High Dividend Yield: 10 Stocks to Watch (August 9, 2026)
This week’s high dividend yield screener identifies companies offering substantial income potential through dividend payments exceeding 3% annually. The screening criteria filtered for established companies with market capitalizations above $1 billion, focusing on dividend yields that significantly outpace current treasury rates and provide meaningful income generation for investors seeking regular cash flow.
Screening Methodology and Market Context
The screener applied two primary filters: minimum market capitalization of $1 billion to ensure company stability and liquidity, and dividend yields exceeding 3% to identify stocks offering above-average income potential. These criteria captured companies across multiple sectors, from traditional dividend stalwarts in telecommunications and energy to consumer brands maintaining consistent payout policies.
High Dividend Yield Stock Data
| Ticker | Company | Price | Market Cap | Dividend Yield | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFE | Pfizer Inc. | $26.74 | $152.4B | 6.43% | Healthcare |
| VZ | Verizon Communications Inc. | $47.06 | $196.5B | 5.94% | Communication Services |
| T | AT&T Inc. | $23.80 | $163.1B | 4.66% | Communication Services |
| PEP | PepsiCo, Inc. | $139.02 | $189.9B | 4.13% | Consumer Defensive |
| NKE | NIKE, Inc. | $41.70 | $61.7B | 3.91% | Consumer Cyclical |
| BMY | Bristol-Myers Squibb Company | $64.72 | $132.2B | 3.88% | Healthcare |
| CVX | Chevron Corporation | $186.57 | $371.6B | 3.74% | Energy |
| MDT | Medtronic plc | $87.16 | $111.6B | 3.27% | Healthcare |
| USB | U.S. Bancorp | $63.94 | $99.6B | 3.25% | Financial Services |
| TGT | Target Corporation | $149.70 | $68.0B | 3.05% | Consumer Defensive |
Individual Stock Profiles
Pfizer Inc. (PFE) leads the screener with a 6.43% dividend yield, reflecting the pharmaceutical giant’s commitment to shareholder returns despite recent stock price pressures. The $152.4 billion market cap company continues generating substantial cash flows from its diversified drug portfolio.
Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) offers a 5.94% yield supported by steady wireless subscriber revenue and infrastructure investments. At $196.5 billion market capitalization, the telecommunications leader maintains one of the sector’s most reliable dividend track records.
AT&T Inc. (T) provides a 4.66% dividend yield while trading at $23.80 per share, representing the company’s focus on debt reduction and streamlined operations. The $163.1 billion telecom maintains its dividend despite ongoing business transformation efforts.
PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) delivers a 4.13% yield from its diversified beverage and snack food operations, with the $189.9 billion consumer staples company demonstrating consistent cash generation. Trading at $139.02, PEP represents one of the market’s most dependable dividend aristocrats.
NIKE, Inc. (NKE) shows a 3.91% yield at current price levels of $41.70, unusual for the typically growth-focused athletic apparel company. The $61.7 billion market cap reflects recent valuation compression in the consumer discretionary sector.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY) maintains a 3.88% dividend yield supported by its oncology and immunology drug franchises. The $132.2 billion pharmaceutical company continues investing heavily in research and development while returning cash to shareholders.
Chevron Corporation (CVX) offers a 3.74% yield backed by strong energy sector fundamentals and disciplined capital allocation. At $371.6 billion market capitalization, the integrated oil company represents the largest entity in this week’s screener results.
Medtronic plc (MDT) provides a 3.27% dividend yield from its medical device operations, with the $111.6 billion company maintaining steady cash flows despite healthcare industry headwinds. The medical technology leader trades at $87.16 per share.
U.S. Bancorp (USB) delivers a 3.25% yield reflecting the regional bank’s conservative lending practices and strong capital position. The $99.6 billion financial services company continues benefiting from higher interest rate environments.
Target Corporation (TGT) rounds out the screener with a 3.05% dividend yield, supported by the retailer’s omnichannel strategy and market share gains. Trading at $149.70, the $68.0 billion company maintains its dividend growth streak despite retail sector challenges.
Sector Distribution and Yield Analysis
Healthcare companies represent three of the ten qualifying stocks, with yields ranging from 3.27% to 6.43%, demonstrating the sector’s commitment to dividend payments amid patent cliffs and regulatory pressures. Communication services contributed two entries, both exceeding 4.5% yields as these capital-intensive businesses prioritize shareholder returns. Consumer defensive and other sectors round out the list, showing broad market representation among high-yielding large-cap stocks.
This analysis presents factual market data for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Dividend yields can fluctuate based on stock price movements and company dividend policy changes. Past dividend payments do not guarantee future distributions. Investors should conduct their own research and consider their individual financial circumstances before making investment decisions.