In this article, we will take a look at some of the best stocks with the highest dividends.
Dividend stocks have stayed popular with investors because of their steady yield and growth potential. However, extremely high dividend yields, while eye-catching, are often viewed with caution by analysts and experienced investors. Very high yields can signal underlying problems, making such stocks risky to invest in.
Investors focused on income generally aim to maximize yield today. But in a period of persistent inflation, preserving purchasing power becomes equally important. Analysts note that dividend yield by itself is not enough. Yield is most effective when paired with consistent dividend growth. According to Nuveen, dividend-paying stocks that combine a solid yield with reliable growth tend to signal quality, as they manage to balance current payouts with reinvestment for future expansion.
Nuveen also pointed out that companies paying out nearly all their earnings as dividends, or just enough to cover them, may face risks from competitive pressures, since their cash flow might be insufficient to support ongoing operations. Stocks with very high dividend yields or high payout ratios may experience slow growth, which can threaten both share price appreciation and future dividend increases.
Historically, companies with the highest payout ratios have not delivered the best long-term returns. Over the past 20 years, dividend-paying stocks with medium to medium-high payout ratios have tended to outperform their high-payout peers, as reported by Nuveen.
Given this, we will take a look at some of the best stocks with the highest yields.
Our Methodology:
To create this list, we screened companies with the highest dividend yields as of November 16. The companies included have above-average dividend yields, which means their dividend histories have experienced some instability due to various macroeconomic and company-specific factors. Despite these fluctuations, they remain among the more stable performers within the high-yield segment. The stocks are ranked according to their dividend yields.
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15. Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NASDAQ:PAA)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 8.97%
Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NASDAQ:PAA) is among the best stocks with the highest dividends.
On November 13, Scotiabank cut its price target on Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NASDAQ:PAA) to $19 from $20 while maintaining an Outperform rating, according to a report by The Fly. The analyst noted that the firm is updating price targets across its U.S. Midstream coverage. Q3 results showed how diversification and scale can act as a natural hedge, since companies with multiple business lines, multi-basin operations, or dominant footprints in key regions managed to soften the impact of macro uncertainty and volatile or declining commodity prices.
In the third quarter of 2025, Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NASDAQ:PAA) reported revenue of $11.58 billion, down more than 9% from a year earlier. Net income attributable to PAA came in at $441 million, and operating cash flow totaled $817 million.
Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NASDAQ:PAA) is actively reshaping its portfolio. On October 31, the company closed its acquisition of a 55% stake in EPIC Crude Holdings, the owner and operator of the EPIC Crude Oil Pipeline, from Diamondback Energy and Kinetik Holdings. At the same time, Plains is selling its Canadian natural gas liquids assets to reduce exposure to commodity-price swings and strengthen cash-flow stability. Management plans to redeploy that capital into projects that generate more reliable earnings, supporting long-term distribution growth.
Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NASDAQ:PAA) is a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns and operates midstream infrastructure and provides logistics services for crude oil and natural gas liquids.
14. SFL Corporation Ltd. (NYSE:SFL)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 9.75%
SFL Corporation Ltd. (NYSE:SFL) is among the best stocks with the highest yields.
BTIG raised its price target on SFL Corporation Ltd. (NYSE:SFL) to $11 from $10 on November 11 and reiterated a Buy rating, according to a report by The Fly. The firm pointed out that SFL shares moved higher after the company posted Q3 results, with adjusted EBITDA coming in at $113 million, about 19% above the $95 million consensus estimate. SFL kept its $0.20 quarterly dividend, which amounts to a 41% payout of operating cash flow and implies an annualized yield of roughly 10%.
Although the company did not repurchase any shares during the quarter, BTIG noted that SFL still has $80 million left under its buyback authorization, which runs through Q2 2026. The firm added that the company continues to invest in its fleet, though re-deliveries and a soft drilling market are pressuring near-term operating cash flow.
In Q3 2025, SFL Corporation Ltd. (NYSE:SFL) reported revenue of $178.2 million, with about 86% coming from shipping charter hire and 14% from energy. Revenue declined more than 30% from the prior year but still beat expectations by $4.6 million. The company reported net income of $8.6 million, or $0.07 per share. As of September 30, 2025, SFL held $278 million in cash and cash equivalents and had another $44 million available under undrawn credit facilities.
