The S&P 500 recently experienced a significant pullback, signaling economic trouble. Companies like Walmart and Target are warning of an “affordability crisis” as the labor market stalls, consumer sentiment drops, and the housing market freezes. Consider investing in dividend stocks, which can offer rewards without share-price appreciation and tend to be less volatile.

LyondellBasell, a multinational chemical company, is the highest dividend payer in the S&P 500 due to underperformance. Despite topping estimates in its third-quarter earnings report, the company’s stock is down 40% year-to-date. Revenue fell 10% to $7.72 billion, with an EBITDA loss of $835 million. The company’s 12% dividend yield looks safe for now.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities, a REIT, has seen its stock fall 48% this year due to struggles in the life sciences sector. Revenue was down 1.5% in the third quarter, with adjusted FFO declining. The company is hesitant to raise its dividend due to headwinds, making it best avoided in the current environment.

Conagra Brands, a packaged-food giant, has faced challenges this year with shares down 36%. Falling sales, weak volume, and a downbeat outlook have contributed to the stock’s decline. The company expects adjusted EPS of $1.70-$1.85 for fiscal 2026, supporting its dividend yield of nearly 8%. However, overall performance has been disappointing for a decade.

Consider the Motley Fool’s top 10 stock picks for potential high returns. LyondellBasell Industries did not make the list, but historically, Stock Advisor’s total average return has outperformed the S&P 500. Don’t miss out on the latest top 10 list and join an investing community focused on individual investors.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Should You Buy the 3 Highest Dividend-Paying Stocks in the S&P 500?