15 Best Performing Dividend Stocks So Far in 2025

5. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK)

YTD Performance as of September 15: 37.5%

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) is an American bank holding company. It has a history of more than 240 years and has built a reputation for delivering innovative financial solutions that serve businesses, communities, and individuals worldwide.

During its recent earnings call, management emphasized its disciplined and forward-thinking approach, marked by steady growth, strategic clarity, and a preference for organic expansion over large-scale mergers and acquisitions. This shift underscores The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK)’s focus on internal transformation and strengthening its own capabilities.

Examples of this strategy include moving roughly half of its workforce onto a platform-based model, the widespread integration of its Eliza AI tool, and active participation in stablecoin infrastructure, positioning The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) as a credible player in digital assets. Alongside these initiatives, management has maintained tight expense discipline, achieving 500 basis points of positive operating leverage. The company also sustained a strong 92% payout ratio, balancing margin improvements with continued investment in growth.

On July 15, The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) declared a 13% hike in its quarterly dividend to $0.53 per share. Through this increase, the company stretched its dividend growth streak to 15 years. The stock has a dividend yield of 1.99%, as of September 15.