SFL Corporation Ltd. (NYSE:SFL) remains a reliable dividend payer, having distributed regular dividends for 87 straight quarters and has a yield of 9.75%, as of November 16.
SFL Corporation Ltd. (NYSE:SFL) owns and charters maritime and offshore assets, operating a fleet that supports medium and long-term contracts across the shipping and energy sectors.
13. Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 9.85%
Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK) is among the best stocks with the highest yields.
On November 3, Freedom Capital Markets began covering Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK) with a Hold rating and a $3.75 price target, according to a report by The Fly.
In the third quarter of 2025, Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK) reported $674.6 million in revenue, an 8% decline compared with the same quarter last year. Its Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) revenue rose 20% year over year to $209.3 million, and Average Daily Paying Users reached 354,000, up 17.6% from a year ago. The company reiterated its full-year outlook, calling for $2.70–$2.75 billion in revenue and $715–$740 million in adjusted EBITDA.
Management is targeting 40% D2C revenue on a run-rate basis within the next two years, compared with the current 31%. CEO Robert Antokol said that Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK)’s portfolio transition will continue into 2026, with priorities including stabilizing Slotomania and preparing the launch of a new slot title, Jackpot Tour, although that game is not expected to contribute meaningfully to 2025 results.
Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK) develops and publishes mobile games, offering free-to-play casual and social casino titles such as Bingo Blitz and Slotomania.
12. MSC Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MSIF)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 10.66%
MSC Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MSIF) is one of the best stocks with the highest dividends.
Citizens JMP raised its outlook on MSC Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MSIF) on November 16, moving the stock to an Outperform rating from Market Perform and assigning a $15 price target, as reported by The Fly.
For the third quarter of 2025, the fund posted total investment income of $35.4 million. It reported a net increase in net assets from operations of $26.5 million, which came out to $0.56 per share. Return on equity stood at 14.6% on an annualized basis for the quarter and 11.6% for the twelve months ending September 30, 2025. Dividend income for the period rose by $1.2 million compared with last year.
Management indicated that MSC Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MSIF) plans to maintain its current dividend structure, which includes both a regular quarterly payout and a supplemental dividend tied to pretax net investment income. The team also signaled that a dividend increase could come sometime in 2026.
MSC Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MSIF) operates as a principal investment firm that mainly provides debt financing to private companies backed by, or being acquired by, private equity sponsors.
11. Evolution Petroleum Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:EPM)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 11.27%
Evolution Petroleum Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:EPM) is one of the best stocks with the highest dividend.
On November 14, Northland cut its price target on Evolution Petroleum Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:EPM) to $4 from $4.50 and maintained a Market Perform rating, according to a report by The Fly. The analyst said the fiscal Q1 results came in slightly ahead of expectations and looked “solid,” but the firm lowered its target because of weaker benchmark commodity prices.
In fiscal Q1 2026, the company posted $21.2 million in revenue, a decline of nearly 3% from the same period last year. Natural gas revenue, however, rose 38% to $5.9 million from the prior-year quarter. Evolution Petroleum Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:EPM) also expanded its footprint by purchasing assets in the SCOOP/STACK region of Oklahoma, which marked its largest acquisition of mineral and royalty interests and its second deal in that area.
Evolution Petroleum Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:EPM) continued to deliver steady dividend performance. During the quarter, it returned $4.2 million to shareholders through dividends and has now paid regular dividends for 49 consecutive quarters. Management continues to focus on operating efficiently, allocating capital carefully, and maintaining financial strength. The company also aims to generate sustainable free cash flow to support its regular dividend and pursue opportunistic acquisitions.
Evolution Petroleum Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:EPM) operates as an independent energy company, investing in and managing onshore oil and natural gas properties across the US.
10. New Mountain Finance Corporation (NASDAQ:NMFC)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 13.57%
New Mountain Finance Corporation (NASDAQ:NMFC) is among the best dividend stocks with the highest yields.
On November 5, B. Riley lowered its price target on New Mountain Finance Corporation (NASDAQ:NMFC) to $10 from $11 and maintained a Neutral rating on the stock following the Q3 results, as reported by The Fly. The analyst noted that the company’s raw earnings fell short of expectations.
