Top High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Buy for Immediate Income in 2026

For income-focused investors seeking to capitalize on ultra-high-yield dividend stocks in 2026, the key lies in identifying companies with robust financial metrics, sustainable payout ratios, and clear growth catalysts. After rigorous screening of the market, three names stand out: AGNC Investment Corp., Pfizer, and PennantPark Floating Rate Capital (PFLT). These companies not only offer compelling dividend yields but also demonstrate strong balance sheets and strategic initiatives that position them to maintain-and potentially grow-their payouts in the coming years.

AGNC Investment Corp.: A High-Yield Play on Mortgage-Backed Securities

AGNC Investment Corp. (AGNC) is a prime example of a high-yield stock with a strong foundation for dividend sustainability. As of late 2025, AGNC offers a 13.31% dividend yield, with a $0.12 per share payout scheduled for January 12, 2026, and an ex-dividend date of December 31, 2025 according to its financial reports. This yield is supported by the company's financial strength, including a 6.0% increase in tangible net book value per share to $8.28 as of September 30, 2025 as reported. AGNC's leverage ratio of 7.6x and $7.2 billion in unencumbered liquidity further underscore its ability to weather market volatility while maintaining its payout.

The company's growth trajectory is equally compelling. AGNC's $90.8 billion investment portfolio, primarily composed of Agency MBS and TBA securities, generated $0.78 in comprehensive income per share in Q3 2025, including $0.72 in net income. This performance is amplified by the Federal Reserve's pivot to a less restrictive monetary policy, which has boosted AGNC's economic return on tangible common equity to 10.6% for the quarter. Additionally, strategic capital-raising activities, such as a $345 million preferred stock offering and $309 million in common stock ATM proceeds, have fortified AGNC's liquidity and positioned it to capitalize on market opportunities in 2026.

PennantPark Floating Rate Capital: A Defensive High-Yield Play

PennantPark Floating Rate Capital (PFLT) offers a 13.37% dividend yield calculated using a $1.23 annual dividend and a December 2025 stock price of $9.20. This yield is underpinned by PFLT's 10.2% weighted average yield on debt investments and a disciplined capital structure, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66x as of September 30, 2025 as reported. The company's focus on first lien secured debt and its $2.77 billion portfolio of floating-rate loans to middle-market companies provide a buffer against rising interest rates and credit risks.

PFLT's growth catalysts are equally robust. The company's expansion of its PSSL 2 credit facility-a low-cost facility priced at SOFR plus 175 basis points-is expected to boost interest income and net investment income. Analysts project 3.6% annual revenue growth over the next three years, with profit margins rising from 25.4% to 41.1% by 2028 as analysts forecast. Furthermore, PFLT's focus on defensive sectors such as government services, defense, and healthcare positions it to maintain strong free cash flow and limit credit losses according to market analysis. With a $10.70 price target from analysts according to financial forecasts, PFLT also offers upside potential for capital appreciation alongside its high yield.

Pfizer: A Dividend Powerhouse with Strategic Growth

Pfizer (PFE) may not offer the highest yield among the three, but its 6.76% dividend yield as of November 2025 is supported by a fortress balance sheet and a disciplined capital allocation strategy. The company returned $7.3 billion to shareholders in the first nine months of 2025 through its quarterly dividend, while also raising its full-year 2025 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to $3.00–$3.15. This performance is driven by $4.5 billion in net cost savings by year-end 2025 and strategic acquisitions that expand its high-growth pipelines.

Two major transactions stand out: the $10 billion acquisition of Metsera, which brings clinical-stage obesity candidates like MET-097i and MET-233i as announced, and the $1.25 billion in-licensing of SSGJ-707 from 3SBio, a bispecific antibody with potential in oncology as reported. These moves not only diversify Pfizer's revenue streams but also position it to lead in high-impact therapeutic areas like obesity and cancer. With $500 million in additional cost savings expected in 2025, Pfizer's ability to sustain and grow its dividend appears well-anchored.

Conclusion: Balancing Yield, Safety, and Growth

For investors prioritizing immediate income, AGNC, PFLT, and Pfizer represent a balanced mix of high-yield opportunities. AGNC's mortgage-backed securities model and PFLT's floating-rate loan strategy offer resilience in a shifting rate environment, while Pfizer's disciplined cost management and strategic acquisitions provide long-term stability. Each company's financial metrics and growth catalysts validate their dividend sustainability, making them compelling choices for a 2026 income portfolio.

As always, investors should conduct further due diligence and consider their risk tolerance, but these three stocks exemplify how ultra-high-yield dividends can coexist with strong fundamentals and growth potential.