Dividend Income Showdown: How Much Do Top Companies Pay Per $1,000 Invested?
Investing in dividend-paying stocks is one of the most reliable ways to generate passive income while benefiting from long-term stock appreciation. But not all dividends are created equal—some companies pay a modest yield, while others deliver substantial cash flow to shareholders.
This breakdown highlights how much annual income you’d earn per $1,000 invested in well-known dividend stocks, from tech giants like Apple to high-yield REITs like Realty Income ($O).
📊 Explore how different stocks stack up in dividend payouts—and which ones fit your portfolio.
Dividend Payouts per $1,000 Invested (Ranked Low to High)
| Company | Ticker | Industry | Annual Dividend per $1K | Dividend Yield* | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🍎 Apple | $AAPL | Tech | $4.10 | ~0.4% | Prioritizes reinvestment over dividends. |
| 🖥️ Microsoft | $MSFT | Tech | $8.10 | ~0.8% | Similar to Apple; strong stock buybacks. |
| 🍕 Domino’s | $DPZ | Fast Food | $12.60 | ~1.3% | Modest but stable payouts. |
| 👟 Nike | $NKE | Apparel | $20.60 | ~2.1% | Balanced between growth & dividends. |
| ☕ Starbucks | $SBUX | Restaurants | $21.60 | ~2.2% | Reliable consumer brand dividend. |
| 🍔 McDonald’s | $MCD | Fast Food | $23.20 | ~2.3% | Dividend Aristocrat (25+ years of increases). |
| 🥤 Coca-Cola | $KO | Beverages | $28.10 | ~2.8% | Dividend King (50+ years of growth). |
| 🥤 PepsiCo | $PEP | Beverages/Snacks | $37.60 | ~3.8% | Higher yield than KO due to snacks segment. |
| 🛢️ Chevron | $CVX | Oil & Gas | $43.80 | ~4.4% | Energy dividends fluctuate with oil prices. |
| 🎰 VICI Properties | $VICI | REIT (Casinos) | $57.00 | ~5.7% | REITs must pay 90% of income as dividends. |
| 🏬 Realty Income | $O | REIT (Retail) | $57.40 | ~5.7% | Pays monthly dividends. |
| 💧 Enterprise | $EPD | Energy Pipelines | $63.50 | ~6.4% | High yield, but issues a K-1 tax form. |
| 🚬 Altria | $MO | Tobacco | $77.30 | ~7.7% | Highest yield, but faces industry decline. |
📌 Dividend yields are based on mid-2024 data—always check current rates before investing.
Key Takeaways: Who Pays the Best Dividends?
🏆 Tech Giants Pay Peanuts (But Grow Fast)
- $AAPL ($4.10/yr per $1K) & $MSFT ($8.10/yr per $1K)
- These companies focus on stock buybacks & reinvestment rather than dividends.
- Best for growth investors, not income seekers.
🏛 Reliable “Dividend Aristocrats” (2–4% Yields)
- $MCD, $KO, $PEP, $SBUX
- These stocks have raised dividends for decades, making them ideal for long-term passive income.
🔥 High-Yield Plays (5%+ Yields, But Higher Risk)
- $O, $VICI (REITs), $EPD (Energy), $MO (Tobacco)
- REITs and MLPs must distribute high dividends, but they come with risks:
- Interest rate sensitivity (REITs struggle when rates rise).
- Industry decline (tobacco and oil face regulatory challenges).
- Best for investors seeking maximum cash flow.
What’s Missing? Other Dividend Stocks to Consider
Want more diversification? Check out: ✅ Utilities ($DUK, $NEE) – Steady ~3–4% yields. ✅ Healthcare ($JNJ, $ABBV) – Reliable dividends with strong growth. ✅ Telecom ($VZ, $T) – High dividends but mixed long-term prospects.
Final Thoughts: Which Dividend Stock Fits Your Strategy?
- Growth-focused? → $AAPL, $MSFT
- Stable & moderate yield? → $KO, $PEP, $MCD
- High yield, higher risk? → $O, $MO, $EPD
💬 What’s your top dividend stock pick? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