9 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy Now in 2025

Introduction:

In 2025, the investment environment is shifting toward a more “risk-off" strategy, largely due to geopolitical uncertainties, trade conflicts, and inflation concerns that are driving many investors away from riskier, more speculative investments. With the market becoming more unpredictable, income-generating assets such as dividend-paying stocks are once again taking center stage.

For those seeking to maximize returns while minimizing risk, dividend stocks provide a safe harbor. These stocks typically offer:

• Steady Income: Regular dividend payouts, regardless of the market’s volatility.
• Potential for Long-Term Capital Gains: As many dividend stocks represent well-established companies, they can also appreciate in value, creating opportunities for both capital growth and income generation.

In 2025, given the increased demand for stability, it is a wise choice for investors to look into large-cap stocks with strong fundamentals and reliable dividend histories. Here are 9 of the best dividend stocks to consider, with yields ranging from 2% to 7% as of March 26.

Summary

1. Altria Group Inc. (MO)
2. Corning Inc. (GLW)
3. Crown Castle Inc. (CCI)
4. Digital Realty Trust Inc. (DLR)
5. Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD)
6. Healthpeak Properties Inc. (DOC)
7. International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)
8. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM)
9. Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI)

1. Altria Group Inc. (MO)

• Sector: Consumer Staples
• Market Value: $97 billion
• Dividend Yield: 7.2%

Why Invest in Altria?
Altria has long been a favorite among income investors due to its exceptional dividend yield and long-term growth potential. Here’s a closer look:

• High Yield: Altria boasts a 7.2% dividend yield, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average. This makes it an attractive pick for investors looking to generate passive income.
• Strong Brand Portfolio: Altria owns market-leading brands like Marlboro and Skoal, ensuring a steady cash flow from its consumer staples business. Despite regulatory challenges, the company has proven to be resilient.
• Dividend History: Altria has raised its dividend every year for over 56 years, demonstrating its commitment to rewarding shareholders. With consistent payouts, it remains a reliable source of income.

Key Takeaway: Altria’s high yield, market dominance, and long track record of dividend growth make it a top choice for income investors.

2. Corning Inc. (GLW)

• Sector: Technology
• Market Value: $42 billion
• Dividend Yield: 2.2%

Why Invest in Corning?
While the tech sector is not traditionally known for high dividends, Corning is an exception. This technology-focused company offers both solid growth and a reliable dividend:

• Diversified Tech Expertise: Known for its specialty glass and ceramics, Corning is a leader in the manufacturing of screens for smartphones, tablets, and monitors, positioning itself in a highly specialized market.
  
• Revenue Growth: Corning has managed consistent revenue growth in the range of 5-10% annually, driven by the demand for its products in consumer electronics and other industries.
  
• Dividend Growth: The company has increased its dividend significantly over the past decade, from 12 cents per share in 2015 to 28 cents per share currently. With a solid growth forecast, it can continue to boost dividends in the future.

Key Takeaway: Corning’s consistent growth in the tech space, paired with dependable dividend increases, makes it a solid tech dividend stock.

3. Crown Castle Inc. (CCI)

• Sector: Real Estate
• Market Value: $44 billion
• Dividend Yield: 6.2%

Why Invest in Crown Castle?
As a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), Crown Castle is required to pay out at least 90% of its taxable income in dividends, making it a dividend-rich opportunity for investors seeking consistent cash flow.

• Telecom Infrastructure: Crown Castle operates over 40,000 cell towers and 90,000 miles of fiber-optic cables across the U.S., which provides high-demand digital infrastructure for mobile and internet services.
• Predictable Revenue Stream: Long-term lease agreements with major wireless carriers ensure that Crown Castle has a reliable source of revenue that supports its generous dividends.
• Strong Dividend Payout: With a 6.2% dividend yield, Crown Castle is among the highest-yielding stocks in the REIT sector, making it a prime choice for income investors.

Key Takeaway: Crown Castle offers strong dividends supported by its strategic infrastructure investments and growing demand for telecom services.

4. Digital Realty Trust Inc. (DLR)

• Sector: Real Estate
• Market Value: $51 billion
• Dividend Yield: 3.3%

Why Invest in Digital Realty?
Digital Realty is another REIT focused on the high-tech sector, specifically in data centers.

• Data Center Demand: With the growing need for cloud computing, Digital Realty owns over 300 data centers worldwide, serving major clients like Amazon and Oracle.
• Long-Term Contracts: The company’s clients sign long-term contracts for space and data storage, ensuring consistent revenue for years to come.
• Sustainable Dividends: With a 3.3% dividend yield, Digital Realty continues to provide reliable income, with the potential for further dividend increases in line with the company’s growth.

 Key Takeaway: Digital Realty provides a high-tech investment opportunity with stable dividends from its global data center business.

5. Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD)

• Sector: Health Care
• Market Value: $136 billion
• Dividend Yield: 2.9%

Why Invest in Gilead?
Gilead has been a top performer in the biotech space, with strong products and a growing dividend to match.

• Strong Pharmaceutical Portfolio: Known for innovative treatments for diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, Gilead also has promising cancer drugs in its pipeline.
• Profitability and Growth: Gilead is forecasted to experience 70% earnings per share (EPS) growth in 2025, which supports its ability to sustain and increase dividends.
• Solid Dividend Record: With a 2.9% dividend yield, Gilead offers investors both capital appreciation and income potential from its expanding business.

