As we ring the bell to welcome a new year in 2026, many welcome the fresh start by reflecting on how they can improve their lives through New Year’s resolutions.
Similarly, we can also review our dividend holdings and reassess whether they still deserve a place in our income-producing portfolios.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at three dividend-paying stocks that could help investors start 2026 on a stronger footing.
NTT DC REIT (SGX: NTDU) – Data Centres Fund Regular Dividends
NTT DC REIT (SGX: NTDU), or NTT, was listed back in July 2025, promising a prospective distribution yield of 7.5%.
The new data centre (DC) REIT owns a portfolio of DC assets across the United States, Austria, and Singapore.
As of 30 September 2025 (1HFY25/26), the REIT reported encouraging operating metrics that exceeded its pre-IPO forecast.
Net property income and distributable income rose 1.7% and 3.3% (both relative against its IPO forecast) to US$22.6 million and US$17.4 million, respectively.
These results were backed by a strong occupancy rate of 95.1% and positive rental reversions of 5.1%.
Weighted average lease expiry (WALE) stood at 4.4 years, giving REIT holders some decent income visibility into 2030.
More importantly, NTT’s balance sheet remains healthy with an aggregate leverage of 32.5% and an interest coverage ratio of 4.1 times.
Meanwhile, 70% of the DC operator’s debt is denominated in fixed or hedged rates at a weighted average interest cost of 3.9%.
Looking ahead, income for 2026 could improve due to the built-in rental escalations in NTT’s contracts, alongside a potential acquisition of a new DC asset.
Given that the REIT is operating in an industry experiencing positive tailwinds, this data centre operator could be considered for an income-focused portfolio.
LHN Limited (41O): Low Volatility Property Developer
LHN Limited (SGX: 41O), or LHN, is steadily building a dividend track record, stretching back over the past five years.
Given that this period of uninterrupted dividend history stretches across COVID and high inflation, it is a commendable performance.
Post spin-off of its residential segment, namely Coliwoo (SGX: W8W), in November 2025, LHN mainly operates in the space optimisation segment (redesigning old and underutilised spaces), property development, facilities management (clean and car park management services), and energy resources (providing efficient and innovative renewable energy solutions).
This diversified financial approach has borne fruit: operating cash flow (OCF) has compounded 19.8% over the past decade, with its last 12 months (LTM) OCF standing at S$68.2 million as at 30 September 2025.
During this same period, return on equity (ROE) averaged around 16%, highlighting LHN’s efficiency in generating net profits.
The company’s debt is manageable, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25 times.
Looking at the dividend payout history, the total dividend has increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% from S$0.0125 per share in 2020 to S$0.02 per share in 2025.
In addition, a special dividend of S$0.02 per share was disclosed in November 2025.
LHN currently offers an estimated annual yield of 3.1%, with an estimated 42% payout ratio.
Looking forward, LHN cash flows are expected to be supported by its retained equity stake in Coliwoo (65%), along with contributions from its property development, facilities management, and space optimisation (industrial and commercial) business segments.
Management intends to invest in all of its business segments, which could lead to higher income contribution in 2026 and beyond.
Food Empire (F03) – Slow and Steady Defensive Payments
If you’re a fan of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages like MacCoffee and CafePHo, chances are that you might be familiar with this consumer business, Food Empire Holdings Ltd (SGX: F03).
With operations sprawling across Asia, including Kazakhstan, India, Vietnam, and Malaysia, Food Empire stands out with its range of instant RTD beverages, including chocolate, coffee, and tea.
Over the last decade, Food Empire grew revenue at a brisk pace of 15.7% CAGR from US$273 million in 2020 to US$525.2 million over the LTM.
Operating cash flows grew faster at a 16.4% CAGR from US$33.4 million to US$65.9 million over the same time frame.
The balance sheet is healthy, with Food Empire sporting a debt-to-equity of 0.3 times.
Crucially, its ordinary dividend per share rose from S$0.016 in 2021 to S$0.06 in 2024.
In the first half of 2025, ending 30 June 2025 (1H2025), the group initiated an interim dividend for the first time, at S$0.03 per share, a reflection of its strong business momentum.
Food Empire offers an estimated annual yield of 4.4% with an 85% payout ratio, including its special dividend.
With decent recent operating momentum, alongside management’s pursuit of business expansion initiatives in India, Kazakhstan, and Vietnam, Food Empire could be dividend grower stock to watch in the years to come.
Get Smart: How to Use Dividend Stocks to Build Passive Income
High yields might be eye-catching, but they don’t mean much if the company cannot keep the checks coming.
One way would be to spread your investments across different industries, so one bad sector doesn’t tank your whole income stream.
Above, we have highlighted three stocks in three different industries: data centres, properties, and consumer staples.
Ultimately, you’ll sleep much better during market fluctuations knowing you own resilient businesses rather than just a collection of high-yield names.
Remember, real growth comes from focusing on the health of the business.
If dividends are part of your long-term plan, this is one session you won’t want to miss. We’ll break down the market forces driving 2026’s dividend potential and highlight areas worth watching. Sign up now for your free slot in our webinar, The Big Singapore Stock Market Rebound (2026’s Dividend Opportunity).
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Disclosure: Wilson.H does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned.
