We have some exciting news to share! The Motley Fool UK has now become The Twelfth Magpie -- an independent, UK-owned company, led by our long-serving UK management team — Mark Rogers, Chris Nials and Heather Adlington. In practical terms, it’s the same team you know, now fully focused on serving our UK readers and members.

Just as importantly, our approach remains unchanged: long-term, jargon-free, and on your side. This site is our new home, and there will be extra tweaks made across the coming few days as we settle in. So if anything looks a little off, please bear with us!

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

3 high-yield stocks paying 8%+ to consider buying

Rupert Hargreaves explains why he’d buy these high-yield stocks — with their 8% dividend yields — for his portfolio right now.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Twelfth Magpie’s Premium Investing Services. Become a member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn more, and get a free 'Best Buy Now' stock!.

I own several high-yield stocks in my portfolio, and I’m always looking for more companies to add to the mix. Here are three stocks I have my eye on and could purchase, based on their current fundamentals. 

High-yield stocks to buy

The first stock on my list is Diversified Energy (LSE: DEC). Formerly known as Diversified Gas & Oil, the independent hydrocarbon production company has a strong dividend track record.

Should you buy Chesnara Plc shares today?

Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first. Despite ongoing uncertainties from US tariffs to global conflicts, Mark Rogers and his team believe many UK shares still trade at substantial discounts, offering savvy investors plenty of potential opportunities to learn about.

That’s why this could be an ideal time to secure this valuable research – Mark’s analysts have scoured the markets to reveal 5 of his favourite long-term ‘Buys’. Please, don’t make any big decisions before seeing them.

Last year, it paid out 15.3p per share, giving a dividend yield of 10.6% on the current share price. Analysts are expecting a distribution of 16.1p this year, which translates into a yield of 11.2%.

While there’s no guarantee the company will hit these targets, I’m encouraged by its low production costs and hedging programme. These reduce the risk that volatile oil and gas prices will force the firm to cut its distribution. For these reasons, I’d buy Diversified Energy for my portfolio of high yield income stocks today. 

Still, this investment might not be suitable for all, considering its environmental considerations. That’s probably the most significant challenge the enterprise will face going forward.

Booming market

Homebuilder Persimmon (LSE: PSN) has rapidly carved out a reputation as being an income stock over the past few years

Back in 2013, the company laid out a multi-year cash return plan, which it has consistently outperformed ever since. Given its strong cash generation, Persimmon recently hiked its return target once again. The stock is going to pay a special dividend of 110p in August, and 125p in July 2022.

These figures suggest those who buy the shares today will see a yield of 8% on their investment. This is why I’d buy the company for my portfolio of high-yield stocks today. 

That said, past performance should never be used to guide to future potential. There’s no guarantee the homebuilder will continue to pay special dividends to investors.

A drop in demand for new build properties, a fall in home prices, or an increase in interest rates are all risk factors that could jeopardise the firm’s cash return plans. 

Income generation

The final high-yield stock I’d buy today is Chesnara (LSE: CSN). With a dividend yield of 8.6%, at the time of writing, the stock immediately looks attractive. However, this yield says something. The firm’s balance sheet is complex, which may put some investors off.

Indeed, the firm manages books of pension and life insurance policies. These policies can be tricky to manage as even a slight increase in interest rates can raise liabilities substantially. This may lead to a dividend cut. 

This risk and level of uncertainty may put some investors off from owning the shares. However, I’m comfortable with this, which is why I’d buy Chesnara for my portfolio of high-yield stocks.

I believe this is also a growth industry as many companies are trying to get these liabilities off their balance sheets. Larger operators such as Chesnara can manage these policies more effectively and with lower costs. 

Rupert Hargreaves has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Chesnara. 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.

More on Investing Articles

Rear view image depicting a senior man in his 70s sitting on a bench leading down to the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs on the coastline of East Sussex, UK. The man is wearing casual clothing - blue denim jeans, a red checked shirt, navy blue gilet. The man is having a rest from hiking and his hiking pole is leaning up against the bench.
Investing Articles

Up 1,146%! 7 things I’ve learned from the stunning Rolls-Royce share price comeback 

Harvey Jones has made a fair bit of money out of the booming Rolls-Royce share price, but he's also learned…

Read more »

Golden Retirees Heading to Beach
Investing Articles

4 steps to building a £38,456 retirement income with ISA shares

Investing £300 a month could deliver a life-changing cash stream in retirement with high-yield income shares. Royston Wild explains how.

Read more »

Content white businesswoman being congratulated by colleagues at her retirement party
Investing Articles

How investing in a Cash ISA could cost you a comfortable retirement

Cash ISAs are celebrated for the brilliant tax benefits they provide. But could focusing on them cost savers the chance…

Read more »

Young black woman in a wheelchair working online from home
Investing Articles

How much could Barclays shares pay in dividends by 2028?

Barclays is one of the FTSE 100's most popular dividend shares. How much could they provide over the next three…

Read more »

Investor looking at stock graph on a tablet with their finger hovering over the Buy button
Investing Articles

With a 6% yield and a P/E of just 7.4, is this share a screaming buy for a second income?

Mark Hartley looks at the second income potential of a popular UK dividend stock that still looks undervalued despite compelling…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Forget Nvidia! This ETF is booming inside my Stocks and Shares ISA

A thematic ETF inside this writer's ISA has more doubled the return of Nvidia stock so far in 2026. But…

Read more »

Shot of an young mixed-race woman using her cellphone while out cycling through the city
Investing Articles

These cheap FTSE 250 shares could deliver a £1,550 ISA income in just 12 months!

Searching for the best low-cost dividend stocks to buy? Royston Wild reveals two FTSE 250 property shares with yields above…

Read more »

Landlady greets regular at real ale pub
Investing Articles

How much in dividends will these high-yield shares generate in 2026?

With 9.5% and 8.4% dividend yields, what makes these FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 high-yield heroes so special? Royston Wild…

Read more »