Let’s be honest, shall we? Watching the market lately feels a bit like trying to assemble flat-pack furniture after three glasses of wine. All wobbly bits and existential dread. If you’re the type who needs a bit of income to offset the sheer panic of it all – and who doesn’t? – then paying attention to dividends isn’t just sensible, it’s self-preservation. I’ve been poking around, mostly because my own portfolio is looking a bit…pale, and I’ve found three stocks that might just keep the wolves from the door. Or at least, buy you a decent bottle of wine while the wolves circle.
1. Ares Capital
Ares Capital (ARCC +1.53%). Right, so this is a Business Development Company. Sounds…serious, doesn’t it? Basically, they lend money to companies that aren’t quite big enough to get loans from your usual suspects. They’ve apparently done rather well for themselves – beating the S&P 500 by a cool 40% since 2004. Which, frankly, is a bit show-offy, but I’ll allow it.
They’re legally obliged to hand back 90% of their profits as dividends. It’s a tax thing. Which means a dividend yield of 10.5%. It’s usually high, but it’s currently even higher because everyone’s having a collective meltdown about AI. Apparently, it’s going to eat all the software companies. Dramatic, much? Around 24% of Ares Capital’s investments are in software. But their president, Jim Miller, seems fairly unconcerned. He said in an earnings call that a “whole lot of value destruction” would have to occur before they lost a dollar. I suspect he’s either a genius or deeply, deeply in denial. Either way, it’s a good story.
Honestly, I think the whole SaaS sell-off is a bit overdone. But even if I’m wrong, getting Ares Capital at a discount and locking in that yield? That’s a plan I can get behind. Especially if it means I can avoid checking my portfolio every five minutes.
2. Enbridge
Enbridge (ENB +0.84%). Now, this one is…substantial. They’ve got 18,085 miles of oil pipeline and 19,373 miles of natural gas pipeline. It’s a lot of pipeline. They also happen to be the largest natural gas utility in North America. Which, let’s face it, is a bit terrifying when you think about it. But also…reliable. Like a slightly menacing uncle who always pays his bills.
The dividend yield is 5.3%. Not life-changing, admittedly, but they’ve been increasing it for 31 years. Thirty-one! That’s longer than I’ve been consistently paying my taxes. They’ve also met or exceeded their financial guidance for 20 years. Which is…impressive. They describe it as “low-risk” and “utility-like.” I’d say that’s a fair assessment. They transport 30% of the crude oil and 20% of the natural gas in North America. They’re basically essential infrastructure. Which, in a world that feels increasingly flimsy, is a comforting thought.
Don’t expect jaw-dropping growth. They’re not going to make you a millionaire overnight. But they’ve identified $50 billion of growth opportunities through 2030, which should translate to around 5% average annual earnings growth. Combined with that healthy yield? It’s not glamorous, but it’s…sensible. And frankly, sensible is severely underrated.
3. Realty Income
Realty Income (O 0.91%). Okay, so this is a Real Estate Investment Trust, or REIT. They own 15,511 properties across the US, the UK, and Europe. It’s a lot of properties. Apparently, they’re the sixth-largest global REIT. Which sounds…powerful. They’ve been increasing their dividend for 31 years. Are you sensing a theme here? Apparently, consistency is key. Their dividend yield is over 5%, and they pay monthly dividends. Monthly! It’s like getting a little pat on the back every month. Which, honestly, I desperately need.
They’ve outperformed the S&P 500 during 11 out of 13 market downturns since 1994. Eleven! They’ve delivered positive total operational returns for 30 years. Thirty years! It’s almost suspicious. And they’re seeing strong growth in the UK and Europe. Which is…encouraging. Look, I’m not saying these stocks are a guaranteed path to riches. But in a world that feels increasingly chaotic, a little bit of stability is worth its weight in gold. Or, you know, monthly dividends.
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2026-03-15 11:42