The ongoing government shutdown is nearing an end, and market optimism is slowly returning as major U.S. indexes rise on renewed hopes for economic stability.
As investors look to generate passive income and protect against future volatility during a cautious recovery, we’ve selected two dividend stocks that could turn $100 into $1,000 in 2026.
United Health (UNH)
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) offers an annual dividend yield of 2.7% based on the current stock price of $327.45, maintaining a payout ratio of 49.99%. This is significantly higher than the sector average of 1.58%. That makes UNH stock a very attractive stock heading into the year’s final quarterly payout.
Currently, UnitedHealth stock is enduring a steep decline in 2025, down 35% since the beginning of the year due to a change in management and multiple investigations into its billing practices by the Justice Department. But there are signs of a turnaround, as last month’s earnings report beat expectations, with sales up 12% year-over-year.
As a result, management raised its full-year earnings per share (EPS) outlook from $16.00 to at least $16.25. Additionally, Chief Financial Officer Wayne DeVate said at the UBS Global Healthcare Conference on Nov. 11 that the company’s recovery efforts are expected to reach full fruition by 2027, suggesting patient investors may be able to expect a meaningful recovery down the road.
Real estate income (O)
Known as the “Monthly Dividend Company,” Realty Income (NYSE: O) boasts an impressive track record of over 100 consecutive quarterly dividend payments and currently offers an annualized yield of 5.7% and a payout ratio of 207%. At the time of writing, O stock is trading at $57.16, up 8.47% since the beginning of the year.
The company’s success stems from its stable cash-generating business model built around a diversified portfolio of commercial properties secured primarily through long-term net leases. This structure keeps operating costs low, as most of the real estate-related costs are borne by the tenant.
Thanks to last quarter’s strong performance, Realty Income raised its investment guidance to $5.5 billion and cited flexibility as a key competitive advantage for the company, which is now “ready to expand across locations, property types, industries, and capital sources.”
Overall, UnitedHealth and Realty Income each exhibit attractive combinations of returns and resiliency with reliable cash flow, diversified portfolios, and optimistic 2026 guidance.
Featured image via Shutterstock
