2 No-Brainer Dividend Stocks to Buy for Income This May

Core Insights - Companies like NextEra Energy and Realty Income are highlighted as strong dividend stocks due to their ability to maintain and grow dividends even during economic downturns [2][13][14] NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy has increased its dividend for over 30 consecutive years, with a compound annual growth rate of 10% over the past two decades, outperforming the average utility and the S&P 500 [3][4] - The company's stable earnings come from its regulated Florida-based electric utility and power generation segments, allowing for a current dividend yield of nearly 3.5%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of less than 1.5% [4] - Growing demand for power, particularly renewable energy, positions NextEra to continue its growth trajectory, with expectations of maintaining a growth rate of 6% to 8% annually through at least 2027 [5][6] Realty Income - Realty Income has a strong history of dividend growth, having raised its dividend 130 times since its public offering in 1994, with a current streak of 110 consecutive quarters [7] - The REIT benefits from stable rental income through a diversified portfolio of properties secured by long-term net leases, which ensures consistent cash flow [8] - Realty Income's focus on economically resilient tenants, including major companies like 7-Eleven and Walmart, contributes to its low dividend payout ratio, allowing for significant reinvestment into new properties [9][10] - The company has a high credit rating, providing financial flexibility to invest billions annually into income-generating real estate, supporting its dividend yield of over 5.5% [10][11]