The Ultimate High-Yield Dividend Stock to Buy Right Now for 2026

For income-focused investors, the search for a truly great dividend stock—one that offers a powerful yield without being a high-risk gamble—can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. With the broader market’s average dividend yield often hovering around the 1.1% mark, finding a stock that can reliably put cash back in your pocket is a top priority.

We’ve pinpointed one stock that is currently standing head and shoulders above its peers for those building a portfolio with a long-term income horizon, particularly looking toward 2026: **Verizon Communications** (NYSE: VZ).

The Power of a Stable, Seven-Percent Payout

Let’s be blunt: the primary appeal of Verizon is its extraordinary dividend. The telecom giant currently boasts a yield of approximately 7%, making it the highest dividend-paying stock among the entire Dow Jones Industrial Average. For investors prioritizing immediate cash flow, that kind of payout is a significant magnet, providing an income stream that comfortably outpaces inflation and the yields on most traditional fixed-income investments.

But a high yield alone isn’t enough; sustainability is key. Verizon shines here, too, having successfully increased its dividend payment for 19 consecutive years. This is a strong indicator of a resilient financial foundation, as management has shown an unwavering commitment to returning capital to shareholders, even through various economic cycles and intense industry competition.

More Than Just a High Yield

Verizon is not a high-growth technology stock; its top-line revenue growth has been modest over the past decade. This is the “bad news” that helps keep its stock price—and therefore its yield—so attractive for value investors. However, the company’s core business is fundamentally sound and incredibly sticky.

The company operates a massive wireless and broadband network, serving over 146 million consumer and business accounts. In the modern economy, cellular service and internet access are not luxuries; they are essential utilities. This essential nature provides Verizon with a massive, recurring, and stable cash flow that directly supports its generous dividend.

Furthermore, the future growth story is centered on foundational infrastructure improvements. The company is in the process of a major expansion of its fiber network and the continued build-out of its 5G technology. These massive, long-term investments in its network should continue to strengthen its competitive position and generate the necessary free cash flow to maintain and grow its payout for years to come.

A Long-Term Anchor for Your Portfolio

Buying a high-yield stock is all about risk management. Verizon’s dividend is not covered by speculative projects or debt-fueled buybacks; it is supported by the consistent demand for its basic services. While market volatility will always exist, Verizon offers a unique combination: an ultra-high yield today, a long track record of consistent dividend raises, and a bedrock business model that is foundational to the digital world.

For an investor seeking a safe, reliable income anchor for their portfolio in 2026, Verizon Communications is an compelling choice that is simply too powerful to ignore.