The allure of dividends, however, isn't simply in what they are today. That also is what can make dividend income appealing versus bond income. A bond pays a set amount of interest each year until it matures. With dividends, however, increases in the payout over time mean the yield on your original investment can rise. But investors should carefully research the ability and willingness of individual utilities and REITs to maintain or increase their dividends.
Many investors wonder about so-called preferred stocks issued by major companies.
Here is a sampling of big-name stocks with annualized dividend yields higher than what most money market funds are paying. Dividend yield is calculated by dividing the dividend by the stock price. You will not be charged to look for stories, only to retrieve one.