10 Best European Stocks For Dividend Investors

Published on May 6th, 2026 by Bob Ciura

The U.S. stock market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, is the most well-known in the world.

However, there are good reasons for investors to look outside the U.S., particularly those looking for income.

But income investors should become familiar with the major European stock indices:

FTSE 100: The 100 biggest market cap companies in the U.K.
DAX: 40 of Germany’s biggest blue chip stocks
CAC 40: 40 most significant stocks among the 100 largest market caps on the Euronext Paris

There are many quality, blue-chip businesses with high dividends that are located outside the United States.

With that in mind, we have created a free list of over 200 high dividend stocks with dividend yields above 5%.

You can download your copy of the high dividend stocks list below:

International dividend stocks with higher yields than their U.S.-based peers may be attractive for income investors.

This article will rank the 10 highest-yielding European dividend stocks in the Sure Analysis Research Database.

Table of Contents

High Yield European Stock #10: Novartis AG (NVS)

Novartis researches, develops, and markets products to improve patients’ health. The company offers medicines in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, dermatology, respiratory, and several others.

Novartis employs 76,000 people and has annual sales of about $57 billion. Novartis is incorporated in Switzerland, but U.S. investors have access to the company through an American Depositary Receipt, or ADR.

On February 4th, 2026, Novartis raised its annual dividend 18.7% to $4.7402.

On April 28th, 2026, Novartis announced first quarter results for the period ending March 31st, 2026. All figures are in U.S. dollars. For the quarter, revenue fell 0.7% to $13.5, but beat estimates by $44 million.

Adjusted earnings-per-share of $1.99 compared unfavorably to $2.28 in the prior year and was $0.08 less than expected.

Volume grew 13% and currency exchange added 4% to results, but these gains were offset by a 14% headwind from generic competition and a 4% decline in pricing.

Revenue for Entresto, which is used to treat chronic heart failure, fell 42% to $1.31 billion. Cosentyx, which treats plaque psoriasis, grew 2%, or 5% when excluding revenue deduction adjustments, to $1.57 billion.

Kisqali, which is used to treat certain types of breast cancer, continues to post strong results as revenue surged 59% to $1.52 billion.

Novartis repurchased a total of 10.4 million shares at an average price of ~$154 in Q1 2026. The company initiated a $10 billion share repurchase authorization during Q2 2025 that is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.

The company noted during the Q4 2025 conference call that it will have to navigate through the largest patent expiration in its history in 2026.

We expect Novartis to earn $8.96 per share in 2026, down from $9.06 previously.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on NVS (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield European Stock #9: Unilever plc (UL)

Unilever is one of the largest consumer goods companies in the world, producing and marketing ~400 brands in nearly 200 countries.

Well-known brands include Ben & Jerry’s, Q-tips, Vaseline, Axe, Dove, Hellmann’s, Knorr and many more. Its products are used by more than 3 billion people every day.

In mid-February, Unilever reported (2/12/26) financial results for the full fiscal 2025. It grew its underlying sales 3.5% over the prior year thanks to 2.0% price hikes and 1.5% volume growth.

The 30 most powerful brands grew their sales 4.3% and comprised 78% of total sales. The strong brands of the company have enabled it to raise prices aggressively without a significant effect on volume in the last four years.

However, as consumers have become more price-sensitive, price hikes have moderated in recent quarters.

Unilever provided guidance for sales growth of 4%-6% in 2026, with at least 2.0% underlying volume growth and a modest improvement in operating margin (vs. 20.0% in 2025), in line with its long-term guidance.

Unilever has a significant competitive advantage, namely the strength of its brands. The company generates ~80% of its sales from the #1 or #2 position in its markets.

As a result, Unilever has been able to raise its dividend for 43 consecutive years in Euros.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on UL (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield European Stock #8: Accenture plc (ACN)

Accenture is an information technology company that offers services such as consulting, technology, and outsourcing solutions.

Its customers include communications and media companies, banks and other financial corporations, the healthcare industry, and public services, as well as consumer goods, retail, travel, and other industries.

Accenture reported its most recent quarterly results, for the fiscal second quarter of fiscal 2026, on March 19th. The company showed revenues of $18 billion, up 8% from the previous year’s quarter.

Accenture’s sales were up by 4% in constant currencies, which was just below the currency-neutral revenue growth rate during the previous quarter.

Accenture recorded new bookings of $22.1 billion, which suggests that revenue growth will continue as the book-to-bill ratio was significantly above 1.0.

The new bookings growth rate was solid as well, with bookings during the period being 6% higher compared to one year earlier.

The company was able to earn $2.93 per share during the second quarter, which beat what the analyst community had estimated by $0.10.

It forecasts organic revenue growth of 3% to 5% for fiscal 2026, with a guidance midpoint of 4%.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on ACN (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield European Stock #7: Medtronic plc (MDT)

Medtronic is the largest manufacturer of biomedical devices and implantable technologies in the world.

