15 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy Now: Stability and Strong Returns in 2025
In today’s uncertain market landscape, dividend stocks continue to attract investors seeking both stability and consistent income. Companies that provide reliable dividends signal strong operational profits, making them appealing additions to diversified investment portfolios. Highlighting 15 top dividend stocks that yield at least 2% forward dividends and have achieved year-to-date (YTD) returns of 19% or more, these firms combine steady payouts with robust capital appreciation in 2025. This curated list features large, well-established companies with market capitalizations exceeding $10 billion, representing a mix of industries from banking and healthcare to telecommunications and consumer goods. Below, we examine these standout dividend-paying stocks and what makes them worthy of investor attention.
1. Ambev SA (Ticker: ABEV)
- Market Cap: $38 billion
- YTD Return: 24.9%
- Dividend Yield: 6.6%
Ambev SA offers a unique opportunity to tap into Latin America’s expanding consumer class. As a specialty beverage company, it produces popular beer brands like Budweiser, Modelo, Stella Artois, and Labatt, along with soft drinks including Gatorade, Lipton iced teas, Pepsi-Cola, and Red Bull. Founded in 1885, Ambev acts as a regional powerhouse for global brands aiming to capture middle-class spending growth. Its high dividend yield reflects strong operational performance insulated from some challenges faced by competitors like Coca-Cola.
2. American Tower Corp. (Ticker: AMT)
- Market Cap: $102 billion
- YTD Return: 19.2%
- Dividend Yield: 3.0%
American Tower is a leading player in digital infrastructure, specializing in multi-tenant communications real estate such as telecom towers, fiber optic networks, and data centers. With a vast portfolio of 148,000 communication sites, AMT benefits from ever-growing data demand. The company’s dividend, now $1.70 per quarter up from 42 cents in 2015, reflects its commitment to income growth. As a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), AMT must distribute at least 90% of taxable income to shareholders, ensuring steady dividends.
3. British American Tobacco PLC (Ticker: BTI)
- Market Cap: $117 billion
- YTD Return: 44.6%
- Dividend Yield: 5.8%
British American Tobacco mirrors dividend stalwart Altria but offers a larger and higher-performing opportunity. It owns well-known brands including Dunhill, Camel, Kool cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco products like Grizzly and Kodiak. Its impressive dividend yield nearly quadruples that of the broader S&P 500, making BTI a favorite for income-focused investors.
4. Carlyle Group Inc. (Ticker: CG)
- Market Cap: $22 billion
- YTD Return: 22.9%
- Dividend Yield: 2.2%
A premier name in private equity and alternative asset management, Carlyle Group provides exposure to sizable investment themes without the need for large account minimums. Managing over $450 billion in assets worldwide, Carlyle follows an asset-light strategy, favoring flexible holdings with less entrenched ownership. This approach, combined with hopes for lucrative exits via IPOs in 2025, has propelled CG shares to new highs since going public in 2012. ### 5. Citigroup Inc. (Ticker: C)
- Market Cap: $174 billion
- YTD Return: 34.3%
- Dividend Yield: 2.5%
One of the "big four" U.S. banks, Citigroup holds over $2.4 trillion in assets but remains smaller than some peers. Still, it plays a significant role in global financial markets. Improvements in operations have allowed Citi to increase its dividend from a mere penny per share in 2015 to 60 cents quarterly. Trading at levels unseen since 2008, Citigroup has carved out a leaner, more sustainable niche within international banking.
6. CVS Health Corp. (Ticker: CVS)
- Market Cap: $76 billion
- YTD Return: 35.0%
- Dividend Yield: 4.5%
CVS Health is enjoying a resurgence driven by the resilient healthcare sector and strategic business enhancements. Its integrated health offerings and pharmacy services provide stability amid health care’s structural changes. CVS is recognized for balancing growth with shareholder returns via a solid dividend.
Additional Dividend Leaders
Other notable dividend stocks on the list include:
- Deutsche Bank AG (DB): $65 billion market cap, 92.7% YTD return, 2.4% yield
- Dollar General Corp. (DG): $24 billion market cap, 41.3% YTD return, 2.2% yield
- Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD): $142 billion market cap, 22.9% YTD return, 2.8% yield
- Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI): $22 billion market cap, 88.7% YTD return, 2.2% yield
- Hasbro Inc. (HAS): $11 billion market cap, 37.6% YTD return, 3.7% yield
- Marathon Petroleum Corp. (MPC): $53 billion market cap, 24.5% YTD return, 2.1% yield
- Mosaic Co. (MOS): $12 billion market cap, 46.9% YTD return, 2.4% yield
- Smith & Nephew PLC (SNN): $14 billion market cap, 28.1% YTD return, 2.4% yield
- Telefônica Brasil SA (VIV): $18 billion market cap, 45.9% YTD return, 3.8% yield
Why Dividend Stocks Matter in 2025
Dividend-paying stocks offer a blend of consistent income and the potential for capital appreciation, appealing especially to investors seeking to mitigate uncertainty in volatile markets. The companies listed here not only deliver dividends above 2% but have also burned bright with double-digit gains in 2025, reflecting positively on their operations and market positioning.
For investors looking to enhance portfolio resilience and income streams, these dividend stocks represent compelling options across various industries, geographies, and market segments.
Disclosure: All data current as of market close on July 28, 2025. Market capitalizations and dividend yields are subject to change with market conditions.
Smart Money Mindset recommends conducting individual due diligence or consulting a financial advisor before making investment decisions.