3 Dividend Stocks to Help Protect Your Retirement

Group 1: Enbridge - Enbridge operates in the midstream energy sector, owning major pipelines and charging fees for their use, which supports its stable business model [2] - The company has a strong track record with 30 consecutive years of annual dividend increases, currently offering a dividend yield of 5.8%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 1.3% and the average energy stock's 3% [3] - Enbridge is adapting to the global energy market by deriving around 25% of its EBITDA from regulated natural gas utilities and clean energy sources, making it a long-term investment option [3] Group 2: Realty Income - Realty Income is the largest net lease REIT, owning over 15,600 single-tenant properties, which minimizes income risk despite generating 75% of its rents from retail properties [4] - The REIT has a strong history of increasing dividends annually for three decades, with a current yield of 5.6%, above the average REIT yield of 4% [5] - Realty Income pays dividends monthly and has increased its dividend every quarter for 110 consecutive quarters, providing a reliable income stream for investors [6] Group 3: PepsiCo - PepsiCo offers a dividend yield of 3.8%, which, while lower than Enbridge and Realty Income, is still above the market average and near its historical high [7] - The company faces challenges such as growth slowdown and changing consumer habits, but its status as a Dividend King reflects its ability to reward shareholders consistently for over 50 years [8] - PepsiCo's current high yield presents a potential buying opportunity for long-term income investors despite existing headwinds [8] Group 4: Market Context - The current stock market is experiencing significant volatility, but focusing on high-yield stocks like Enbridge, Realty Income, and PepsiCo can provide stability through reliable dividends [10]