3 Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now for Income and Upside

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The article highlights three dividend-paying stocks that the author believes offer investors a combination of income and growth potential. The stocks are UnitedHealth Group, Ryman Hospitality Properties, and ONEOK. The article provides an overview of each company's business, recent performance, and valuation, making the case that they are attractive investment options in the current market environment.

Why it matters

In a market where income investors have options, such as the 4.2% yield on the 10-year Treasury, dividend stocks need to offer both price appreciation and growth potential to compete. The three companies featured in the article are positioned to provide investors with a steady stream of income while also offering the potential for capital gains.

The details

UnitedHealth Group, the nation's largest private health insurer, has seen its stock price drop 20% following weaker-than-expected Q4 results. However, the company's 3.2% dividend is considered safe, as it is well-covered by the $16 billion in free cash flow generated last year. Ryman Hospitality Properties, a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns large-scale convention resorts and country music venues, offers a 4.8% dividend yield and trades at an attractive valuation. ONEOK, a fully integrated natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) company, has seen its adjusted EBITDA jump 37% year-over-year, and the stock offers a 5.1% dividend yield.

• The article was published on February 12, 2026.