Healthpeak Properties, Inc.

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Healthpeak Properties, Inc. stock analysis DOC overview
Slightly Bearish -20

Highest-Paying Dividend Stocks in the S&P 500 (2026)

📊 The top 10 highest-yielding S&P 500 stocks range from Altria at 9.9% yield to Pfizer at 6.2%, with many yields exceeding current U.S. 10-year Treasury rates of 4.3%.

🚬 Altria (MO) leads the list with a 9.9% yield and a $3.92 annual dividend, having nearly tripled payouts over the last decade despite facing headwinds from shifting consumer habits.

🏥 Healthpeak Properties (PEAK) offers a 7.2% yield but has underperformed significantly, with shares down 46% in the last five years and dividends reduced from a peak of $2.30 to $1.20.

💊 Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) yields 7.0% while struggling with consumer spending declines, leading to a plan to close 450 stores and cut 10% of its workforce.

🛡️ 3M (MMM) trades at a 6.9% yield after a 56.5% drop over five years, recently raising its quarterly dividend by a penny while spinning off its healthcare division as Solventum.

⛽ Kinder Morgan (KMI) maintains a 6.6% yield with an active $3 billion buyback program and has increased dividends annually, though it operates heavily in the volatile energy sector.

📡 AT&T (T) and Verizon (VZ) both offer 6.6% yields; AT&T faces risks from its failed Time Warner acquisition, while Verizon is highlighted as a reliable long-term holding with 5G exposure.

🛢️ Devon Energy (DVN) provides a 6.4% yield tied to oil prices, currently facing production weakness until summer seasonality improves cash flows for its fixed-plus-variable dividend strategy.

🏠 Whirlpool (WHR) yields 6.4% with a long history of rising dividends, yet shares have fallen over 24% in five years, resulting in only 0.9% annualized returns over a decade.

💉 Pfizer (PFE) rounds out the list at 6.2% yield; while a reliable payer since the Great Financial Crisis, its stock has declined more than 50% since late 2022.

Bullish Signals
  • Altria has nearly tripled its dividend payouts over the last 10 years and recently raised its annual dividend to $3.92 per share.
  • Kinder Morgan maintains a standard practice of annual dividend hikes and has spent $522 million on buybacks in 2023 alone.
  • Verizon is described as a 'dividend stalwart' offering exposure to the growth of the Internet of Things (IOT) and 5G networks.
  • Devon Energy utilizes a 'fixed plus variable' dividend strategy that returns free cash flow from its portfolio properties directly to shareholders.
  • Whirlpool has increased its annual dividend payout from $1.20 in 1995 to $7 today, with the last increase occurring in early 2022.
Risk Factors
  • Many high-yield stocks on the list are included due to significant underperformance and share price declines rather than strong growth prospects.
  • Healthpeak Properties has seen its annual dividend cut from a peak of $2.30 in 2016 down to $1.20 per share since 2021.
  • Walgreens Boots Alliance is closing 450 stores and reducing its workforce by 10% due to muted consumer spending and the end of the COVID vaccine push.
  • 3M issued soft guidance for 2024 profits, contributing to a worst selloff in five years with shares down 56.5% over that period.
  • Devon Energy expects production weakness in the next few quarters until summer seasonality kicks in later this year.
  • Whirlpool shares are trading at levels last seen in early 2013, and a 10-year investment would have yielded only 0.9% annually even with dividends reinvested.
  • Pfizer has fallen more than 50% since the end of 2022 and is trading at valuation levels not seen since 1997.
Full Analysis
The article identifies the top 10 highest-yielding dividend stocks within the S&P 500, noting that while over 75% of index constituents pay dividends, these specific leaders offer yields ranging from 6.2% to 9.9%, significantly exceeding current U.S. Treasury yields. The list includes major blue-chip companies such as Altria, Healthpeak Properties, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and AT&T, alongside energy and industrial giants like Kinder Morgan, Devon Energy, and Pfizer. Altria leads the rankings with a 9.9% yield driven by its robust tobacco business and recent dividend increases, though it faces long-term headwinds from shifting consumer preferences toward vaping. Other high-yielders like Healthpeak Properties and Walgreens are included due to significant share price declines rather than aggressive payout growth, with Healthpeak down 46% over five years and Walgreens closing 450 stores following muted spending. The remaining entries include 3M, which is preparing to spin off its healthcare arm into Solventum; AT&T and Verizon, telecom stalwarts facing legacy debt risks from past acquisitions; Kinder Morgan and Devon Energy, whose yields are tied to volatile oil prices and infrastructure operations; Whirlpool, struggling with declining share value despite decades of dividend hikes; and Pfizer, which has seen its stock fall over 50% since late 2022. The analysis concludes that high yields often signal underlying financial distress or underperformance rather than pure growth potential. While some companies like Verizon are viewed as attractive long-term holdings due to their 'dividend stalwart' status, others like Walgreens and Pfizer are described as trading at levels not seen in decades, suggesting investors should exercise caution when selecting these high-yield assets for portfolios.