It serves physicians, hospitals, and patients in more than 150 countries and has over 95,000 employees. Medtronic has four operating segments: Cardiovascular, Medical Surgical, Neuroscience and Diabetes.

The company generated $34 billion in revenue in its last fiscal year.

In mid-February, Medtronic reported (2/17/26) results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026. Organic revenue grew 6% over the prior year’s quarter thanks to strong growth in Cardiovascular and Diabetes.

Due to increased selling and administrative expenses, earnings-per-share dipped -2%, from $1.39 to $1.36, but exceeded the analysts’ consensus by $0.05.

In addition, Medtronic reiterated its guidance for 5.5% growth of organic revenue and earnings-per-share of $5.62-$5.66 in fiscal 2026.

Medtronic has raised its dividend for 47 consecutive years. It has grown its dividend by 9.7% per year on average over the last decade and by 5.6% per year on average over the last 5 years.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on MDT (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield European Stock #6: Equinor ASA (EQNR)

Equinor ASA is one of the largest European publicly traded oil companies.

The company is renowned for building up Norway’s wealth, with the country having ownership of ~67% of the company. The ownership interest is managed by the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.

While it is primarily a petroleum and gas company operating in 36 countries, Equinor has started diversifying its investments towards renewable energy. It is traded both on NYSE and the Oslo stock exchange.

On February 5th, 2026, Equinor raised its base dividend by 5.4% to a quarter rate of $0.39.

On the same day, Equinor reported its Q4 results for the period ending December 31st, 2025. Total revenue was $25.3billion, down 8% year-over-year, as lower realized liquids prices more than offset higher production.

Liquids prices fell 14% year-over-year to $58.6/bbl, while realized European gas prices averaged $10.6/mmbtu.

Total production increased 6% to 2,198 mboe/day, driven by Johan Castberg, Halten East, and strong U.S. gas volumes.

For the quarter, Equinor reported net income of $1.31 billion, down from $2.00 billion in Q4 2024. Net operating income declined 37% year-over-year to $5.49 billion, impacted by $626 million of net impairments related to renewables and international assets.

For FY2026, we forecast EPS of $2.58.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on EQNR (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield European Stock #5: Fresenius Medical Care AG (FMS)

Fresenius Medical Care AG is a diversified healthcare corporation focused on products and services related to renal diseases.

The company’s services include kidney dialysis, clinical laboratory testing, and kidney diagnostic procedures. Fresenius Medical is headquartered in Germany.

On February 24th, 2026, Fresenius Medical released fourth quarter and full year results. For the quarter, revenue grew 11.7% to nearly $6 billion while earnings-per-share totaled $0.85. Both figures were ahead of estimates.

For the year, revenue grew 5% at constant currency while adjusted EPS of $2.49 compared to $1.66 in 2024. Organic revenue grew 8% for the quarter and full year.

Quarterly revenue for Care Delivery, formerly known as Health Care Services, grew 7% organically. The U.S. business was up 9% as favorable rate and payor mix effects, reimbursement regulations, and a positive impact from reduced implicit price concessions, partially offset by divestitures.

The international business grew 4% as same market treatments were up 1.7%. Value-Based Care revenue surged 42% due once again to higher member months.

As of the end of the quarter, Fresenius Medical had 291,902 patients and 3,601 clinics worldwide compared to 293,620 patients and 3,628 clinics in Q3 2025.

The company expects operating income to grow by 3% to 7% through 2028. Fresenius Medical is expected to earn $2.96 per share in 2026.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on FMS (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield European Stock #4: Novo Nordisk (NVO)

Novo Nordisk A/S ADR is a large global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Denmark. The company focuses on two core business segments: Diabetes & Obesity Care and Rare Diseases.

The Diabetes & Obesity Care segment manufactures insulin, related delivery systems, oral anti-diabetic products, and products to treat obesity.

The Rare Diseases segment manufactures products for hemophilia and other chronic diseases. Novo Nordisk derives ~92% of revenue from diabetes and obesity.

The company’s products are marketed in 170 countries but approximately 48% of net sales are from North America and the rest is international sales.1 Total revenue was nearly $49.11B in 2025.

Novo Nordisk reported Q4 2025 results on February 3rd, 2026. Company-wide sales were up 6% in Danish kroner and diluted earnings per share rose 2% to 23.03 DKK ($3.66) from 22.63 DKK ($3.60) on a year-over-year basis.

Diabetes & Obesity sales increased 7% to 289,456M DKK ($45,993M) driven by increases in Ozempic and Wegovy (obesity), offset by lower sales for Rybelsus (GLP-1), human insulin, long-acting insulin, fast-acting insulin, Saxenda (obesity), Victoza (GLP-1), and premix insulin.