In the third quarter of 2025, New Mountain Finance Corporation (NASDAQ:NMFC) reported net investment income of $33.9 million, or $0.32 per weighted average share. Credit performance remained steady, with roughly 95% of the portfolio rated green.
New Mountain Finance Corporation (NASDAQ:NMFC)’s board approved a new share repurchase program worth $100 million. In addition, the company is exploring the potential sale of up to $500 million of its assets to a third party, which could significantly advance its strategic goals. Q3 was a modest origination period, with $127 million in new assets offset by $177 million in repayments. The company plans to continue prioritizing share buybacks over new investments if the stock remains near current levels.
New Mountain Finance Corporation (NASDAQ:NMFC) specializes in providing direct lending solutions to US upper mid-market companies supported by leading private equity sponsors.
9. OFS Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:OFS)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 13.6%
OFS Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:OFS) is among the best stocks with the highest yields.
On November 4, Lucid Capital began coverage of OFS Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:OFS) with a Neutral rating and a $7 price target, as reported by The Fly. The firm noted that it would like to see fewer nonaccrual investments, reduced leverage, and a higher share of interest-earning assets before turning more positive on the stock.
In the third quarter of 2025, OFS Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:OFS) reported net investment income of $10.6 million, a decline of a little over 3% from the same period last year. The investment portfolio included $98.4 million in equity positions and $66.2 million in structured finance securities.
During the quarter, OFS Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:OFS) committed $8.3 million to a new middle-market debt investment and ended the period with $18.3 million in unfunded commitments. In August, the company continued its refinancing efforts by issuing a $25 million unsecured note in a private placement, using the proceeds to repay $94 million of notes due in February 2026. The company intends to retire the remaining $31 million of these notes before they reach maturity.
OFS Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:OFS) operates as a business development company focused on providing debt and equity financing to US middle-market businesses.
8. WhiteHorse Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ:WHF)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 14.2%
WhiteHorse Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ:WHF) is one of the best stocks with the highest dividend.
On November 12, B. Riley cut its price target on WhiteHorse Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ:WHF) to $7.50 from $9 and maintained a Neutral rating, as reported by The Fly. The analyst noted that the company’s third-quarter results did not fully cover the dividend and that NAV per share declined, although credit quality showed some improvement as MSI Information Systems moved back to accrual status. The firm added that the stock’s risk and reward remain fairly balanced, with limited room for valuation expansion given the current earnings coverage and credit metrics.
On November 10, 2025, the board authorized a stock buyback program of up to $15.0 million. Management also reset the regular quarterly distribution to $0.25 per share, with the possibility of supplemental or special payouts if recoveries or market improvements strengthen earnings. The company explained that this base dividend was set at a level it expects to consistently earn each quarter, even if interest rates fall in line with the current yield curve.
As of September 30, 2025, WhiteHorse Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ:WHF)’s investment portfolio had a fair value of $568.4 million, down from $629.3 million on June 30, 2025. At quarter-end, the portfolio included 125 positions across 66 companies and carried a weighted average effective yield of 11.6% on its income-producing debt investments.
WhiteHorse Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ:WHF) is a close-end investment company that provides loans to private, lower middle-market businesses in the US.
7. Runway Growth Finance Corp. (NASDAQ:RWAY)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 14.21%
Runway Growth Finance Corp. (NASDAQ:RWAY) is among the best stocks with the highest dividend.
On November 11, Oppenheimer reduced its price target on Runway Growth Finance Corp. (NASDAQ:RWAY) to $12 from $13 and maintained a Perform rating after reviewing the company’s quarterly results, as reported by The Fly. The firm now expects the company to generate earnings of $1.07 per share in 2025 and $1.35 per share in 2026, which would translate into projected ROEs of 7.8% and 9.9%. These updates reflect the company’s Q3 performance and the guidance provided.
During the third quarter of 2025, Runway Growth Finance Corp. (NASDAQ:RWAY)’s CEO David Spreng pointed to the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire SWK Holdings. He described the deal as a strategic step that will add an estimated $242 million to the portfolio, broaden the company’s growth path, strengthen diversification, and significantly expand its capabilities and presence in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Once completed, the acquisition is expected to raise healthcare and life sciences exposure from 14% to 31% of the portfolio based on fair value.
