In this article, we will take a look at 5 Quality Stocks with Highest Dividends. For deeper discussion and analysis, read 14 Quality Stocks with Highest Dividends.
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5. Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN)
Dividend Yield as of March 17: 4.83%
On March 12, Citi raised its price recommendation on Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) to $84 from $78. It reiterated a Buy rating on the shares. The firm increased its commodity chemical forecasts, reflecting the impact of the Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on capacity and shipments.
During the Q4 2025 earnings call, the company said it expects a meaningful improvement in earnings in 2026. Chairman and CEO Mark Costa indicated that earnings could reach the upper end of expectations. He noted that a figure around $6 per share falls within the range the company sees as achievable. He also pointed to some uncertainty tied to broader macroeconomic conditions but highlighted several factors that could support results. These include planned cost reductions of $225 million to $250 million over two years, along with volume growth driven by innovation.
The outlook assumes relatively stable volumes in the Fibers segment and continued growth in Advanced Materials. He added that the company’s circular economy platform, along with rPET-related contracts, including work with PepsiCo, is expected to support revenue growth.
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) operates as a global specialty materials company. It produces a range of products used in everyday items and reports across four segments: Advanced Materials (AM), Additives & Functional Products (AFP), Chemical Intermediates (CI), and Fibers.
4. Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA)
Dividend Yield as of March 17: 4.93%
On March 9, Barclays initiated coverage of Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) with an Equal Weight rating. It set a $40 price target on the stock. The firm said the company’s “below-average” earnings growth profile, along with risks tied to a pending Washington rate case, wildfire exposure, power cost volatility, and its non-regulated business, are already reflected in the stock’s “discounted valuation.”
During the Q4 2025 earnings call, CEO Heather Rosentrater looked back on her first year. She said it brought both new growth opportunities and a high level of uncertainty. She noted that the company stayed focused on delivering safe and reliable energy while continuing to create value for shareholders. She explained that Avista Utilities’ results were affected by a one-time adjustment related to Colstrip investments, which reduced earnings per share by $0.07. There were also some timing-related factors. Even with those impacts, the company still finished within its original utility guidance range. Excluding those items, she said utility performance would have been above the midpoint of its 2025 earnings guidance.
Rosentrater also pointed to the company’s decision to file a four-year rate plan with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. She said the plan is meant to address cost pressures tied to grid modernization, clean energy investments, purchased power, hydropower, and risks such as wildfires. She noted that choosing a four-year case instead of a two-year one is intended to reduce the frequency of regulatory proceedings while improving stability in cost recovery, shareholder returns, and transparency for customers.
Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) is an energy company involved in the production, transmission, and distribution of energy, along with other related businesses. Its segments include Avista Utilities and AEL&P. The Avista Utilities segment covers regulated operations across Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana.
3. NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE:NNN)
Dividend Yield as of March 17: 5.26%
On March 9, UBS raised its price recommendation on NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE:NNN) to $45 from $43. It reiterated a Neutral rating on the shares.
During the Q4 2025 earnings call, CFO Vincent Chao said the company had introduced its 2026 guidance. It expects AFFO per share in the range of $3.52 to $3.58 and core FFO per share between $3.47 and $3.53. He noted that the midpoint of the AFFO range points to about 3.2% year-over-year growth, compared with 2.7% growth in 2025. He explained that the outlook assumes around $600 million in acquisitions. These are expected to be funded in part through $130 million in dispositions, along with about $210 million in free cash flow and additional debt financing designed to keep leverage stable.
He also said the company included a 75-basis-point bad debt assumption, calling it a cautious starting point. CEO Stephen Horn added that cap rates have generally stabilized. Fourth-quarter levels were in line with the third quarter, and early 2026 trends are showing a similar pattern. He noted that there could be slight compression in cap rates as the year progresses.
NNN REIT, Inc. (NYSE:NNN) operates as a fully integrated real estate investment trust. It acquires, owns, invests in, and develops properties that are mainly leased to retail tenants under long-term net leases and are primarily held for investment.
2. CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE)
Dividend Yield as of March 17: 5.41%
On March 13, Scotiabank analyst Viktor Fediv raised the firm’s price recommendation on CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE) to $42 from $39. It maintained a Sector Perform rating on the shares. The analyst noted that CubeSmart will need to complete more joint venture transactions and provide clearer details on its future expansion plans before turning more positive on the stock.
During the Q4 2025 earnings call, CFO Timothy Martin outlined the company’s 2026 outlook. He said FFO per share is expected to come in between $2.52 and $2.60. He explained that the midpoint of same-store revenue guidance assumes a macro environment similar to the prior year. It also reflects the ongoing impact of new supply in key markets, some improvement in competitive pricing, and a gradual narrowing of the occupancy gap as the year moves forward.
Martin added that the portion of properties affected by the new supply is expected to decline, with exposure falling from 24% in 2025 to 19% in 2026. He also said the company remains focused on managing expenses. At the same time, it expects pressure from higher real estate taxes, rising personnel costs, and increased winter-related expenses early in the year.
CubeSmart (NYSE:CUBE) operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust. Its self-storage properties are designed to provide climate-controlled storage space for both residential and commercial customers.
1. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)
Dividend Yield as of March 17: 5.5%
On March 16, KeyBanc commented on Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)’s planned changes to its reporting structure, which will begin in Q1. The firm said the updated disclosures are practically useless for modeling purposes. It pointed to a lack of transparency and limited comparability, making it difficult to track how the turnaround is progressing. KeyBanc also said Verizon has “certainly ‘cherry-picked’ a few good metrics while the company is hiding the bad metrics.” Overall, the firm views the changes as a negative and an investor-unfriendly move.
In a CNBC report published on February 26, Wolfe Research noted that Verizon Communications had increased its dividend in September for the 19th consecutive year. Jonathan Kees of Daiwa Capital Markets said telecom companies like Verizon tend to offer steady earnings, consistent dividend payments, and relatively stable share prices. He explained that these traits can appeal to investors during periods of economic and market uncertainty. He also suggested that the sector can serve as a more dependable option for cautious investors and viewed Verizon as having the most attractive risk-reward profile among its peers. He added that among the three major U.S. telecom companies, Verizon has the longest track record of dividend payments and remains focused on continuing to grow those distributions.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) operates as a holding company. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides communications, technology, information, and streaming services to consumers, businesses, and government customers.
While we acknowledge the potential of VZ as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than VZ and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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