The Rare Disease segment sales rose 5% to 19,608M DKK ($3,116M) caused by rising rare disorders drugs, offset by lower rare blood disorder drugs.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on NVO (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield European Stock #3: Sanofi (SNY)

Sanofi is a global pharmaceutical leader that develops a variety of therapeutic treatments and vaccines.

Pharmaceuticals account for the majority of sales, with vaccines making up the remainder. Sanofi produces annual revenues of about $51 billion.

Sanofi is incorporated in France, but U.S. investors have access to the company through an American Depositary Receipt, or ADR. Two ADR shares equal one share of the underlying company.

On January 29th, 2026, Sanofi announced fourth quarter and full year results. Unless otherwise noted, all figures are listed in U.S. dollars and at constant exchange rates.

For the quarter, revenue grew 23% to $13.5 billion, which topped estimates by $235 million. The company’s earnings-per-share per ADR of $0.91 compared favorably to $0.68 in the prior year and was $0.06 more than expected.

For the year, revenue grew 4.8% to $50.7 billion while earnings-per-share per ADR of $4.53 compared to 4.11 in 2024.

Dupixent, which treats patients with moderate-to-severe asthma, had revenue growth of 32.2% during the period due to additional launches and gains across indications and geographies.

Sanofi has 80 products in development, with as many as 40 new potential new medicines and vaccines.

Sanofi provided an outlook for 2026 as well. The company expects revenue to grow at a high single-digit percentage with EPS increasing at a slightly higher rate.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on SNY (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Dividend Stock For The Long Run #2: Amcor plc (AMCR)

Amcor plc is one of the world’s most prominent designers and manufacturers of packaging for food, pharmaceutical, medical, and other consumer products.

Amcor reported its second quarter results for Fiscal Year 2026 on February 3rd, 2026. The company reported strong fiscal Q2 2026 results, with net sales of $5.45 billion, up 68% year-over-year, largely driven by the Berry Global acquisition.

Adjusted profitability improved significantly, with adjusted EBITDA rising 83% to $826 million and adjusted EBIT increasing 66% to $603 million, while adjusted EPS grew 7% to $0.86.

GAAP net income was $177 million ($0.38 per share) due to acquisition-related costs, and free cash flow totaled $289 million after approximately $69 million in integration and restructuring expenses.

For the first half of fiscal 2026, net sales reached $11.19 billion, up 70% year-over-year, reflecting $4.5 billion of acquired sales from the Berry combination.

Amcor reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance, expecting adjusted EPS of $4.00–$4.15, representing 12–17% constant currency growth compared with fiscal 2025.

The company also expects free cash flow of $1.8–$1.9 billion, supported by at least $260 million in pre-tax synergy benefits from the Berry acquisition.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on AMCR (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

High Yield European Stock #1: Perrigo Company plc (PRGO)

Perrigo is headquartered in Ireland and operates in the healthcare sector as a manufacturer of over-the-counter consumer products.

Its Consumer Self-Care Americas segment is comprised of the U.S., Mexico and Canada consumer healthcare businesses.

The Consumer Self-Care International segment includes branded consumer healthcare business primarily in Europe, but also Australia and Israel. The company generates ~$4.1 billion in annual revenue.

On February 26th, 2026, Perrigo announced fourth quarter and full year results for the period ending December 31st, 2025. For the quarter, revenue declined 2.5% to $1.11 billion, but this was $17.5 million above estimates.

Adjusted earnings-per-share of $0.77 compared to $0.93 in the prior year and was $0.01 less than expected.

For the year, revenue declined 2.8% to $4.25 billion while GAAP EPS of -$10.12 was down from -$1.17 in the prior year due to a Goodwill impairment charge. Adjusted earnings-per-share of $2.75 was up from $2.57 in 2024.

Consumer Self-Care Americas had an organic growth decline of 6.3%, primarily due to weaker results in infant formula, but lower demand from OTC contract manufacturing also contributed to the decrease.

Consumer Self-Care International’s sales were down 1.0%, as share gains in key brands, such as Compeed, and ellaOne, were offset by weaker OTC category consumption.

The Infant Formula segment remains under strategic review. The company announced a cost savings program in Q4 2023 called “Project Energize” that is projected to create pre-tax savings of $140 million to $170 million by 2026.

Perrigo provided an outlook for 2026 as well. The company now expects organic revenue growth to be down by -1.5% to -5.5% for the year. Adjusted earnings-per-share is projected to be in a range of $2.00 to $2.30.

Click here to download our most recent Sure Analysis report on PRGO (preview of page 1 of 3 shown below):

Additional Reading

If you are interested in finding high-quality dividend growth stocks and/or other high-yield securities and income securities, the following Sure Dividend resources will be useful:

High-Yield Individual Security Research