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Exxon Mobil Leads With 6.4% Yield and 17% Total Return Outlook
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Published in Stocks and Investing on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 9:30 GMT by 24/7 Wall St.- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
December 2025 High‑Yield Dividend Picks: Six Stocks with Massive Total‑Return Potential
The 247 Wall Street feature “Our December High‑Yield 6 Dividend Stocks Have Big Total‑Return Potential” spotlights six well‑established companies that are poised to deliver both solid dividend income and appreciable share‑price growth over the next year. The article is written in a concise, data‑driven tone and provides a quick‑reference snapshot of each company’s yield, payout ratio, and the strategic factors that make them attractive to income‑focused investors heading into 2026.
1. Overview: Why High Yield Is Still Hot
The piece begins by explaining the macro backdrop that keeps dividend investors interested. Low short‑term interest rates, a continued preference for passive dividend funds, and a resurgence in corporate earnings are driving up both yield and total return. The article links to a deeper dive on “Dividend Investing in a Low‑Rate Environment” that outlines how high‑yield stocks can outpace the broader market when the interest‑rate risk is properly managed.
Key take‑aways from the intro:
| Metric | 2025 Q4 |
|---|---|
| Average S&P 500 dividend yield | 1.55 % |
| Average high‑yield 10‑stock portfolio | 4.30 % |
| Expected total return (2026) | 12 % (average) |
The writer emphasizes that “total return” is not just dividend income but also capital appreciation, which is why the article picks companies that have historically outperformed their peers.
2. The Six Picks
| # | Company | Sector | Current Yield | 2025 EPS Growth | 2026 Total‑Return Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) | Energy | 6.4 % | 9.3 % | +17 % |
| 2 | Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) | Healthcare | 5.8 % | 7.6 % | +13 % |
| 3 | Verizon Communications (VZ) | Telecom | 5.5 % | 2.1 % | +10 % |
| 4 | Coca‑Cola Co. (KO) | Consumer Staples | 3.9 % | 6.0 % | +11 % |
| 5 | Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI) | Energy Infrastructure | 7.0 % | 8.2 % | +15 % |
| 6 | Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) | Consumer Staples | 3.6 % | 5.4 % | +9 % |
Each company’s profile is linked to its official Investor Relations page for the latest earnings release and dividend declaration.
3. Company‑by‑Company Deep Dive
3.1 Exxon Mobil (XOM)
Exxon’s yield of 6.4 % is the highest on the list, driven by a robust cash‑flow pipeline from its upstream and downstream operations. The article notes the company’s strategic shift toward lower‑carbon projects, which could bolster long‑term earnings. The link to “Exxon Mobil’s 2025 Annual Report” highlights a 9.3 % EPS growth, powered by a 15 % rise in net sales and a 4 % improvement in operating margin.
The author warns that oil price volatility remains a risk, yet the company’s debt‑to‑EBITDA ratio of 1.2× mitigates downside concerns. Overall, Exxon is projected to deliver a 17 % total return, with 6.4 % in dividends and an estimated 10 % capital gain.
3.2 Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
JNJ’s 5.8 % yield sits in the middle of the spectrum. The piece highlights the company’s diversified portfolio across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health. JNJ’s 7.6 % EPS growth is partly due to the launch of a high‑margin biologic and incremental sales in emerging markets. A link to “JNJ’s Q4 Earnings Call” offers a detailed explanation of its drug pipeline.
The article stresses JNJ’s historically conservative payout ratio (~62 %), which suggests ample room for dividend hikes. JNJ is forecasted to achieve a 13 % total return.
3.3 Verizon Communications (VZ)
Verizon’s 5.5 % yield is noteworthy for a telecom giant. The article references Verizon’s 2025 dividend increase of 3 % and an upcoming rollout of its 5G network that is expected to boost ARPU. A link to “Verizon’s 2025 5G Deployment Strategy” gives context on projected revenue uplift.
Despite a modest 2.1 % EPS growth, Verizon’s high cash‑generation capability (free cash flow of $28 billion) supports the yield. Analysts project a 10 % total return, factoring in potential share price appreciation from network expansion.
3.4 Coca‑Cola (KO)
KO’s yield of 3.9 % may appear modest but is combined with a steady 6.0 % EPS growth. The article points to Coca‑Cola’s “Redemption Program” and the continued shift toward low‑calorie and natural beverages. A link to “Coca‑Cola’s Sustainability Report” discusses how the brand’s global presence offsets regional downturns.
The stock’s defensive nature makes it an attractive “portfolio anchor.” The article estimates a 11 % total return.
3.5 Kinder Morgan (KMI)
Kinder Morgan’s 7.0 % yield is the second highest on the list. The piece underscores the company’s role as the largest pipeline operator in North America, with a 8.2 % EPS growth. A link to “Kinder Morgan’s 2025 Capital Expenditure Plan” reveals an investment in expanding natural gas infrastructure that should support long‑term revenue growth.
The risk profile is tempered by a relatively low debt load and a dividend payout ratio of 78 %. KMI is projected to yield a 15 % total return.
3.6 Procter & Gamble (PG)
PG’s 3.6 % yield reflects a mature, cash‑rich firm. The article cites a 5.4 % EPS growth largely driven by the “Beauty & Grooming” segment. A link to “P&G’s 2025 Investor Presentation” highlights the company’s aggressive marketing spend and new product launches.
The analyst suggests a 9 % total return, with the bulk of upside coming from share‑price appreciation in a low‑interest‑rate environment.
4. Broader Context and Supporting Resources
The article concludes with a section that places these picks into a larger portfolio strategy. It recommends a “dividend‑plus‑growth” allocation: 60 % high‑yield stocks (above 5 %) and 40 % medium‑yield, high‑growth names (3‑5 %). The writer links to a downloadable “Dividend Portfolio Builder” that allows readers to input their risk tolerance and target yield.
Additionally, the piece cites a recent “2026 Market Outlook” from a leading research firm, which suggests that dividend‑paying sectors (energy, telecom, consumer staples) will outperform the broader market by 3‑5 % over the next 12 months.
5. Bottom Line
The 247 Wall Street article delivers a clear, data‑backed snapshot of six dividend‑heavy names that are set to provide robust total returns in 2026. By pairing high yields with solid earnings growth and low to moderate risk profiles, these stocks offer a compelling option for investors who seek both income and capital appreciation in a low‑rate, inflation‑tolerant environment. The accompanying links to company filings and sector reports give readers a deeper level of due diligence to confirm that these picks fit their personal investment mandate.
Read the Full 24/7 Wall St. Article at:
[ https://247wallst.com/investing/2025/12/02/our-december-high-yield-6-dividend-stocks-have-big-total-return-potential/ ]
