Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights: Altria, Verizon Communications and PepsiCo
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – April 6, 2026 – Today, Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights Altria MO, Verizon Communications VZ and PepsiCo PEP.
3 Consistent Dividend Payers Outperforming in 2026
Everybody loves dividends, mainly for their ability to generate a steady stream of income. Many large-cap stocks with an established history of consistent payouts are generally less volatile by nature, another positive benefit in the current landscape.
And for those seeking consistent payouts, three stocks – Altria, Verizon Communications and PepsiCo – could all be considerations.
Altria Keeps Paying
Altria boasts a leading portfolio of tobacco products for U.S. consumers, with its wholly owned subsidiaries including leading manufacturers of both combustible and smoke-free products.
Altria has long been a favorite among income-focused investors thanks to its shareholder-friendly nature, recognized not only as a Dividend Aristocrat but also as a Dividend King.
The company's EPS estimates have remained stable while also inching higher across several timeframes, as shown below. Shares have had a great 2026, up nearly 15% and widely outperforming relative to the S&P 500.
Verizon Shares Outperform
Verizon Communications is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States, providing wireless, broadband, and fiber-optic services to millions of consumers and businesses.
Strong cash generation has placed the company on many income-focused investors' lists, with its low volatility also highly appealing. The company has posted $20.1 billion in free cash flow over a trailing twelve-month period, with shares currently yielding 5.6% annually.
The earnings picture for VZ has also become bullish over recent months, with analysts revising their EPS expectations modestly higher across the board. Shares have benefited from the favorable revisions, up more than 20% in 2026 so far.
PepsiCo Remains a King
PepsiCo manufactures, markets, and distributes grain-based snack foods, beverages, and other products. The stock popped on its latest set of better-than-expected results, with improved operational efficiencies leading to 15% year-over-year EPS growth. Shares have also delivered outperformance relative to the S&P 500 in 2026 so far, up nearly 9%.
Similar to Altria above, PepsiCo also holds the elite Dividend King title, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to its shareholders over its long history. Shares currently yield a solid 3.7% annually, with its dividend reliability over the last decade.
Bottom Line
Companies with a long history of consistent dividend payouts often offer a strong shield against volatility while generating passive income. After all, isn't payday the best?
All three stocks above – Altria, Verizon Communications and PepsiCo – precisely fit the criteria.
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performancefor information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
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