Income investors on the hunt for the best dividend-paying stocks should check out the Kiplinger Dividend 15, a list of our favorite dividend stocks. Here are four of the highest-yielding stocks. (Yields as of Oct. 30.) Keep in mind that higher yields can mean higher risks.
Realty Income
Symbol: O
Yield: 4.7%
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Consecutive years of dividend hikes: 23
The real estate investment trust owns hundreds of retail properties leased to major national companies such as Walgreens. The reliable REIT has paid a dividend for 568 months in a row.
Verizon Communications
Symbol: VZ
Yield: 4.8%
Consecutive years of dividend hikes: 11
The telecom giant rakes in about $30 billion every quarter from more than 109 million subscribers to its phone, internet and TV services. Biggest risk: Sales aren’t growing much.
Blackstone Group
Symbol: BX
Yield: 5.3%
Consecutive years of dividend hikes: 2
The asset manager handles more than $371 billion in investments, including private equity funds, mutual funds and real estate. Biggest risk: A prolonged slump in financial markets.
Enterprise Products Partners
Symbol: EPD
Yield: 6.7%
Consecutive years of dividend hikes: 18
Enterprise, one of the largest energy master limited partnerships, runs oil-and-gas pipelines, processing plants, storage depots and export facilities. Biggest risk: A drop in oil prices.