After several lean years, income-focused investors have many more attractive options these days following a series of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Higher rates have put downward pressure on valuations, pushing up income yields.

Many high-quality dividend stocks currently yield around 3%, nearly double that of the S&P 500. American Tower (NYSE: AMT), Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) stand out this month for their blend of yield and financial strength.

American Tower's dividend yield is currently over 3%, a historically high rate for the data-infrastructure real estate investment trust (REIT). The company has an exceptional track record of paying dividends. It has increased its payout at a more than 20% compound annual rate since converting to a REIT over a decade ago.

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Source Fool.com