10 Small-Cap Dividend Stocks Drive Year-to-Date Gains

3. Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE:SB)

Dividend yield: 5.36%

Dividend payout ratio: 24.10%

Ex-Dividend Date: March 3, 2025

Number of Hedge Funds: 11

Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE:SB) is one of the smallest market caps on our list with a value of $392.77 million, achieved through a year-to-date growth of 4.48%. as of February 24, 2025.

The Greece-based international provider of marine dry-bulk transportation services transports bulk cargoes, particularly grain, iron ore, and coal. As of the last quarter of 2024, the company has eleven Phase 3 vessels. Each built after 2022. Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE:SB) has ordered seven additional Phase 3 boats to meet the emerging demand. Including 11 eco-vessels, the company has upgraded 23 vessels environmentally. In doing so, the company increases its compliance with evolving regulations and maintains market competitiveness. The upgraded vehicles are earnings premium charter rates for the company, covering their costs. Furthermore, during the last quarter of 2024, the company authorized a share repurchase program, which would allow the company to repurchase its shares in the future up to 5,000,000.

Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE:SB) offers a dividend yield of 5.36%. The payout ratio has been set at 24.10%. The company retains over 75% of its earnings for reinvestment and debt repayment. Eleven hedge fund portfolios followed by Insider Monkey held stakes in the company at the end of Q4 2024. With March 21, 2025, set as the dividend payment date, the investors looking to benefit from the dividend must purchase stocks before March 3, 2025.