Stubborn inflation signals, shifting interest rate expectations and uneven growth data are keeping many investors on edge, yet they also highlight the value of dependable income. The Dividend Powerhouses screener focuses on companies offering dividend yields above 5% that are covered by current earnings, growing over time and relatively stable. In a world where bond yields and central bank signals can move quickly, this kind of rules based approach can help you focus on consistent cash returns rather than short term price swings. Below, you will see 3 stocks from this screener that stand out on income strength.

Accenture (ACN)

Overview: Accenture is a global professional services company that helps clients design, build and run their businesses using technology, consulting and outsourcing services across sectors such as financial services, health and public service, consumer, industrial and communications, media and technology.

Operations: Accenture generates most of its revenue from Products at about US$21.9b, followed by Health & Public Service at roughly US$14.8b, Financial Services at about US$13.6b, Communications, Media & Technology at around US$12.1b, and Resources at approximately US$9.7b.

Market Cap: US$95.8b

Accenture appears on this dividend list because it combines a reported 5.09% yield with a core business that is closely linked to long term themes such as cloud, AI and cybersecurity. The company is allocating capital to AI and industrial cybersecurity acquisitions such as Dragos, runZero and NetRise, aiming to deepen its role in large transformation projects while also returning cash through buybacks. At the same time, investors may want to consider guidance cuts, slower federal work, margin pressure from higher subcontractor costs and a sharp share price reaction to recent results. For readers assessing how these plans, valuation signals and risks relate to income-focused strategies, the detailed analysis provides additional context beyond this overview.

Accenture’s 5.09% yield and AI heavy pipeline suggest that the headline story might miss something in the cash flow math. Review the DCF valuation analysis for Accenture to see what the market may be pricing in or ignoring.

CME Group (CME)

Overview: CME Group operates some of the world’s largest futures and options exchanges, where institutions, governments and individual traders buy and sell contracts tied to interest rates, stock indexes, currencies and commodities to manage risk or seek returns.

Operations: CME Group generates essentially all of its revenue, about US$6.7b, from exchange and related services that are reported together as unclassified services.

Market Cap: US$91.5b

CME Group combines a roughly 4.6% dividend yield with very high margins and a core role in global risk management, while also pushing into new areas like crypto, AI compute and 24/7 trading that could influence how its markets are used. At the same time, the company is facing pressure points, including regulatory disputes with the CFTC over perpetual futures, competition from DeFi and low fee venues, and a dividend that is not fully covered by free cash flow. For income focused investors, the mix of earnings quality, expansion into new products and these emerging risks makes CME a company that may warrant a closer look beyond its headline yield.

CME Group’s push into crypto, AI compute and 24/7 trading could be masking a key tension between earnings strength and dividend coverage. See how that plays out in the 4 key rewards and 2 important warning signs

VICI Properties (VICI)

Overview: VICI Properties is an experiential real estate investment trust that owns landmark casino, hospitality and leisure properties such as Caesars Palace, MGM Grand and the Venetian on long term triple net leases with leading gaming and resort operators across the US and Canada.

Operations: VICI Properties generates all of its roughly US$4.0b in revenue from real estate investment activities in the United States.

Market Cap: US$29.8b

VICI Properties sits at the intersection of high profile leisure assets and income focused real estate, with inflation linked, triple net leases that can appeal if you want rent visibility tied to experiential spending trends. The company reports high profit margins and has been active in deals like the Carambola Beach Resort redevelopment and mezzanine lending for One Beverly Hills, which may support future cash flows but also bring funding and project risk. With tenant concentration around Caesars and MGM, as well as the gradual rise of online gaming, this is a REIT where the headline yield only tells part of the story that income investors may want to unpack further.

VICI Properties’ inflation linked triple net rents and high profile assets suggest an income story many investors may be only half seeing. Unpack the full picture with the analysis report for VICI Properties

The three dividend stocks covered here are only a starting sample, with the full Dividend Powerhouses screen surfacing 100 more companies that also pair 3%+ yields with covered, growing and relatively stable payouts that could each have their own income story. If you want to identify the highest conviction opportunities around catalysts like AI adoption, inflation linked contracts or balance sheet strength, analyze the full Dividend Powerhouses (3%+ Yield) screener where you can filter for the specific triggers and narratives that matter most to your portfolio.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.