Your Guide to 26 High-Yield Stocks Worth Buying in 2026

Building a Powerhouse Income Portfolio

Kicking off the new year with a strategic selection of dividend-paying equities is a proven approach for wealth building. This year’s curated list of 26 stocks to buy spans multiple sectors and income strategies, blending ultra-high yielders exceeding 6% with growth-oriented picks offering moderate payouts but exceptional upside potential. Whether you’re seeking stability or expansion, these equities deliver on both fronts.

The Income Aristocrats: 50+ Years of Consecutive Increases

Nothing speaks louder than consistency. These three dividend champions have raised payouts for over five decades, making them the gold standard for income investors:

AbbVie’s narrative is particularly compelling. Despite navigating the patent cliff when its flagship drug Humira lost exclusivity in early 2023, the pharmaceutical giant has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround. Today, it ranks among healthcare’s premier income vehicles for serious dividend chasers.

Government-Incentivized High Yields

The U.S. tax code rewards certain investment structures with exceptional distributions. Companies required to pass 90%+ of earnings to shareholders include:

Realty Income deserves special mention—beyond its generous yield, it delivers monthly payouts and boasts 30 consecutive years of dividend growth. The monthly cadence appeals especially to investors seeking predictable cash flow.

Growth Giants That Also Pay

The “Magnificent Seven” rarely attract attention for dividends, yet three tech titans merit consideration as buy stocks that blend appreciation with modest income:

Alphabet particularly stands out for 2026. The company dominates artificial intelligence with a top-three cloud platform, leading large language models, and rapidly gaining traction in custom AI chips. For growth-focused income investors, it checks virtually every box.

Energy Sector Stalwarts: Reliable High Income

Energy has long been the go-to for serious dividend seekers. These four names offer compelling yields backed by essential infrastructure:

Enbridge emerges as the sector’s crown jewel. Its pipeline network transports 30% of North American crude and roughly 20% of U.S. natural gas consumption. Adding to its appeal, Enbridge operates as North America’s largest natural gas utility with 31 consecutive years of dividend growth.

Utilities & Infrastructure: The Safe Haven Play

When markets turn turbulent, utility and infrastructure equities provide shelter. Seven names particularly appeal:

The Brookfield ecosystem deserves elaboration. Both renewable and infrastructure segments operate dual-share structures—partnerships (LPs) and corporate entities—allowing investors flexibility. These companies share parentage under Brookfield Asset Management (BAM), creating a cohesive ecosystem for diversified infrastructure exposure.

Undervalued Dividend Champions: Income Plus Upside

What surpasses solid income? That same income paired with bargain valuations. These six equities deliver both:

All six trade at forward P/E multiples significantly below the S&P 500’s valuation level. UnitedHealth Group particularly stands out—after a disappointing 2025, the health insurance and pharmacy benefits giant appears primed for a meaningful 2026 recovery.

The Outlier: Extreme Yield Alert

For the aggressive income seeker, one unconventional addition rounds out the portfolio:

This closed-end fund operates similarly to business development companies through direct lending strategies. While its 12.8% distribution is eye-popping, investors should approach with appropriate caution regarding volatility and capital preservation.

The Bottom Line: A Diversified Income Strategy

From 50-year dividend aristocrats to government-incentivized structures, technology giants balancing growth with returns, energy infrastructure providers, and severely undervalued opportunities, this collection of 26 stocks to buy spans every income investor’s need. The combination of high current yield, growth potential, and valuation discipline creates a framework adaptable to various risk tolerances and investment horizons. Whether you’re building from scratch or optimizing existing positions, this lineup offers multiple pathways to build meaningful portfolio income for 2026.