### High-Yield Dividend Stocks: Chevron, Realty Income, and Verizon Poised for Growth

Dividend stocks have long been favored for their ability to provide a steady and growing income stream, coupled with the potential for stock price appreciation. Chevron (NYSE: CVX), Realty Income (NYSE: O), and Verizon (NYSE: VZ) are three companies that have excelled in delivering dividends and currently trade at attractive valuations, offering high-dividend yields that make them compelling investments.

#### Chevron: A Resilient Contender in the Oil Sector

Over the past year, Chevron shares have declined by more than 10%, largely owing to delays in closing its acquisition of Hess and a dip in oil prices. This drop has resulted in a dividend yield of approximately 4.4%, outpacing its main competitor, ExxonMobil, which offers a 3.2% yield. Despite being second to ExxonMobil in the oil industry, Chevron is well-positioned to succeed even with lower oil prices.

Chevron has stress-tested its operations for scenarios where Brent crude oil trades at $50 per barrel between 2025 and 2027, ensuring it can still fund its capital program and maintain its dividend. Current crude prices in the low $70s present a more favorable environment, potentially allowing Chevron to buy back shares significantly. The anticipated acquisition of Hess, despite opposition from Exxon, could enhance Chevron’s cash flow, potentially doubling it by 2027 at $70 per barrel.

#### Realty Income: A Robust REIT with a Strong Dividend Track Record

Realty Income’s stock is currently trading nearly 20% below its peak due to higher interest rates impacting the commercial real estate market. This situation has led to a dividend yield of almost 5%. Since its inception in 1994, Realty Income has raised its dividend 127 times, including for the last 108 consecutive quarters.

Looking forward, Realty Income aims to grow its funds from operations by 4% to 5% annually through rent increases and strategic acquisitions. With an enormous addressable market valued at $5.4 trillion in the U.S. and $8.5 trillion in Europe, and declining interest rates creating favorable conditions, Realty Income is well-positioned to ramp up its acquisition activities.

#### Verizon: A High-Yield Bargain in the Telecom Sector

Verizon stands out with a remarkable dividend yield of 6.2%, considerably higher than many other S&P 500 companies. Verizon’s low forward price-to-earnings ratio of less than 10 times provides a stark contrast to the S&P 500’s average of 23.8 times, making it an attractive buy. The telecom giant has a strong history of dividend growth, marking its 18th consecutive annual dividend increase last month.

Verizon’s acquisition of Frontier Communications for $20 billion is expected to result in substantial cost savings and expand its fiber network. Combined with significant investments in its 5G network, Verizon is on track to bolster its cash flow, thereby supporting continued dividend increases, balance sheet enhancement, and eventual stock buybacks.

Chevron, Realty Income, and Verizon have a proven history of boosting their dividends and present solid opportunities for further growth, given their current high yields and attractive valuations. These factors make them appealing options for investors seeking robust total returns.