10 Best Dividend Leaders to Buy Now

4. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 65

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is among the best dividend leaders. The company has increased its dividend every year for the past 18 years. As the largest wireless carrier in the US, it operates a stable business that generates a large amount of free cash flow, which helps ensure a secure and growing dividend.

In the first quarter of 2025, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) reported a strong cash position. Operating cash flow reached $7.8 billion, up from $7.1 billion in the same period of 2024. Free cash flow was $3.6 billion, compared to $2.7 billion in the first quarter of 2024.

For the full year 2025, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) expects operating cash flow to be between $35.0 billion and $37.0 billion, with free cash flow projected between $17.5 billion and $18.5 billion. In addition, the company’s balance sheet remains healthy, with a leverage ratio of 2.3 for its unsecured debt (calculated as net unsecured debt divided by trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA).

Considering this strong financial position, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)’s dividend appears secure and well-positioned for future growth. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.6775 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.4%, as of June 23.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is an American telecommunications company that provides a range of wireless and wireline communication services and products, including corporate networking solutions, data center and cloud services, and security and managed network services.