Stable Stocks for New Investors: ExxonMobil, UnitedHealth, and Verizon
New investors may feel overwhelmed by the numerous options available in today's market. Valuations are high, and some stocks may not be as appealing despite their strong performances.
However, there are three rock-solid dividend stocks that can offer an attractive mix of value, stability, and high yields: ExxonMobil (XOM), UnitedHealth Group (UNH), and Verizon Communications (VZ).
ExxonMobil is a stable investment with a dominant position in the industry. Its vast portfolio of assets and financial strength make it a fantastic long-term investment. The company's current dividend yield is 2.6%, which is above the S&P 500 average but lower than usual due to its strong performance this year, up 34% since the start of the year.
UnitedHealth Group is another top health insurance company with high demand for its services. Its revenue over the past year was $450 billion, and profits totaled $14 billion. The company has increased its dividend by 60% over the past five years and currently yields 2.4%. Despite its solid gains this year, up around 20%, now can be a good time to buy the stock.
Verizon Communications is a telecom giant with a stable business and modest single-digit growth. Its payout ratio is around 70%, leaving room for continued dividend increases, as it has raised its payout for an impressive 20 consecutive years. With a yield of 5.9%, Verizon makes for another great stock to buy right now.