2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks Worth Buying Before 2026 Ends
Verizon and Pfizer pay generous dividends, and each has a different path to growth. Here's how income investors can lock in yield before year-end.
As the year 2026 draws to a close, income-seeking investors still have options to secure appealing dividend yields while investing in long-term growth potential. Two stocks that warrant attention are Verizon Communications (VZ) and Pfizer (PFE). These high-yield dividend stocks possess established businesses, consistent payouts, and growth prospects that make them appealing for investors with a focus on income.
Verizon Communications boasts a strong combination of high yield, recurring revenue, and essential services. In today's world, wireless connectivity has become indispensable for households and businesses, providing a dependable source of cash flow for Verizon. The company has demonstrated improving subscriber growth, alongside continued growth in mobility and broadband service revenue.
In its recent second-quarter results, Verizon reported these positive developments. The firm also added more than 1 million mobility and broadband connections during the first half of the year, leading to management raising its full-year guidance for the second consecutive quarter. This indicates a stronger confidence in the company's growth outlook.
One of Verizon's strengths as a dividend investor lies in the cash flow generated by its telecommunications business, which is passed on to shareholders. The company declared a quarterly dividend of approximately $0.71 per share in September 2026, yielding about 6.5% in forward terms. This represents an annual payout of roughly $6.50 for every $100 invested. Moreover, Verizon has a proven track record of raising dividends over time.
On the other hand, Pfizer (PFE) presents a different route to high dividend income. As a pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer offers an established pharmaceutical business with a growing portfolio of medicines and expansion into new treatment markets. The company's dividend track record speaks volumes to income investors, with a forward dividend yield of around 6.1% as of October 2026.
Pfizer has maintained an impressive streak of 352 consecutive quarterly dividend payments, marking 88 years of uninterrupted payouts. The company is also committed to maintaining and growing the dividend in the long term.
Pfizer's growth strategy focuses on oncology, specialty medicines, and new treatments. The company's cancer portfolio is particularly noteworthy, with investments in innovative therapies that allow for further expansion. Pfizer is also making progress in breast cancer and bladder cancer treatments, opening up additional commercial opportunities.
The company reports 96 programs across various stages of clinical development, including 31 already in phase 3. This diverse pipeline offers multiple potential opportunities for future product launches, providing investors with a high dividend yield and potential growth.
While both companies provide high yields, their suitability varies depending on the investor's goals. For those seeking steadier income and reliable cash flow, Verizon might be the more dependable option, backed by recurring revenue from connectivity services. Meanwhile, Pfizer caters to investors seeking income combined with growth potential, given its established portfolio and promising opportunities in oncology and new treatments.
As the year 2026 ends, investors can explore these high-yield dividend stocks for a balanced approach to income and long-term growth.
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