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15 High-Yield Dividend Stocks for 2025

High-yield dividend stocks are attractive for investors seeking steady income, especially in a market where the S&P 500 yields just 1.2% and the 10-year U.S. Treasury note offers around 4.2% as of late 2024. These stocks typically provide yields above these benchmarks, but sustainability is key—focus on companies with strong cash flows, solid balance sheets, and growth potential. Below is a curated list of 15 high-yield dividend stocks, randomly selected from a broader pool, offering robust dividends and long-term income potential for 2025.

1. Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ)

• Annual Dividend: $2.72

• Dividend Yield: 6.3%

• Why It Stands Out: Verizon, a telecom giant, boasts the longest dividend increase streak in the U.S. telecom sector, with 18 consecutive years of raises as of 2024. Its transition to 5G and the $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications in 2024 enhance its fiber operations and earnings, supporting future dividend growth.

2. AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV)

• Annual Dividend: $6.56

• Dividend Yield: 3.7%

• Why It Stands Out: Since its 2013 spinoff from Abbott Labs, AbbVie has increased its dividend by 310%, raising it annually. Heavy R&D spending (15% of revenue) and acquisitions like Cerevel Therapeutics ensure a robust pipeline, driving future cash flow and dividend sustainability.

3. Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE: EPD)

• Annual Dividend: $2.08

• Dividend Yield: 6.4%

• Why It Stands Out: This midstream oil and gas MLP has raised its dividend for over 25 years. With billions in capital projects through 2026 and a history of accretive acquisitions, Enterprise is well-positioned to maintain and grow its high-yield payout.

4. Realty Income (NYSE: O)

• Annual Dividend: $3.16

• Dividend Yield: 5.6%

• Why It Stands Out: Known for monthly dividends, Realty Income has made over 650 consecutive payments and increased its dividend 125+ times since its 1994 IPO, with a 4.3% compound annual growth rate. Its $9.3 billion acquisition of Spirit Realty in 2024 boosts cash flow and diversification.

5. Brookfield Renewable (NYSE: BEP)(NYSE: BEPC)

• Annual Dividend: $1.42

• Dividend Yield: 4.7%

• Why It Stands Out: Focused on renewable energy (hydro, wind, solar), Brookfield Renewable has grown its dividend at a 6% annual rate since 2001, with 13 years of consecutive increases. Its pipeline of projects and acquisitions supports 10%+ annual FFO growth through 2029.

6. Pfizer (NYSE: PFE)

• Annual Dividend: $1.68

• Dividend Yield: 6.4%

• Why It Stands Out: Pfizer has paid dividends for 345 consecutive quarters, raising them for 15 years. Its COVID-19 vaccine and $43 billion Seagen acquisition in 2023 fuel R&D and cash flow growth, ensuring dividend reliability.

7. Enbridge (NYSE: ENB)

• Annual Dividend: $2.68

• Dividend Yield: 6.2%

• Why It Stands Out: This Canadian pipeline giant has paid dividends for 69 years and increased them for 30. Investments in natural gas and renewable energy infrastructure position Enbridge for mid-single-digit cash flow growth, supporting ongoing dividend hikes.

8. VICI Properties (NYSE: VICI)

• Annual Dividend: $1.72

• Dividend Yield: 5.4%

• Why It Stands Out: This REIT, focused on casinos and entertainment properties, has raised its dividend for seven years at a 7% annual rate, outpacing the sector’s 2.2% average. Long-term triple net leases and new investments drive steady income growth.

9. Mid-America Apartment Communities (NYSE: MAA)

• Annual Dividend: $5.88

• Dividend Yield: 3.7%

• Why It Stands Out: As a leading apartment REIT, MAA has never cut its dividend since its 1994 IPO, raising it for 14 years. Strong rental demand and portfolio expansion through acquisitions and development ensure continued dividend growth.

10. Crown Castle (NYSE: CCI)

• Annual Dividend: $6.28

• Dividend Yield: 6.1%

• Why It Stands Out: This REIT owns critical 5G infrastructure (cell towers, fiber networks) and has grown its dividend at a 9% annual rate since 2016. Despite near-term challenges, it expects to resume dividend growth post-2025.

11. Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD)

• Annual Dividend: $3.08

• Dividend Yield: 3.4%

• Why It Stands Out: Gilead’s strong HIV franchise and innovative drugs for hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer support its dividend, raised annually since 2015. A promising pipeline ensures future sales and dividend growth.

12. Chevron (NYSE: CVX)

• Annual Dividend: $6.52

• Dividend Yield: 4.1%

• Why It Stands Out: Chevron, with 37 years of dividend increases, accelerated its payout by 8% in 2024. Its low-cost oil operations and acquisitions like PDC Energy and Hess enhance cash flow, supporting future dividend growth.

13. Healthpeak Properties (NYSE: DOC)

• Annual Dividend: $1.20

• Dividend Yield: 5.6%

• Why It Stands Out: This healthcare REIT’s diversified portfolio (medical offices, labs, retirement communities) generates stable rental income. Its acquisition of Physicians Realty Trust in 2024 bolsters its scale and dividend capacity.

14. T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ: TROW)

• Annual Dividend: $4.96

• Dividend Yield: 4.0%

• Why It Stands Out: This mutual fund manager has raised its dividend for 38 years, with a 1.6% increase in 2024. Growing assets under management (AUM) supports steady dividend increases.

15. Kenvue (NYSE: KVUE)

• Annual Dividend: $0.80

• Dividend Yield: 3.6%

• Why It Stands Out: Spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023, Kenvue inherits a legacy of dividend reliability. Its strong healthcare brands and healthy balance sheet position it for future dividend growth.

Should You Invest?

These 15 stocks offer above-average yields (3.4% to 6.4%) compared to the S&P 500’s 1.2%, making them ideal for income-focused investors. Their track records of consistent dividend increases—ranging from 7 to 69 years—signal reliability.

Sectors like REITs, utilities, and energy provide stability, while healthcare and telecom offer growth potential. However, assess each company’s financial health and market risks. For diversification, consider pairing these with an ETF like the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). With strong cash flows and growth strategies, these stocks are compelling for long-term income portfolios in 2025.

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Nothing in this newsletter is financial advice. Always do your own research and think for yourself.