Dividend Kings: The 9 Highest-Yielding Stocks in the S&P 500 You Need to Know About in 2024

For income-seeking investors, dividend stocks are a key component of stable, long-term portfolios. As the markets face volatility, dividend-paying stocks provide a reliable source of income, offering the dual benefit of regular payouts and capital appreciation. In 2024, nine standout companies in the S&P 500 have captured the attention of dividend enthusiasts with their high yields, making them must-consider options for anyone building a portfolio focused on income and growth.

Why Dividend Stocks Matter for Investors

In unpredictable markets, dividend-paying stocks act as a lifeline for investors, offering consistent income even when share prices fluctuate. Dividends can help investors weather market downturns while also providing the potential for compounding growth when dividends are reinvested. Companies that regularly pay and increase dividends—particularly those with a long history of doing so—are often seen as financially stable and well-managed.

These dividend kings are not only leaders in their respective industries but also blue-chip stocks, known for their stability and resilience in volatile markets. Their attractive yields make them especially appealing to income-focused investors looking for a steady stream of returns in the face of market uncertainty.

The 9 Highest-Yielding Dividend Stocks in the S&P 500

Here are the nine top dividend-paying stocks in the S&P 500 that are shining in 2024, offering sky-high yields and promising steady income:

1. AT&T (T) – With one of the highest dividend yields in the S&P 500, AT&T continues to be a favorite for income investors. Despite challenges in the telecom sector, its consistent payouts make it a reliable option.
2. ExxonMobil (XOM) – A giant in the energy sector, ExxonMobil offers both strong dividends and potential capital appreciation, benefiting from rising oil prices and a focus on energy security.
3. Chevron (CVX) – Another energy heavyweight, Chevron’s high dividend yield remains attractive as the company navigates fluctuating oil prices while maintaining strong cash flows.
4. IBM (IBM) – Known for its consistent dividend payouts, IBM offers investors a reliable income stream as it transitions into a more software-focused business model.
5. Philip Morris International (PM) – As one of the world’s largest tobacco companies, Philip Morris continues to provide substantial dividends, appealing to investors despite regulatory challenges in the industry.
6. Verizon (VZ) – Competing closely with AT&T in the telecom space, Verizon’s stable cash flow supports its high dividend yield, making it a top pick for income-focused investors.
7. Altria Group (MO) – Known for its strong dividend yield, Altria remains a key player in the tobacco sector, offering steady income despite the industry’s declining cigarette sales.
8. Realty Income (O) – A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) known for its monthly dividend payments, Realty Income provides real estate exposure with consistent income, particularly attractive in times of market volatility.
9. Lumen Technologies (LUMN) – With a high dividend yield, Lumen is a key player in the telecom and data sector, attracting investors looking for reliable income amid evolving technology trends.

ETFs: Adding Stability to Your Portfolio

In addition to these high-yielding stocks, ETFs like VNQ (Vanguard Real Estate ETF) are also gaining attention in 2024. Up 18% since June 1, VNQ’s performance has outpaced the S&P 500 by nearly three times, providing investors with exposure to the real estate sector, which tends to be more income-focused due to its structure of distributing profits through dividends.

Real estate ETFs like VNQ offer diversification while delivering strong returns, making them an ideal complement to individual dividend stocks. As real estate typically provides a hedge against inflation, VNQ’s rising performance underscores its appeal for income investors looking for growth beyond traditional dividend stocks.

Why These Stocks Matter for Long-Term Investors

For long-term investors, dividend stocks provide both stability and income—a combination that can offer peace of mind during periods of market volatility. These nine companies, along with high-performing ETFs like VNQ, have proven their ability to maintain strong dividends even in turbulent times, making them solid choices for portfolios focused on income generation.

By reinvesting dividends, investors can leverage the power of compounding, where returns are reinvested to generate even greater returns over time. This strategy is particularly effective in bear markets, where the regularity of dividend payments can soften the blow of declining stock prices.

Conclusion: Dividend Stocks Reshaping Portfolios in 2024

As investors seek stability and reliable income in an uncertain market, dividend kings in the S&P 500 are reshaping portfolios and providing attractive yields. From the energy and telecom sectors to real estate and tech, these nine high-yielding stocks offer a balanced approach to growth and income.

With the added benefit of ETFs like VNQ, income-seeking investors can also tap into broader sectors like real estate to enhance their returns. For those building or diversifying long-term portfolios, these dividend giants remain essential components in the search for consistent and stable income.