In times of rising inflation and talk of a future recession, many people look for ways to increase the income from their investment portfolio. Dividends can be a fantastic method to do this. Earning passive income from some of the most substantial companies in the economy is possible through dividend stocks or investment strategies for them.
Investing in Dividend Stocks and Mutual Funds
Companies that pay dividends and mutual funds that invest in dividend-paying stocks are the two most common options for investors seeking regular dividend income. See how they all function below.
A dividend stock is the same as purchasing any other type of stock. A brokerage account, which can be opened quickly and easily with an online broker, is required to make a trade. You can start investing in dividend stocks once your account is opened and funds are deposited. Your broker's research service may even allow you to find high-yielding stocks.
Investment vehicles such as mutual funds and ETFs
When making a dividend investment, it may be best to invest in a dividend fund if you are still determining which stocks to buy. Dividend-focused mutual funds and ETFs invest in a diversified portfolio of dividend-paying equities. When selecting investments, these funds may prioritize stocks that have historically paid dividends and seen steady growth in those payments or equities with a high dividend yield.
Selecting a fund rather than managing your portfolio of equities will help you avoid overexposure to any one company.
The V.F. Company (VFC)
The North Face, Timberland, and Vans are just a few well-known clothing and footwear labels owned by V.F. Corporation. Sales have dropped for several of the company's most famous lines, and rising stock levels have forced them to lower prices even further. Every year for almost a decade, shareholders have received dividend payments from this firm.
The dividend yield is 7.3%.
Dividend paid out once every year: $2.04
The Energy of Devon (DVN)
Devon Energy is an American oil and gas producer that also owns a variety of oil and gas holdings across the country. The Oklahoma City firm is working hard to provide its investors with returns that are on par with those of similar companies.
8% dividend yield
Paid out every year: $6.20
Dow Inc. (DOW)
Dow Inc. (DOW) produces many chemicals for application in different sectors. Packaging and specialty plastics, industrial intermediates and infrastructure, and performance materials and coatings are among its many divisions. Midland, Michigan, is home to Dow's main office.
Paid-out dividend rate 5.9%
With a yearly payout of $2.80, shareholders are well taken care of.
The Best Available Merchandise (BBY)
Best Buy is a major American and Canadian electronics and appliance retailer across the two countries. Since its peak of nearly 1,800 locations in 2013, the Minnesota-based company's store count has steadily declined to its current level of around 1,100.
The yield on investment (5.4%).
$3.52 per year in dividends.
Verizon Wireless (VZ) 
Verizon dominates the market in terms of providing cutting-edge telecommunications and technology solutions. They, along with AT&T and T-Mobile, offer nearly all of the United States mobile phone service. In 2021, Verizon earned over $130 billion in income.
The dividend yield is 7.2%.
Dividend paid out every year: $2.61
AT&T (T)
AT&T, like other industry leaders, provides healthy dividends to its investors. To fund its 5G initiatives and reduce its massive debt, the corporation has recently sold off certain assets and reduced its dividend by roughly half.
The yield on investment: 6.1%
$1.11 per share in dividends paid annually
Intel (INTC)
It's no secret that Intel is a global leader in the semiconductor industry; its chips are found in various standard electronic devices. The corporation intends to invest billions of dollars in additional production capacity to stay up with other chip manufacturers. From 2015-2019, Intel distributed over 90% of its free cash flow to its stockholders.
The yield on investment: 5.3%
$1.46 per share in dividends paid annually.
Tobacco Company, Philip Morris (PM)
More than 180 nations outside the US are currently served by Philip Morris's cigarette and smoke-free product distribution network. The company's primary source of income is still the sale of tobacco goods, but it is shifting its focus to smoke-free alternatives that, although not completely risk-free, pose a minor threat to public health.
Return on investment (ROI) 5.7%
The dividend paid out once a year is $5.08 per share.
Alliance of Walgreens and Boots (WBA) 
The retail pharmacy chain Walgreens Boots Alliance can be found in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Back in 1989, the corporation started paying dividends.
The yield on investment (5.4%).
Dividend paid out every year: $1.92
