Image source: Getty Images <\/p>\n
Investing in dividend stocks can be a great way to generate income. However, if the goal is reliable income, it can pay to be selective when picking shares as some have better payout track records than others.<\/p>\n
Here, I\u2019m going to highlight three UK stocks that are reliable dividend payers. Could they be worth considering for 2026 and beyond?<\/p>\n
First up, we have a high-yielder, M&G<\/strong> (LSE: MNG). It\u2019s a leading savings and insurance company that has millions of customers worldwide.<\/p>\n This company has paid a dividend every year since 2020, shortly after it was split off from Prudential<\/strong>. Currently, the yield is about 7.5% \u2013 miles higher than the Footsie average.<\/p>\n One thing I like about this company from an investment perspective is that it looks well-placed from several long-term trends. Some examples include the rising focus on retirement saving and the increasing focus on private markets investments.<\/p>\n I also like the fact that the share price is on the up. If this trend stays in place, there could be some gains on offer too.<\/p>\n Of course, this company does operate in a very competitive industry and is up against some much larger players. All things considered though, I believe the shares are worth a look.<\/p>\n The next stock I want to highlight is Coke<\/strong> bottling partner Coca Cola HBC<\/strong> (LSE: CCH). This one\u2019s a little more defensive in nature. Whereas financial services can be volatile at times, demand for soft drinks tends to remain pretty stable throughout the economic cycle.<\/p>\n This company\u2019s paid a dividend every year since 2016. Currently, the yield\u2019s about 3.2%.<\/p>\n What I like about this stock, aside from its defensive qualities, is that the dividend\u2019s rising at a rapid rate. Since the first one in 2016, the payout\u2019s risen from 40 euro cents per share to \u20ac1.03 per share.<\/p>\n Looking ahead, analysts expect the dividend to keep rising. It\u2019s worth noting that the dividend coverage ratio (the ratio of earnings to dividends) is over two so there\u2019s plenty of space for growth.<\/p>\n In the long run, a risk here is changing consumer tastes and preferences. However, I don\u2019t think demand for Coke\u2019s suddenly going to drop off so I believe the shares are worth considering.<\/p>\n Finally, we have orthopaedics company Smith & Nephew<\/strong> (LSE: SN.). This is a company with a really impressive dividend track record. Believe it or not, it\u2019s paid a dividend every year since 1937. At present the yield\u2019s about 2.8%.<\/p>\n Now, compared to some other Footsie stocks, the yield\u2019s a little underwhelming. But in terms of total returns (gains plus income), I see a lot of potential here.<\/p>\n Right now, this stock looks undervalued. As a result, analysts see the potential for double-digit share price gains over the next year or so.<\/p>\n If the stock was to rise by that amount, investors could be looking at attractive returns. There are no guarantees it will, of course \u2013 the company will need to generate solid growth in the near term to see its share price rise, and it may not.<\/p>\n Recently however, it unveiled a new growth strategy so I\u2019m optimistic about its prospects. I think it could do well in 2026 and is worthy of further research.<\/p>\n The post 3 UK stocks to consider buying for reliable dividend income in 2026<\/a> appeared first on The Motley Fool UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n More reading<\/strong><\/p>\n Edward Sheldon has positions in Prudential, Cola-Cola Company, and Smith & Nephew. The Motley Fool UK has recommended M&g Plc and Smith & Nephew Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.<\/a><\/p>\n Motley Fool UK 2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Image source: Getty Images Investing in dividend stocks can be a great way to generate income. 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