In this article, we will take a look at some of the best dividend-paying stocks according to hedge funds.
Dividend-paying stocks have consistently attracted investor interest due to their long-term value. CNBC highlights this by examining the historical performance of the broader market. Between 1960 and 2024, a $10,000 investment in the index would have grown to over $982,000 purely from stock price appreciation, based on data from FactSet and NYU Stern. However, many companies in the index also returned capital to shareholders through dividends. Had an investor reinvested those dividends over the years, the investment would have ballooned to approximately $6.42 million by the beginning of 2025.
This outlook seems reasonable, especially when considering how crucial cash flow has become in today’s economic environment. Investors continue to favor income-generating assets, and dividends remain one of the most reliable ways to deliver that income. Reflecting this trend, several companies within the market have recently introduced dividend payments.
According to S&P Global, companies in the S&P index now contribute roughly 85% of the total dividends paid across the market—up from 82% in 2024. This increase includes 2.7% of the total dividend pool coming from firms that only recently began issuing dividends. The top 29 companies in the index alone are responsible for 40% of all dividends paid by the index’s constituents and 35% of the total dividends across the entire US equity market. Under the current base-case forecast, these leading firms are expected to distribute a combined $280 billion in dividends. In a more optimistic (upside) scenario, that figure could climb by 2.75% to $288 billion, with major large cap companies projected to deliver the most significant gains by weighted average. If the most favorable (bull-case) conditions materialize, these 29 companies could boost total dividend payouts by an estimated 4.5%, contributing an additional 1% themselves.
It’s no surprise, then, that dividends have become a central theme in many investors’ strategies. According to Brian Bollinger, founder of Simply Safe Dividends, focusing on companies that regularly pay dividends can offer a sense of reassurance. He further noted that younger investors, in particular, have the opportunity to build long-term dividend growth portfolios aimed at maximizing total return and capital appreciation over time.
According to Nuveen, companies that focus on dividend growth tend to possess strong long-term fundamentals and may deliver relatively attractive performance in the year ahead. Historically, firms that consistently increased or initiated dividend payments have produced higher annualized returns and exhibited lower volatility compared to the broader equity market. While such companies may not lead in every market environment, their favorable risk-adjusted returns over extended periods make them a solid foundation for equity portfolios.
Nuveen also suggested that many firms remain in a strong position to continue raising dividends over time. In the US, corporate balance sheets are generally healthy, consumer spending remains steady, and earnings growth is projected to pick up pace in 2025. Data from FactSet shows that dividends per share for the S&P index rose by 7.6% in 2024, with consensus forecasts pointing to a further 4.2% increase in 2025. Given this, we will take a look at some of the best dividend stocks to buy according to hedge funds.
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Our Methodology
For this list, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of over 1,000 hedge funds, as of the close of Q4 2024. From the top 60 companies, we selected 11 dividend stocks with yields of at least 1% as of April 12. These companies show strong financial performance and have solid records of paying dividends. The stocks are ranked according to the number of hedge funds having stakes in them.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
11. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 92
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is an American multinational pharmaceutical and biotech company that offers a wide range of related products and services to its consumers. Recently, President Donald Trump has vowed to impose tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector, despite temporarily halting many of his broader trade levies for 90 days. During a recent industry event, Pfizer’s CEO, Albert Bourla, emphasized that the company operates the largest US-based manufacturing network in the pharmaceutical sector, with 13 active sites. Many of these facilities are equipped to produce high-demand, blockbuster medications at scale—an advantage Bourla believes positions the company well, even if trade tariffs remain in place.
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) has also been ramping up its presence in oncology, underscored by its $43 billion acquisition of Seagen to expand its cancer treatment offerings. The company anticipates significant growth in this area over the next five years, aiming to double the number of patients it serves by 2030. It also plans to roll out at least three blockbuster cancer therapies, each expected to generate over $1 billion annually. This momentum is already taking shape, as oncology revenue climbed 25% in 2024.
Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is a strong dividend payer with a long history of distributing dividends to shareholders. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.43 per share, having raised it by 2.4% in December 2024. This was the company’s 15th consecutive year of dividend growth, which makes PFE one of the best dividend paying stocks on our list. The stock offers an attractive dividend yield of 7.85%, as of April 12.
10. Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 93
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) is a Nebraska-based railroad holding company that transports a wide range of goods and commodities, providing exposure to multiple industries, including agriculture, automotive, and energy. The company runs an extensive rail network spanning 32,693 miles across 23 US states and multiple international border crossings.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) reported a revenue of $6.12 billion, showing a modest 1% dip from the previous year. However, a 5% increase in revenue carloads helped offset part of the decline. The railroad operator also improved its operating ratio to 58.7%—a 220-basis-point improvement—even after factoring in a 70-basis-point impact from a newly ratified crew staffing agreement. Operating income rose 5% to reach $2.5 billion.
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) has a long-standing track record of shareholder returns, having paid dividends without interruption for 125 years and raised its payouts for 18 straight years. In fiscal 2024, the company produced over $9.3 billion in operating cash flow and closed the quarter with more than $1 billion in cash and equivalents. Currently, it pays a quarterly dividend of $1.34 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.45%, as of April 13.
9. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 96
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) ranks ninth on our list of the best dividend-paying stocks. The company holds a significant position in the banking industry, with a broad presence across consumer banking, corporate and investment banking, as well as wealth and investment management. Lately, the company has focused on improving its digital platforms and growing its range of services for retail clients. Its performance is largely supported by strong regulatory compliance, prudent management of capital and liquidity, and continuous progress in technology.
In the first quarter of 2025, Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) reported revenue of $20.1 billion, down from $20.8 billion in the same period last year. The revenue also missed analyst estimates by $610 million. However, its net income of over $4.9 billion grew from $4.6 billion in the prior-year period.
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) demonstrates sound financial stability through its Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 11.1%, reflecting solid capital and liquidity management. Its strong cash position has enabled it to maintain its dividends since 1988. The company’s quarterly dividend comes in at $0.40 per share for a dividend yield of 2.56%, as of April 12.
