This Yield Is Just Right!

While the recent market drop has not been good news for holders of equities, it has created some incredible dividend yields for investors seeking income. All of these stocks on this list are yielding returns greater than 6%. They are all stable companies that have historically supported their dividends. These 5 stocks are currently paying out better dividends than most bonds.

1. BP (BP) has been pummeled and shares are just 50 cents above their 52 week low. Shares are so low that BP is now yielding 7.5%. This is enough to make me add shares to my current position despite all of the negative publicity.

2. Verizon (VZ) is now yielding a ridiculous 6.8% dividend as of the market close on Friday. This is just too tempting to pass up. Even if the stock is stagnant for the foreseeable future, where else are you going to find a 6.8% return on your money?

3. Altria (MO) is the ultimate guilty pleasure stock. The cigarette manufacturer is now paying investors 6.8% to hold its shares.

4. AT&T (T) is right behind Verizon with a generous 6.7% dividend yield. It appears that Verizon is not the only telecommunications company that is richly rewarding shareholders.

5.Total SA (TOT) looks like a buy. Shares have been unfairly punished despite a strong earning’s report this past month. The stock is trading at just 7 times 2011’s earning’s estimates and is paying out a hefty 6.6% dividend to shareholders. This is a great stock for investors that want oil and gas exposure without the risk of a BP.

Disclosure: I do own shares in BP.