Best Dividend Stocks For Beginners this February 2026

Prudential Financial (PRU) stands out as a solid investment opportunity with a robust dividend yield of 5.26% and a low payout ratio of 38%, reflecting its commitment to reliable income for investors. Despite a 1-year return of -10.87%, the company has shown resilience over the past five years with a notable 35.56% return, positioning it favorably for growth. Analysts maintain a median price target of $119.00, underscoring its potential for future appreciation while recognizing the inherent liquidity risks associated with financial services.

PRU stock is exposed to liquidity risk, meaning it may struggle to meet short-term obligations, and its investment portfolios face potential losses from credit defaults or declines in value.

Verizon Communications (VZ) presents an appealing investment opportunity with a solid 6.86% dividend yield, making it an attractive option for those seeking stable income. Currently trading at a 25% discount to its fair value, it offers a potential upside with analysts setting a median price target of $45.50. Despite a 1-year return of -3.25% and a 5-year return of -28.68%, the stock maintains strong analyst ratings, with a consensus recommendation leaning towards a Buy, suggesting a neutral outlook in line with market averages over the next 12 months.

Verizon (VZ) has a consensus rating of Buy from 11 analysts, with 27% recommending Strong Buy, 9% Buy, and 64% suggesting Hold.

VZ is expected to perform in line with market averages over the next 12 months.

With a focus on subscriber growth, strong revenue, rising dividends, and network dominance, Verizon is considered a solid long-term investment for value investors.

Realty Income (O), known as "The Monthly Dividend Company," is an attractive option for investors seeking consistent passive income through reliable monthly dividends. With a dividend yield of 5.30% and a 1-year return of 8.79%, it remains undervalued in the current market. While analysts maintain a "Hold" rating with a median price target of $61.00, the stock's strong fundamentals make it suitable for passive income beginners.

Realty Income (O) has a consensus rating of 'Hold' from 12 analysts, with 17% recommending a Strong Buy, 8% a Buy, 67% a Hold, 8% a Sell, and none suggesting a Strong Sell.

The average price target for Realty Income (O) is $62.58, indicating a potential 1.56% increase over the next year, with a low target of $60 and a high of $68.

Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is considered one of the 10 safest monthly dividend stocks and focuses on single-tenant commercial properties.

John Wiley & Sons (WLY) offers an appealing dividend yield of 4.58%, making it a strong candidate for investors seeking reliable income in uncertain markets. Despite a challenging year with a -26.78% return, the company maintains a low payout ratio of 37% and is noted for its stability, reinforcing its position as a financially healthy option. Recent analyst ratings reflect a mixed outlook, with upgrades and downgrades, but the expectation of solid earnings growth this fiscal year adds to its investment attractiveness.

WLY has a payout ratio of 37% and is expected to achieve earnings growth of 9.89% in the upcoming fiscal year, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.00 per share for 2025.

WLY shares have low volatility, with only seven instances of price movement greater than 5% in the past year.

WLY has a forward dividend yield of 4.49%, placing it in the top 30% of dividend yields.

Analysts have set a price target of $60.00 for WLY, indicating a consensus on its expected performance.