Only 5 Nasdaq-100 Stocks with Over 3% Dividend: These High-Yield Tech Stocks Worth It in 2026

The Nasdaq-100 is regarded as an index of growth stocks – dividends play only a minor role for most investors. The figures confirm this reputation: on September 4, 2026, the weighted dividend yield of the index was just 0.65 percent. Only eight of the 102 securities offered a yield of over 3 percent. For investors looking to generate income from their portfolios, the selection remains extremely limited.

Kraft Heinz Dominates with 6.44 Percent – Without Growth

Kraft Heinz Company (KHC) leads the ranking by a clear margin with a dividend yield of 6.44 percent. At a closing price of 24.85 US dollars on September 4, 2026, the food company pays an annualized dividend of 1.60 US dollars. It is the only Nasdaq-100 title that outperforms the 30-year US Treasury bond with its 5.24 percent yield.

However, the high payout has a catch: Kraft Heinz has not raised its dividend since 2019. In the first half of 2026, the company recorded an organic revenue decline of 1.3 percent and burdened its balance sheet with high depreciation charges. Free cashflow reached 1.7 billion US dollars in the same period, of which 949 million US dollars or 56 percent was used for dividend payments. In July 2026, Kraft Heinz announced a turnaround strategy with an investment volume of 600 million US dollars after abandoning plans for a corporate split.

Comcast and PepsiCo Offer Around 5 and 4 Percent Yield Respectively

In second place is Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) with a dividend yield of 4.98 percent. The cable network operator and media company thus ranks approximately 20 basis points above the 10-year US Treasury bond, which was trading at 4.78 percent on September 4, 2026.

PepsiCo (PEP) ranks third with a 4.30 percent yield. The beverage and snacks manufacturer attracted the attention of institutional investors in July 2026: Elliott Investment Management held a stake valued at 4 billion US dollars at that time and believed strategic changes could unlock price potential of over 50 percent. All major Wall Street firms rated the stock "Buy" in July 2026.

Paychex, Exelon and Utility Companies Complete the List

Payroll processing specialist Paychex (PAYX) offered a yield of 3.91 percent on September 4, 2026 – exactly in line with 3-month US Treasury bills. This comparison underscores that a 3 percent dividend on a stock is merely a starting point, not a convincing income advantage over risk-free government bonds.

Energy utility Exelon Corporation (EXC) follows with a 3.85 percent yield. Mondelēz International (MDLZ), manufacturer of chocolate, cookies and snacks, offers 3.39 percent. According to an analysis from September 7, 2026, the consumer goods company is considered the "winner among Nasdaq-100 stocks with at least 3 percent dividend." Analysts describe Mondelēz as a defensive choice that "is always a safe bet when times get tough."

Utility companies Xcel Energy (XEL) with 3.12 percent and American Electric Power (AEP) with 3.05 percent close out the list.

Historical Returns Speak for Dividend Stocks

A 50-year study by Hartford Funds in collaboration with Ned Davis Research demonstrates the long-term outperformance of dividend payers. Between 1973 and 2023, dividend stocks achieved an annualized return of 9.18 percent – more than double the 3.95 percent of non-dividend payers in the same period. The data underscores that regular distributions not only provide income but can also be an indicator of financial stability and disciplined management.

Treasury Yields Set High Bar for Dividend Stocks

The interest rate environment significantly shapes the valuation of dividend stocks. On September 4, 2026, the 10-year US Treasury bond was trading at 4.78 percent, the 30-year at 5.24 percent, and the 3-month at 3.91 percent. Six of the eight Nasdaq-100 stocks with over 3 percent dividend fell below the 10-year benchmark – an indication that these yields, despite their scarcity in the index, are not automatically attractive.

For investors, this means: a 3 percent dividend on a stock offers more than the Nasdaq-100 average, but competes directly with risk-free government bonds. Only if additional price potential or dividend growth can be expected does the higher risk justify itself.

Methodological Notes on Calculation

The stated yields are based on the most recently announced quarterly dividend, multiplied by four and divided by the closing price on September 4, 2026. Special dividends were not included. The data come from the official Nasdaq-100 directory, Google Finance closing prices, as well as currently declared dividends and US Treasury yields.