"Maximize Your Dividend Returns: Top Stocks to Buy Now"

Dividends are an important component of total returns, accounting for nearly 40% of the S&P 500's returns over the last two decades. The five highest-paying dividend stocks in the S&P 500 currently are Devon Energy, Altria Group, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Verizon Communications, and KeyCorp. These stocks have high dividend yields due to various factors such as declining share prices, industry challenges, and company-specific issues. Risk-averse investors may want to look elsewhere, but income investors with high risk tolerances could consider these stocks for potential future performance.