Key Takeaway: Gilead offers both growth potential in the biotech space and a sustainable dividend, making it a strong choice for health care investors.

6. Healthpeak Properties Inc. (DOC)

• Sector: Real Estate
• Market Value: $14 billion
• Dividend Yield: 6%

Why Invest in Healthpeak?
Healthpeak is a healthcare-focused REIT, providing exposure to the growing demand for healthcare real estate.

• Post-Merger Strength: After a merger with Physicians Realty Trust, Healthpeak expanded its portfolio to become one of the largest healthcare REITs in the country.
• Revenue from Healthcare Facilities: Its properties, which include senior housing and medical offices, benefit from the growing aging population and demand for healthcare services.
• High Dividend Yield: With a 6% dividend yield, Healthpeak delivers one of the highest payouts in its sector, making it attractive for income-focused investors.

Key Takeaway: Healthpeak offers reliable dividends and exposure to the growing healthcare real estate market.

7. International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)

• Sector: Technology
• Market Value: $232 billion
• Dividend Yield: 2.7%

Why Invest in IBM?
IBM, a tech giant with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, continues to offer consistent dividends despite fierce competition.

• Leadership in AI and Cloud: IBM’s Watson AI and hybrid cloud solutions have cemented its place as a leader in emerging technologies.
• Dividend Stability: IBM has a strong dividend history, with a 2.7% yield and a commitment to maintaining its dividend payouts even in times of market volatility.
• Value Play: Unlike high-growth tech stocks, IBM offers steady returns with a relatively low-risk profile.

Key Takeaway: IBM offers a combination of innovation and income stability, making it an ideal choice for conservative tech investors.

8. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM)

• Sector: Financials
• Market Value: $705 billion
• Dividend Yield: 2.3%

Why Invest in JPMorgan?
JPMorgan is the largest U.S. bank and has been a long-time leader in the financial sector, delivering both growth and dividends.

• Strong Financial Health: JPMorgan’s dominance in banking and low payout ratio ensure that the company can continue to generate solid profits and maintain its dividend policy.
• Dividend Growth: Since the 2008 financial crisis, JPMorgan has consistently increased its dividends, offering a 270% increase from 2013 to 2025.
• Resilient Business Model: Its diverse revenue streams and robust financial performance make it a reliable choice for income-seeking investors.

Key Takeaway: JPMorgan is a trusted dividend payer with a strong financial position and a commitment to returning capital to shareholders.

9. Kinder Morgan Inc. (KMI)

• Sector: Energy
• Market Value: $63 billion
• Dividend Yield: 4%

Why Invest in Kinder Morgan?
Kinder Morgan is a midstream energy company focused on transporting oil and gas, providing investors with stable dividends despite fluctuations in energy prices.

• Pipeline Dominance: The company operates over 83,000 miles of pipelines, providing a steady stream of fee-based income from its infrastructure.
• Dividend Stability: With a 4% yield, Kinder Morgan’s steady earnings and reliable dividend payouts make it an attractive choice in the energy sector.
• Strategic Expansion: The company’s recent acquisition of pipeline assets strengthens its market position and ensures continued cash flow to support its dividend.

Key Takeaway: Kinder Morgan offers a stable energy play with consistent dividend payouts and long-term growth potential.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q.1. What are some key metrics to identify growth and value stocks?

A.1. Growth Stocks: Year-over-year revenue growth, high P/E ratio, and strong R&D investment.
Value Stocks: Low P/E ratio, good dividend yield, and stable earnings history.

Q.2. Which is better: growth or value stocks?

A.2. There is no definitive “better" category. Growth stocks offer higher potential returns but come with more risk, while value stocks provide stability and dividends. A diversified portfolio with both styles is ideal.

Q.3. When do growth stocks outperform value stocks?

A.3. Growth stocks generally outperform during bull markets and periods of economic expansion, as investors seek higher future returns.

Q.4. When do value stocks outperform growth stocks?

A.4. Value stocks tend to outperform during recessionary periods and in times of rising interest rates, as they are more stable and often pay dividends.

Q.5. Should I invest only in growth or value stocks?

A.5. No. It’s best to diversify across both styles. This strategy reduces risk and ensures your portfolio can benefit from different market conditions.

Conclusion

In 2025, dividend stocks are more crucial than ever as investors seek stability, passive income, and long-term growth amidst market volatility. These 9 top dividend stocks, from various sectors including technology, healthcare, real estate, and energy, offer a range of attractive dividend yields and the potential for capital appreciation. By adding these high-quality dividend stocks to your portfolio, you can build a strong foundation for both income generation and growth.

Whether you are looking for high-yielding stocks or stable blue-chip companies, these options provide a mix of security and performance to help you navigate a volatile market while maximizing your returns over time.

Important Note: Please Read Before You Invest

We’re just sharing some helpful tips, but remember, investing comes with risks. We can’t promise that these tips will always work or that you’ll make money. Everyone’s financial situation is different, so it’s smart to do your research or talk to a financial advisor before you invest. Using these tips, you agree that you’re responsible for your investment decisions and results.