Top 7 High-Dividend Stocks to Watch in 2024

Discover the top seven high-dividend stocks for 2024, including Apple, Google, and Home Depot. Learn about their payout rates, profit growth, and investment potential to help you make informed decisions for steady income and portfolio growth.

Dividends are periodic payments made by companies to their shareholders, typically quarterly. Some major investors may receive dividends more frequently or in different forms, such as stock bonuses or additional shares. Most dividends are paid approximately every four months, either in cash or stock. Investors favor good dividends because they provide a steady income stream from their investments. It's important to note, however, that not all stocks offer dividends.

Here are seven notable dividend-paying companies:
Apple Inc.: Apple leads in dividend payments, offering about 2% yield, roughly $2.28 annually per share. With an EPS of approximately $8.58, their profit margins far surpass the dividends paid. Consistent annual income growth suggests potential for higher dividends in the future.

Google: While Google currently doesn't issue dividends, its rising net income and high earnings per share ($25.81) indicate strong financial health. With ample cash reserves, Google is poised to start dividend payouts as shareholder demand grows.

Home Depot: This retailer offers a dividend yield of around 2.2%, paying $2.78 per share annually. Their profits have grown significantly—from $5.3 billion five years ago to over $8 billion recently—enhancing their capacity to pay dividends.

Oak Tree Capital: Known for alternative investments, Oak Tree Capital offers a dividend rate of 5.6%. With over $20 billion in cash, they specialize in distressed debt investments and provide attractive payouts.

Brookfield Infrastructure: Holding a 4.5% dividend yield, Brookfield invests in roads, power transmission, ports, and pipelines. Their steady growth and increasing stock value suggest promising future dividend payments.

Diageo: As the world's largest beverage company, Diageo enjoys a prominent position with products sold in over 180 countries. It offers a 5% dividend yield, leveraging a 14% sales increase and 28% profit boost, maintaining its status as a top dividend stock in the UK.

Total SA: This leading French oil and gas firm produces significant dividends. With global assets including oil fields, pipelines, and refineries, Total SA has increased its income to $25 billion, enabling a 5.1% dividend payout.