Top 20 High-Yield Dividend Stocks Right Now

In an investing environment where rate cuts remain uncertain and market volatility continues to dominate headlines, income-hungry investors are once again turning to dividend stocks. But not just any dividend stocks—high-yield plays that offer the potential for outsized cash flow.

From mortgage REITs to telecom stalwarts, a select group of equities is standing out with dividend yields north of 6%, and in some cases, pushing well past the 15% mark. Here’s a look at 20 of the highest-yielding dividend stocks available right now, and what investors need to know before jumping in.

Mortgage REITs Lead the Pack

At the top of the yield leaderboard sit a group of mortgage real estate investment trusts (REITs), known for their eye-popping payout ratios and monthly dividends. These companies borrow short and lend long, profiting on interest rate spreads—a strategy that offers big dividends but also exposes them to heightened interest rate risk.

Orchid Island Capital (NASDAQ: ORC) currently sports one of the highest yields in the market, paying a staggering 20.7%. Not far behind, ARMOUR Residential REIT (NYSE: ARR) yields 18.8%, followed by AGNC Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: AGNC) with a yield of 16.5%.

Other notable names in the REIT space include Ellington Credit Co. (NYSE: EARN) and Dynex Capital (NYSE: DX), both hovering at yields of 17.3% and 16.3%, respectively.

These REITs are not for the faint of heart—they often see wide price swings and require careful monitoring. But for yield-focused investors who understand the risks, they continue to offer substantial income potential.

Business Development Companies Deliver Steady Income

Business Development Companies, or BDCs, also shine in the high-yield arena. These firms invest in small and mid-sized private companies, often through debt instruments that produce predictable income streams.

Horizon Technology Finance (NASDAQ: HRZN) headlines this group with a dividend yield of 17.5%.

Prospect Capital (NASDAQ: PSEC) follows closely, yielding 14.8%, while PennantPark Floating Rate Capital (NASDAQ: PFLT) offers a respectable 12.2%.

Rounding out the BDC entries are Stellus Capital (NYSE: SCM) at 12% and Ellington Financial (NYSE: EFC), which also dabbles in credit strategies and offers an 11.9% yield. These companies benefit from floating-rate loan portfolios, providing insulation against rising interest rates—though credit risk always remains a factor in turbulent economic conditions.

Resource, Royalty, and Real Asset Plays

High dividends aren’t confined to finance. Several resource-oriented and royalty-based businesses are offering sizable yields, often tied to cash flow from commodities or real estate.

Fortitude Gold Corp. (OTCQB: FTCO), a mining company focused on gold production, offers a yield close to 9%. Despite being in the volatile precious metals sector, FTCO has built a reputation for consistent cash returns.

Diversified Royalties Corp. (OTC: BEVFF), which collects royalties from a range of Canadian businesses, yields approximately 8.7%, while Whitecap Resources (OTC: SPGYF), an oil and gas player, matches that yield in the energy space.

Also noteworthy is Atrium Mortgage Investment Corp. (OTC: AMIVF), a Canadian alternative lender offering a high-yield product at 8.6%—an attractive figure backed by real estate-secured loans.

Dividend Dependables: Telecom and Consumer Staples

Even some household names make the high-yield list this year. These companies might not offer the same eye-popping returns as mortgage REITs or BDCs, but they bring stability, scale, and staying power—especially attractive in a volatile market.

Altria Group (NYSE: MO) leads the way in the consumer staples category, yielding around 7.1%, supported by its highly profitable tobacco business and decades-long history of dividend payments. Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM), its global counterpart, follows with a 6.2% yield.

In the telecom space, Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and AT&T (NYSE: T) are delivering 6.8% and 6.5%, respectively. While both have battled subscriber churn and high debt loads, they remain among the most widely held dividend stocks in America due to their large-scale networks and steady cash flow.

Final Takeaway

The top 20 high-yield dividend stocks right now represent a broad mix of sectors, risk profiles, and income opportunities. Whether you lean toward double-digit payouts from mortgage REITs or prefer the slow-and-steady approach of telecom giants, there’s something on this list for every income-focused investor.

But high yield shouldn’t replace due diligence. With the right balance of risk management and long-term vision, these dividend payers can play a vital role in building a cash-generating portfolio in 2025.

Top 20 High-Yield Dividend Stocks Right Now

Here’s a full list of the 20 highest-yielding dividend stocks as of May 2025: