As the new year approaches, investors are closely watching companies that have announced or are expected to issue special or quarterly dividend payouts in January 2026. Dividends are often seen as a sign of a company’s financial health — they represent profits distributed back to shareholders.
A special dividend is a one-time payment made by a company, often following a strong earnings period or major asset sale. These payouts typically occur alongside regular quarterly dividends and can be an indicator of management’s confidence in the firm’s financial outlook.
For the start of 2026, several major U.S. and international firms are rewarding their shareholders. Below is a breakdown of five notable companies, divided into U.S.-based and international categories.
Overview of Featured Dividend Stocks
| Category | Company Name | Exchange | Expected Dividend Pay Date | Estimated Dividend Amount |
| 🇺🇸 U.S. | Verizon Communications Inc. | NYSE: VZ | Feb 2026 | $0.69 per share |
| 🇺🇸 U.S. | CVS Health Corporation | NYSE: CVS | Feb 2026 | $0.665 per share |
| 🇺🇸 U.S. | Bristol-Myers Squibb Company | NYSE: BMY | Feb 2026 | $0.62 per share |
| International | TransAlta Corporation | TSX: TA / NYSE: TAC | Jan 1, 2026 | CA$0.065 per share |
| International | Imperial Oil Limited | TSE: IMO / NYSE American: IMO | Jan 1, 2026 | CA$0.72 per share |
U.S. Companies
1. Verizon Communications Inc.
Telecom giant Verizon Communications continues to deliver consistent shareholder returns through quarterly dividends. The company is projected to maintain its long-standing payout of approximately $0.69 per share, with a yield nearing 7%, payable in early February 2026 to shareholders of record in late January.
Despite pressure from a competitive telecom market, Verizon’s strong subscriber base and efficient 5G rollout strategy keep it among the most dependable dividend payers in the U.S. equity space.
2. CVS Health Corporation
CVS Health, a major U.S. healthcare and pharmacy chain, has sustained investor trust with regular dividend growth. The board is expected to declare a dividend of around $0.665 per share, consistent with prior quarterly payments.
CVS’s focus on digital healthcare expansion and cost control measures suggests continued financial resilience heading into 2026, keeping it a favorite among conservative dividend investors.
3. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Pharma powerhouse Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) remains one of the most stable dividend payers in the healthcare sector. Analysts forecast the continuation of its quarterly dividend at $0.62 per share, with an estimated yield exceeding 5%.
The company’s strong earnings from cancer and heart-disease medications, along with a robust R&D pipeline, support its steady shareholder payouts and growth outlook.
International Companies
4. TransAlta Corporation
Canadian energy firm TransAlta Corporation has announced a quarterly dividend of CA$0.065 per share, payable on January 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on December 1, 2025.
With assets spanning hydro, wind, and gas power generation, TransAlta is positioning itself as a key player in North America’s renewable energy transition. Its consistent dividend policy reflects management’s commitment to maintaining investor confidence despite energy market fluctuations.
5. Imperial Oil Limited
Imperial Oil, one of Canada’s largest integrated energy producers, declared a CA$0.72 per share quarterly dividend, payable on January 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on December 3, 2025. Backed by ExxonMobil, Imperial Oil’s focus on sustainable refining and production efficiency underpins its long-term stability. With a dividend yield above 2.3%, it remains an attractive pick for income-oriented investors.
Market Outlook
Heading into 2026, investors are likely to favor dividend-paying stocks as a hedge against economic uncertainty and potential market volatility. Stable companies like Verizon and CVS offer defensive income, while energy players like TransAlta and Imperial Oil provide exposure to the ongoing global energy rebound.
Forward-Looking Statement
This article contains forward-looking statements regarding dividend projections, yields, and company performance based on currently available data as of November 2025. Actual results may differ materially due to market fluctuations, corporate policy changes, or macroeconomic developments. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking estimates.
Disclaimer
This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. Investors are encouraged to conduct independent research or consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
