US Stock Dividend Yield Rankings 2025: 5 High-Yield Must-Choose Stocks, with a maximum yield of nearly 7%

2024 US stocks surged fiercely, but dividend yields shrank. The average dividend yield of the S&P 500 is now only 1.2%, nearly a 20-year low. But this doesn’t mean there are no opportunities—there are still many undervalued high-yield stocks in the market, with yields breaking through 5% or more. What are the noteworthy US stock dividend rankings to watch in 2024? This article filters out 5 of the most attractive high-yield US stocks and provides an in-depth analysis of each company’s operational status and investment value.

Why is 2025 a particularly good year to invest in high-dividend US stocks?

Don’t underestimate dividend income—it’s a “stabilizer” in uncertain economic environments.

The AI boom in 2024 drove US stocks to new heights, but macroeconomic uncertainties in 2025 may increase. During such times, companies with stable dividends become safe havens for investors. Major Wall Street investment banks are quite optimistic about the dividend outlook for 2025:

• Goldman Sachs predicts: S&P 500 component earnings will grow by 11%, driving a 7% increase in dividends
• Bank of America Securities forecasts: With profit acceleration, dividends will grow by 12% in 2025
• S&P Dow Jones Index analysts estimate: Total dividends in 2025 will hit a record of $685 billion

This means that high-dividend stocks purchased at the beginning of the year might see increased dividends mid-year.

Top 5 US stock dividend rankings: latest yield rankings

Based on the latest market data (as of January 23, 2025), here are the 5 US stocks with the most attractive yields:

1. Verizon (VZ): The highest-yield telecom giant, 6.99%

Seeking the highest dividends? Verizon is the answer. This New York telecom giant is one of the Dow Jones 30 components, mainly operating voice, fixed broadband, and wireless communications.

Why recommend it?

• Latest earnings report shows Q4 2024 revenue of $35.7 billion, up 1.7% YoY, beating expectations
• As the largest wireless service provider in the US, its business stability is impeccable
• A yield of over 6.99% is rare in the telecom industry

Risk warning: Five-year stock price down 35%, indicating the market has given a significant discount. But for cash flow-focused investors, this could be a low-entry opportunity. Bank of America analysts maintain a hold rating with a target price of $45.

2. Enbridge (ENB): The energy pipeline king with 22 consecutive years of dividend increases, 6.03%

This Canadian energy infrastructure company’s story is simple: dividends keep rising, and earnings are stable.

Enbridge has maintained dividend growth for 22 consecutive years, making it a resilient example among US stocks. Its business covers liquid pipeline transportation, natural gas transmission, and renewable energy, with a solid position.

Latest news: Royal Bank of Canada just raised its target price from $59 to $63, maintaining an “outperform” rating. A 6% yield combined with steady dividend hikes makes it hard not to be tempted.

3. Vici Properties (VICI): The casino landlord with a steady 5.89% yield

VICI is a REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) owning iconic casino assets like Caesars Palace and The Venetian Resort. This model requires it to distribute a large portion of income to shareholders—that’s the nature of REITs.

Impressive data:

• Q3 2024 revenue of $2.873 billion, up 7.2% YoY
• Net profit of $2.097 billion, with a basic EPS of $1.98
• A diversified portfolio of 93 assets, spreading risk

Barclays has a buy rating with a target price of $36. A five-year increase of 12.07%, plus nearly 6% dividend, offers a pretty attractive total return.

4. Realty Income (O): The “monthly dividend” commercial REIT, 5.80%

Realty Income is famous for paying dividends monthly—not quarterly, but every month. This is a big advantage for investors seeking stable cash flow.

The company owns over 12,237 commercial properties, tenants include Starbucks, Walmart, and other well-known brands. Long-term net lease agreements ensure steady income.

Latest financials (Q3 2024):

• Revenue of $3.931 billion, up 30.91% YoY
• Net profit of $666 million
• Basic EPS of $0.75

Stifel analysts maintain a buy rating with a target of $66.50. Although the stock price has fallen 26% over five years, its dividend stability and growth potential are enough to compensate.

5. Brookfield Renewable (BEPC): The world’s largest pure renewable energy portfolio, 5.60%

Want high yield with ESG appeal? Brookfield Renewable is the answer. This company manages the world’s largest pure renewable energy portfolio, with an installed capacity of 6,707 MW.

How diversified is the portfolio?

• 204 hydroelectric facilities (including 72 river system hydro stations)
• 28 wind power facilities
• Covering 13 electricity markets in Canada, the US, and Brazil

Latest performance (Q3 2024): Revenue of $4.444 billion, up 19.62% YoY. JP Morgan maintains an overweight rating with a target of $28. Although down 16% over five years, its long-term growth potential in energy infrastructure is significant.

How to choose? 4 steps to investing in high-dividend US stocks

Don’t buy everything at once—smart selection is key:

Step 1: Pick industry leaders, check fundamentals Choose 1-3 leading companies in your interested sectors. Review financial statements, profitability, and ensure cash flow is ample and sustainable.

Step 2: Assess stability Companies that can maintain stable earnings over 5-10 economic cycles are more reliable. This is the foundation of dividend stability.

Step 3: Study dividend history Have dividends been steady or increasing annually? Is the dividend policy reasonable? Avoid stocks with very low payout ratios or irregular dividend payments.

Step 4: Compare yields Calculate dividend yields, analyze reasons for high or low yields. Is it due to strong fundamentals but high valuation, or are there concerns? Also consider analyst ratings for a comprehensive view.

3 major advantages of high-dividend US stocks

• Stable cash flow: Mature companies with long histories and steady profits ensure dividend security
• Capital appreciation potential: Besides dividends, the stock itself has growth prospects
• Risk buffer: Compared to high-growth stocks, these companies tend to be more resilient with less volatility

Don’t forget—high dividends also carry risks

High payout doesn’t mean zero risk. Some companies may have high dividends but underlying issues like high debt, unstable earnings, or business model doubts. Such companies might cut or suspend dividends at any time.

Pre-investment homework: Conduct thorough research, evaluate risks, and confirm your risk tolerance. Only then can you pursue high yields while protecting your principal.

Summary: In the 2025 US stock dividend rankings, Verizon, Enbridge, Vici Properties, Realty Income, and Brookfield Renewable are all worth watching as high-yield options. Whether you prefer monthly dividends or stable growth, this list has suitable choices. But remember, high yield must be backed by solid fundamentals—financial stability, excellent dividend history, and promising growth. Choosing wisely allows you to share in the dividend growth wave of 2025.