Verizon (VZ) is number one on this list for two reasons: an excellent dividend yield combined with good dividend safety. First, most investors know about Verizon. The company is a cell phone giant with one of the largest US networks.
In our opinion, no list of dividend stocks is complete without Microsoft (MSFT). Almost every investor knows about Microsoft. The company’s signature products and services include Windows, MS Office, Xbox, LinkedIn, Bing, Outlook, Azure, and more.
Realty Income Corporation (O) is the only real estate investment trust (REIT) on this list. The trust owns more than 6,500 commercial properties. Additionally, Realty Income’s retail properties are not part of larger retail developments.
Coca-Cola (KO) is one of the most well-known dividend stocks. Additionally, the company owns some of the most famous brands globally, operating in more than 200 countries. Coca-Cola owns over 20 brands with $1 billion in sales.
For our last stock on this list of five stocks, we include a utility for diversification. Consolidated Edison (ED) is one of the oldest regulated utilities. The company is also a well-known dividend stock that has paid a dividend since 1885.