Dividends have become a challenging source of passive income in the current market, as the average yield on the S&P 500 hovers near 1.1%, a nadir not seen in more than 25 years. Despite this constrained environment, opportunities exist to capture more robust dividend yields from select equities.
This analysis highlights three firms that present compelling high-dividend prospects, with yields spanning from 6.8% to 10.3%, potentially allowing investors to significantly enhance their passive income streams in 2026.
Starwood Property Trust: A REIT with a Yield Exceeding 10%
Starwood Property Trust (ticker: STWD) currently offers an estimated dividend yield of 10.3%, the highest among the three. This real estate investment trust manages a diversified portfolio consisting of income-generating properties and real estate-backed loans. These assets produce consistent interest income and rental revenues that underpin the trust's significant dividend distribution.
The company has strategically broadened its investment scope, notably acquiring Fundamental Income Properties for $2.2 billion. This acquisition adds 467 net-leased properties to Starwood's portfolio, characterized by a weighted average lease term of 17 years and an average annual rent escalation rate of 2.2%. Such long-term obligations are expected to deliver stable and gradually increasing income, reinforcing the sustainability of the substantial dividend.
Financially, Starwood displayed investment discipline by allocating $10.2 billion across new initiatives in the first nine months of 2025. This total includes the aforementioned property acquisition and a record $800 million invested in infrastructure lending during Q3 alone. The diversified nature of these investments is integral to maintaining the REIT’s robust dividend, which it has sustained for over a decade.
Western Midstream Partners: Resilient Cash Flows in Midstream Energy
Western Midstream Partners (ticker: WES), an energy-focused master limited partnership (MLP), yields approximately 9.2%. The company’s infrastructure holdings—which encompass pipelines and processing plants—are supported by long-term, fixed-rate contractual arrangements and regulated tariff frameworks, contributing to highly predictable revenue streams.
For the current year, Western Midstream projects free cash flow in the range of $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion. This cash generation comfortably covers its distribution commitments and capital expenditures necessary for operational growth and maintenance, while also leaving financial room to pursue accretive acquisitions.
Presently, the partnership maintains a leverage ratio of 2.8x, below its conservative cap of 3.0x, ensuring financial stability. A recent milestone was the $2 billion purchase of Aris Water Solutions, a transaction aimed at expanding growth prospects. Distribution growth is anticipated to be supported organically through volume gains and rate adjustments, with the potential for accelerated increases stemming from capital projects and further acquisitions. Indeed, the payout was increased by 13% during the current year, partially attributable to the benefits derived from the Aris acquisition.
Verizon: A Telecommunication Giant with Consistent Dividend Growth
Verizon Communications Inc. (ticker: VZ) offers a dividend yield near 6.8% and boasts a long record of dividend growth, having increased its payout every year for the past 19 years. The company's revenue model includes recurring income from mobile and broadband contracts with both consumer and enterprise clients.
Through the first three quarters of 2025, Verizon generated $28 billion in operating cash flow—ample funding to cover its capital expenditures of $12.3 billion and dividends totaling $8.6 billion, leaving about $7.2 billion in residual free cash flow. This positive cash flow has been directed toward strengthening the company’s balance sheet.
Looking forward, Verizon anticipates greater free cash flow in 2026. The enterprise is in the process of finalizing a $20 billion cash transaction to acquire Frontier Communications, a move expected to enhance its service bundling capabilities in mobile and broadband markets. Such a strategic expansion positions Verizon favorably to continue increasing its dividend distributions.
Considerations and Income Potential
These three entities stand out for their ability to deliver dividend yields multiple times higher than the general stock market averages while maintaining credible dividend histories. Their diversified and stable cash flow bases are essential to supporting these lucrative payouts, making them prospective choices for investors seeking sustained passive income growth heading into the next year.