In Q3 2025, Runway Growth Finance Corp. (NASDAQ:RWAY) reported total investment income of $36.7 million and net investment income of $15.7 million. Runway made 11 new and follow-on investments totaling $128.3 million, with activity spread across technology, healthcare, and select consumer industries.
Runway Growth Finance Corp. (NASDAQ:RWAY) provides flexible financing solutions to late-stage and growth-stage companies that prefer alternatives to traditional equity raises.
6. Townsquare Media, Inc. (NYSE:TSQ)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 15.47%
Townsquare Media, Inc. (NYSE:TSQ) is among the best stocks with the highest dividend.
On November 11, Noble Capital cut its price target on Townsquare Media, Inc. (NYSE:TSQ) to $15 from $21 while maintaining an Outperform rating. The firm adjusted its outlook after the company’s Q3 results and its updated guidance for Q4, which led to lower expectations for 2026.
For the third quarter of 2025, Townsquare Media, Inc. (NYSE:TSQ) reported $106.8 million in revenue, a decline of almost 8% from a year earlier. Across the first nine months of 2025, digital net revenue rose 2.1% year over year and made up 55% of total net revenue, while Digital Segment Profit grew 3.6% over the same period. For Q4 2025, the company expects net revenue between $105 million and $109 million, with projected Adjusted EBITDA ranging from $21.5 million to $23.5 million.
Townsquare Media, Inc. (NYSE:TSQ) is a media, entertainment, and digital marketing company that operates radio stations and digital platforms across small and mid-sized markets in the US.
5. Mach Natural Resources LP (NYSE:MNR)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 16.11%
Mach Natural Resources LP (NYSE:MNR) is one of the best stocks with the highest dividend.
On November 10, Northland lowered the firm’s price target on Mach Natural Resources LP (NYSE:MNR) to $20 from $21 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares. Q3 results “looked like a miss at first glance,” but one-time acquisition costs masked what was “a positive quarter,” says the analyst, who cites a slightly lower FY26 adjusted EBITDA forecast for the firm’s trimming of its price target.
In the third quarter of 2025, Mach Natural Resources LP (NYSE:MNR) reported revenue of $273 million, up 6.66% from the same period last year. Mach completed two acquisitions on September 16, 2025, involving oil and gas assets in the Permian Basin and San Juan Basin, which added roughly two weeks of contribution to its operational and financial results. The company generated $106 million in net cash from operating activities.
The company declared a Q3 distribution of $0.27 per unit, bringing total distributions to $5.14 per unit since its public offering in October 2023 and more than $1.2 billion since 2018. CEO Tom Ward emphasized that even with this significant return, the company has grown its enterprise value to over $3.5 billion without selling major assets, while maintaining a cash return on capital invested of more than 30% per year over the past five years.
Mach Natural Resources LP (NYSE:MNR) focuses on acquiring, developing, and producing oil, natural gas, and NGL reserves as an independent upstream energy company.
4. FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 16.69%
FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) is one of the best stocks with the highest dividend.
On November 13, Barclays analyst Benjamin Theurer lowered the firm’s price target on FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) to $16 from $22 and maintained an Equal Weight rating on the stock, according to a report by The Fly. The firm reduced targets in its agribusiness sector, citing softer Q4 demand due to deferred purchases amid high prices. Some of this weakness is expected to be partially offset by a strong US harvest, the analyst noted in a research update.
In Q3 2025, FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) reported revenue of $542 million, down 49% from the same period last year, largely due to significant one-time commercial actions in India as the company prepared that business for sale. The company now projects full-year revenue between $3.92 billion and $4.02 billion, down 7% at the midpoint compared to 2024, while adjusted EBITDA is forecasted at $830 million to $870 million, a 6% decline versus last year at the midpoint.
Management also reduced the quarterly dividend to $0.08 per share from $0.58, a move aimed at strengthening the balance sheet and addressing FMC’s net debt of over $4 billion. While such a cut can drive yield-focused investors away, the company sees it as a necessary step to stabilize finances.
FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) is a global agricultural sciences company that helps growers produce food, feed, fiber, and fuel while adapting to environmental changes.
3. BlackRock TCP Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:TCPC)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 17.27%
BlackRock TCP Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:TCPC) is one of the best stocks with the highest dividend.
On November 10, Wells Fargo analyst Finian P. O’Shea cut the price target on BlackRock TCP Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:TCPC) to $5.50 from $6 and maintained an Underweight rating on the shares following the company’s quarterly results, according to a report by the Fly. The firm noted that a post-quarter write-off of Renovo underscores the risks associated with restructured credits.
In its Q3 2025 earnings, CEO Philip Tseng stated that the company did not expect to recover value from its investment in Renovo and anticipated fully writing down the position in the fourth quarter of 2025. He added that this action would likely reduce the Q4 net asset value by approximately $0.15 per share on a pro forma basis.
BlackRock TCP Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:TCPC) also saw activity rise, with a 20% increase in deals reviewed compared to the previous quarter and a 40% increase in deals moving to the screening stage. Management emphasized ongoing portfolio diversification, noting that the average position size fell to $7.8 million from $11.7 million at the end of 2024.
For the third quarter of 2025, TCPC reported revenue of $50.52 million, down nearly 29% year over year. During the quarter, total investment acquisitions and dispositions were approximately $63.1 million and $139.5 million, respectively.
BlackRock TCP Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:TCPC) specializes in direct lending to middle-market companies and small businesses.
2. FS KKR Capital Corp. (NYSE:FSK)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 17.9%
FS KKR Capital Corp. (NYSE:FSK) is among the best stocks with the highest dividend.
Truist lowered its price target on FS KKR Capital Corp. (NYSE:FSK) to $17 from $19 and maintained a Hold rating on the shares as part of a broader review of business development companies (BDCs), as reported by The Fly. The firm updated its model to reflect FSK’s Q3 results and revised guidance while raising its FY25 net interest income per share forecast by $0.03 to $2.37, citing higher dividend income and lower interest expenses, according to the analyst’s research note.
During the third quarter, FS KKR Capital Corp. (NYSE:FSK) generated $0.57 per share of Adjusted Net Investment Income, and its Net Asset Value per share rose to $21.99. The company also announced its 2026 quarterly distribution plan, which is expected to produce an annualized yield of roughly 10% on NAV, in line with the BDC industry’s long-term yield of 9% to 10%. The firm believes this distribution will be attractive both on a relative and absolute basis.
Daniel Pietrzak, President and Chief Investment Officer, noted a 30% year-over-year increase in deals evaluated, driven by robust M&A activity and a strong labor market. He highlighted portfolio actions such as the restructuring of Production Resource Group (PRG) and the full repayment of the Callodine Commercial Finance investment, which delivered a 13.3% internal rate of return.
FS KKR Capital Corp. (NYSE:FSK) is a leading publicly traded business development company that specializes in providing tailored credit solutions to private middle-market companies in the US.
1. Great Elm Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:GECC)
Dividend Yield as of November 16: 19.02%
Great Elm Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:GECC) is among the best stocks with the highest dividend.
On November 7, Clear Street analyst Mickey Schleien reduced the firm’s price target on Great Elm Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:GECC) to $8.50 from $10 while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares. Schleien noted that the company experienced a “rough” Q3 with multiple credit issues and expects lower earnings ahead, along with potential dividend pressure in 2026.
During the third quarter of 2025, Great Elm Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:GECC)’s Board maintained a $0.37 per share distribution and approved a $10 million share repurchase program. The company strengthened its balance sheet by raising $27 million in equity and refinancing its highest-cost debt.
Great Elm Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:GECC) reported net investment income (NII) of $2.4 million, or $0.20 per share, down from $5.9 million, or $0.51 per share, in Q2 2025. The decline was primarily due to the absence of a distribution from an insurance-related investment. Management emphasized its strategy of deploying $25 million in cash, along with over $20 million from monetizing non-yielding assets, into income-generating investments.
Great Elm Capital Corp. (NASDAQ:GECC) is an externally managed business development company focused on generating current income and capital appreciation through investments in debt and income-producing equity securities, including specialty finance businesses and collateralized loan obligations (CLOs).
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