In this article, we will take a look at some of the best dividend stocks for 2025.
Over the past two years, dividend stocks have lagged behind the broader market as investor interest shifted toward companies focused on artificial intelligence. However, seasoned investors continue to see long-term value in dividend-paying stocks, given their strong track record over time. Temporary market trends have not diminished their significance. In fact, dividends have historically been a major contributor to total returns, making up around 31% of the market’s monthly total return from 1926 through February 2025, according to data from S&P Dow Jones Indices.
Dividend stocks have also shown greater stability during market downturns. Historical data shows that the S&P Dividend Aristocrats have provided better risk-adjusted returns than the overall market, with less volatility. These stocks have offered effective downside protection, outperforming the market in roughly two-thirds of the market’s down months and about 44% of its up months. Analysts continue to view dividend equities positively for the current year, citing strong historical performance.
A recent J.P. Morgan report noted that global equity markets may be entering a robust period of dividend growth. This is expected to be driven not only by a cyclical recovery in payouts but also by continued structural momentum. While global dividends per share have increased at an average rate of 5.6% annually over the past 20 years, forecasts now suggest this growth could accelerate to 7.6% in the years ahead. Given this, we will take a look at some of the best dividend stocks to invest in.
Our Methodology:
To compile this list, we thoroughly reviewed reputable sources such as Forbes, Morningstar, Barron’s, and Business Insider. From their latest articles, we gathered the stocks they collectively favored. Additionally, we assessed the sentiment of hedge funds for each stock using Insider Monkey’s Q1 2025 database. The stocks are arranged in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds that hold stakes in these companies.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 68
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) is one of the best dividend stocks for 2025. The company stands out as a strong dividend stock, offering both steady growth and long-term reliability. Its current yield of 2.17% is backed by a solid track record, with dividends growing at an average annual rate of 15.9% over the past five years. A relatively low payout ratio of 36.7% gives the company room to raise dividends further without straining its finances.
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) has been rewarding shareholders with growing dividends for the past 60 years and has paid regular dividends since 1961. The company currently offers a quarterly dividend of $1.20 per share.
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW)’s competitive edge comes from its well-established brand, strong logistics network, and effective omnichannel strategy, all of which help reinforce its position as a market leader. With sound operations and a disciplined financial approach, Lowe’s appears well-positioned to continue delivering dividend growth in the years ahead.
9. Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ:TXN)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69
Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ:TXN) is among the best dividend stocks to buy in 2025. The company follows a strong business model centered on analog and embedded processing products, supported by its long-lasting competitive strengths.
Another key part of its strategy to drive long-term growth in free cash flow per share is its disciplined approach to capital allocation. This includes careful selection of research and development projects, building new capabilities, investing in manufacturing capacity, evaluating potential acquisitions, and returning capital to shareholders.
Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ:TXN)’s strategy also focuses on efficiency, which it defines as consistently aiming to generate greater results for every dollar spent. This approach emphasizes directing investments toward the most impactful areas to support the long-term growth of free cash flow per share, rather than simply cutting costs to the bare minimum. For shareholders, this commitment to efficiency is expected to support revenue growth, stronger gross margins, careful management of R&D and SG&A expenses, healthy free cash flow margins, and ultimately, an increase in free cash flow per share.
Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ:TXN) currently offers a quarterly dividend of $1.36 per share. Overall, the company has raised its payouts for 21 consecutive years. In the past five years, it has raised its payouts at an annual average rate of over 9%, which is considered a solid pace in the tech sector. As of June 25, TXN has a dividend yield of 2.65%.