The highest dividend-paying FTSE 100 stocks

Dividends from the FTSE 100 can be quite valuable, but which of its companies gives shareholders the most?

According to analyst estimates, the FTSE 100's constituents are expected to pay out a total of 88 billion in dividends this year, setting a record.

Large, reputable businesses in industries like healthcare, finance, oil and gas, and consumer staples make up the majority of the top stocks in London's flagship index. These kinds of businesses are well-positioned to give income-focused investors substantial dividend payments.

According to Russ Mould, investment director at investment platform AJ Bell, "projections for aggregate FTSE 100 dividend payments for 2026 are up slightly over the last three months, at 88 billion compared to 86 billion in December, and 2027 estimates are a fraction higher than at the turn of the year as well." Consequently, estimates from consensus analysts indicate that the FTSE 100 dividend payment of 85.2 billion, which reached its highest level in 2018, will finally be surpassed this year and next. The "

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FTSE 100's top dividend stocks.

The top dividend-paying companies in the FTSE 100 are highly concentrated. "The top 20 companies are expected to contribute 60.8 billion, or 69 percent of the estimated total, while just 10 companies are expected to pay out 52 percent of the forecast total for 2025, at 45.7 billion," Mould stated.

These are the ten FTSE 100 companies that are anticipated to distribute the highest dividends to shareholders in 2026, based on consensus analyst estimates referenced in AJ Bell's most recent Dividend Dashboard.

Source: Consensus analyst forecasts, company accounts, Marketscreener, and LSEG Refinitiv data obtained through AJ Bell. only taking into account regular dividends. Information as of March 18, 2026.

"The life insurers Legal and General and Standard Life, formerly Phoenix Group, offer the highest forecast dividend yields within the FTSE 100 for the second consecutive quarter," Mold stated.

Rising share prices have actually decreased dividend yields over the past year, which has been favorable for the FTSE 100 index because dividend yields are a percentage of prices.

Mould stated, "The available dividend yield has decreased because the index has increased more quickly than dividends."

Investors who prioritize income and prefer investment trusts may also search for dividend heroes, or trusts that have continuously increased their annual dividends for at least 20 years.