If You'd Invested $10,000 in Each of These 3 High-Yield Stocks 10 Years Ago, Here's How Much Income You'd Collect Today

A comparison of three high-yield dividend stocks over the past decade reveals that dividend growth matters more than initial yield. AGNC Investment's dividend income fell 33% due to interest rate changes, while Ares Capital grew dividends 26% and ONEOK increased them 74%. ONEOK delivered the highest total return despite having the lowest initial yield, demonstrating that earnings growth and dividend growth are more important long-term factors than high starting yields.