an impressive occupancy rate of 98.7% while investing heavily in new properties, achieving an initial average cash yield of 7.4%.

Click here to access our latest Sure Analysis report on Realty Income (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield Stock for Lasting Retirement Income: CVS Health (CVS)

CVS Health Corporation stands tall as an integrated healthcare services provider, encompassing pharmaceutical services and the largest chain of pharmacies in the nation.

With over 9,900 retail locations and servicing more than 102 million plan members, CVS generates around $369 billion in annual revenues.

In their third-quarter report, CVS revealed a 6.3% revenue increase to $95.4 billion, surpassing estimates. However, adjusted EPS of $1.09 fell short compared to the previous year’s $2.21, affected by restructuring charges and premium deficiency reserves. Nonetheless, membership growth remains strong at 5.4%.

Click here to access our latest Sure Analysis report on CVS (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield Stock for Lasting Retirement Income: Enterprise Products Partners (EPD)

Founded in 1968, Enterprise Products Partners operates as a Master Limited Partnership (MLP) in the oil and gas storage and transportation sector.

With an extensive asset base, Enterprise boasts over 50,000 miles of pipelines and storage capacity exceeding 300 million barrels, generating revenues through fees based on the volume of materials transported and stored.

In their latest quarterly report, Enterprise Products announced revenue of $13.78 billion, reflecting a 14.81% year-over-year increase. They declared distributions of $0.525 per unit for Q3 2024—an annualized rate of $2.10, showcasing a 5% increase from the previous year.

Click here to access our latest Sure Analysis report on EPD (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield Stock for Lasting Retirement Income: Sunoco LP (SUN)

Sunoco is a master limited partnership that specializes in distributing a diverse range of fuel products, both wholesale and retail, while also engaging in pipeline activities.

In their third quarter earnings report, Sunoco revealed revenues of $5.8 billion—down 9% compared to the previous year. However, adjusted EBITDA saw a remarkable year-over-year increase of 77%, reaching $456 million. Furthermore, distributable cash flows totaled $349 million for the quarter, easily covering their dividend.

Looking ahead, Sunoco expects EBITDA between $1.46 billion to $1.52 billion for 2024, reflecting the impact of their recent acquisition of NuStar Energy.

Click here to access our latest Sure Analysis report on SUN (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield Stock for Lasting Retirement Income: Verizon Communications (VZ)

Verizon is a giant in the wireless communications industry, accounting for a significant chunk of revenue through its broadband and cable services. With a network covering approximately 300 million people, it provides services to 98% of the U.S. population.

In their recent earnings report, Verizon noted a slight revenue decline of 0.1%, with total revenue at $33.3 billion—missing estimates by $120 million. Adjusted EPS of $1.19 was slightly better than last year but still below expectations. Nevertheless, the company recorded impressive postpaid phone net additions, showcasing its robust customer loyalty and retention.

Click here to access our latest Sure Analysis report on VZ (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield Stock for Lasting Retirement Income: Altria Group (MO)

Altria is a notable player in the tobacco industry, offering a broad range of products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes, under well-known brands such as Marlboro.

The company also holds significant stakes in e-cigarette manufacturer JUUL and cannabis company Cronos Group.

Altria reported promising third-quarter results, with revenue hitting $5.34 billion—a 1.3% increase year-over-year. Adjusted EPS came in at $1.38, surpassing expectations. Moreover, the company reaffirmed its full-year EPS guidance, indicating a healthy growth trajectory.

Click here to access our latest Sure Analysis report on Altria (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield Stock for Lasting Retirement Income: Universal Health Retirement Income Trust (UHT)

Universal Health Realty Income Trust focuses on the healthcare sector as a REIT, owning a variety of healthcare-related facilities.

The trust’s diverse portfolio includes hospitals, medical offices, rehabilitation centers, and childcare facilities, totaling 69 properties across 20 states.

In its latest third-quarter results, UHT reported funds from operations (FFO) of $11.3 million, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year. With strong liquidity and strategic investments, UHT maintains a robust portfolio.

Click here to access our latest Sure Analysis report on UHT (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

Final Thoughts

The stocks highlighted above each boast strong business models capable of generating robust cash flows, translating into generous dividend payouts for shareholders.

With high current yields and top-tier Dividend Risk Scores, these 10 stocks present an excellent opportunity for income investors, especially retirees looking for reliable income streams.

Interested in discovering high-quality dividend growth stocks or other income-generating securities? Check out the valuable resources below:

High-Yield Individual Security Research

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