This article will look into the dividend stocks that are gaining in 2025.
Stable income, offered by the dividend stocks, has historically attracted investors looking for consistent passive income, resulting in these stocks forming a significant portion of investment portfolios. We are at the beginning of 2025, and these divided stocks are recording notable changes, potentially affecting investment decisions in 2025. While these changes are negatively reflected in some stocks, we see an upward trend that offers an investment opportunity for dividend-seeking investors in others. We have compiled a list of dividend-payers gaining in 2025, which may also be part of your investment portfolio. Stick with us as we count these top gainers from 10 to 1.
Remember that it is not always about the stock’s trajectory but also the reasons behind it. Hence, as we count down the dividend stocks gained in 2025, we will also examine the factors contributing to their upward trend. The two most common contributors to changes in the dividend stock market are the convergence of global events and market trends.
Also read: 10 Low PE High Dividend Stocks to Buy Now
Trump’s presidency, for instance, is shaking up economic policies, leading to specific industries and companies performing better while others face mounting pressures. The new tariff rates—25% on all products coming into the US from Mexico and Canada and 60% on Chinese imports—proposed by the current President, Donald Trump, send ripples across the commercial world, reaching beyond the US borders.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) conflict between the US and China also affects the environment for dividend stocks. The newly launched AI model from China is competing with the existing model in the US in terms of performance and costs. These developments are altering stock prices. They reshape the expectations for dividend yields across sectors like technology, energy, and consumer goods. Investors are keeping a close eye on how companies are adapting to these changes. Some respond through innovative strategies and product offerings, while others struggle to transition to changing market conditions. It may inevitably be affecting the sustainability or growth of their dividend payouts.
For an investor, making an informed decision is better than unthinkingly following the market trend. Understanding the catalysts behind these trends, whether a geopolitical shift or changes in macroeconomic factors like interest rates or sector-specific challenges, will help make such informed decisions. The stocks we will be seeing in this article have managed to position themselves so that they would gain the most out of the changing market environment.
Each stock will share its unique story in our countdown, providing investors with insights that could later be used to optimize their portfolios. So, grab your coffee and get comfortable as we count down from 10 to 1 of the dividend-paying stocks that are gaining in 2025. Let’s dive in!
Photo by Vitaly Taranov on Unsplash
Our Methodology:
We took into account while forming the below list, the year-to-date (YTD) returns generated by the companies till February 16, 2025. Our list includes only those stocks that have met the criteria of a minimum dividend yield of 3%. Investors focused on income would find these companies particularly attractive. We also eliminated from our list, companies with a market capitalization of less than $50 million. It helped in putting together the list of large dividend-paying stocks, that could be significant gainers in 2025. The stocks are ranked according to their dividend yields, as of February 16.
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10. Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ:EXC)
Dividend yield: 3.73%
Dividend payout ratio: 62.04%
Ex-Dividend Date: February 24, 2025
Number of Hedge Funds: 35
As of February 16, 2025, Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ:EXC) saw a positive growth of 13.84% YTD, overperforming the benchmark indexes.
The four-year capital investment plan of the Chicago-based electric utility company saw an increase of $38 billion to cover the new transmission lines that would boost its overall growth in the industry. The industry is presented with a growth opportunity caused by the lack and aging of the existing power lines, pushing the electricity demand up in the market. After considering the required funding, several rate cases proposed by the company were approved by regulators and implemented earlier this year. As a result, Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ:EXC) is expecting adjusted operating earnings between $2.64 and $2.74 per share. This varies, but only slightly, from analysts’ average estimate of 2.63 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.
Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ:EXC) offers a dividend yield of 3.73%. The 62.04% payout ratio indicates a balance between earnings used for dividend payment and earnings retained for reinvesting. As of the third quarter of 2025, 35 hedge funds tracked by Inside Monkey held on to the company’s stocks, indicating investors’ solid interest in the stocks.
Investors seeking stable income may purchase the stock on or before the ex-dividend date of February 24, 2025.
9. Spire Inc. (NYSE:SR)
Dividend yield: 4.25%
Dividend payout ratio: 76.06%
Ex-Dividend Date: March 11, 2025
Number of Hedge Funds: 20
Spire Inc. (NYSE:SR) is a regional public utility holding company based in Missouri, U.S. The company experienced an upward trend of 8.96% year-to-date, as of February 15, 2025, signaling a high performance.
The Q1 2025 earnings call transcript of the company indicated high growth in its utility and midstream segments. Strategic investments broadly and positively influenced this in natural gas infrastructure. The company’s effective cost-management strategies also contributed to its growth. With these efforts, the company continues to expand and has positioned itself against other top competitors in the energy sector. Spire Inc. (NYSE:SR) has also distributed $260 million in Q1 capital expenditures to transform its distribution infrastructure. It has also expanded its customer base by connecting to new homes and businesses.
With a payout ratio of 76.06%, Spire Inc. (NYSE:SR) retains close to a quarter of its earnings and offers a dividend yield of 4.25%, as of February 16. The stock attracts moderate investors’ interest since 20 hedge funds, tracked by Insider Monkey, have owned stakes in the company in Q3 2024. The ex-dividend date is March 11, 2025. Investors interested in the stock can purchase on or before this date.
Spire Inc. (NYSE:SR) has high growth potential, which may attract value investors seeking reliable growth.
8. Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG)
Dividend yield: 4.54%
Dividend payout ratio: 111.57%
Ex-Dividend Date: March 10, 2025
Number of Hedge Funds: 49
Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) saw a positive year-to-date return of 7.46% as of February 16, 2025, overperforming the broader market.
This real estate investment trust company in the U.S. saw its value increase after Asset Management One Co. Ltd. raised its position in its shares by 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2024. More insider purchases followed the investment. The company’s director, Reuben S. Leibowitz, purchased 465 shares at an average cost of $168.59 on December 30, 2024. Later, in January 2025, Jefferies Financial Group carried out research, after which the Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) was upgraded from a “Hold” rating to a “Buy” rating. Consecutively, the price target for the company was raised from $179.00 to $198.00.
Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) offers a dividend yield of 4.54%. The dividend payout ratio, however, stands at 111.57%, suggesting the possibility of dividend payments through debt financing. However, 49 hedge portfolios in the Insider Monkey database hold on to the stock, demonstrating high institutional interest in Simon Property’s stocks. Investors can purchase the stock on or before the ex-dividend date of March 10, 2025.
Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) shows significant growth potential for 2025 despite the possibility of debt risks.