11 Best Telecom Dividend Stocks to Buy for 2025

3. Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 81

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is a leading provider of networking, security, software, and cloud solutions, best known for its Internet Protocol-based routers and switches that enable data to move across networks. The stock has surged by nearly 14% since the start of 2025.

Artificial intelligence has become a major growth driver for Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO). In 2024, the company generated over $1 billion in AI-related revenue and is aiming to at least double that figure in 2025. A key part of this expansion was its $28 billion acquisition of Splunk, completed last year, which strengthens Cisco’s ability to support customers in enhancing their networking, security, and AI capabilities.

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO)’s dividend growth makes it an appealing option for income investors. The company’s dividend growth streak spans 18 years, and the company currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.41 per share. The stock has a dividend yield of 2.44%, as recorded on September 24.