2025 Dividend Heroes: These Stats Will Blow Your Mind
Deep dive into the numbers and key highlights as of January 24, 2025.
The Dividend Heroes continue to impress as 2025 kicks off with yet another strong performance. These 25 elite dividend payers are not just coasting on their past achievements; they are building momentum and delivering exceptional value for investors. Let’s dive into the numbers and key highlights as of January 24, 2025.
Performance Snapshot: YTD Gains and Winners Galore as of January 24, 2025
Average Yield: 1.5%
Year-to-Date (YTD) Return: +6%
Winners vs. Losers: 22 winners, 3 small losers
Biggest Loser: Griffon (GFF), down just -0.8%.
Biggest Gainer: Texas Pacific Land (TPL), up a whopping +23% YTD.
Other Double-Digit Gainers: Lam Research (LRCX), Kroger (KR) and Carlisle Companies (CSL) all boast double-digit returns in 2025.
This performance demonstrates resilience and strength, with the portfolio’s losses almost negligible compared to its standout gains.
Fundamentals That Matter for our 25 new Heroes in 2025
Dividend Strength
Average 2024 Dividend Hike: 19.1% — a testament to their commitment to rewarding shareholders.
Average Annual Dividend: $513 million.
5-Year Dividend CAGR: 17.5%, showing consistent and robust dividend growth.
Average Payout Ratio: 26.8% — a conservative figure that indicates plenty of room for growth and sustainability.
Capital Returns
Average 2024 Buyback Yield: 5.1%, adding another layer of shareholder value alongside dividends.
Profitability
Average Return on Invested Capital (ROIC): 27.1%
Average EBIT Margin: 27.4%
Valuation
Average P/E Ratio (2025): 20.9x — a reasonable valuation for companies delivering such strong performance.
Average Market Cap: $55.6 billion, showcasing the scale and stability of the Dividend Heroes.
What Sets the Dividend Heroes Apart?
The Dividend Heroes are a masterclass in balancing growth, profitability, and shareholder rewards. The 2024 average dividend hike of 19.1% and a stellar 5-year CAGR of 17.5% highlight their ability to grow payouts while maintaining a low average payout ratio of 26.8%. This conservative approach ensures dividends remain sustainable even during challenging economic conditions.
Buybacks also play a critical role in their capital allocation strategies. An average buyback yield of 5.1% in 2024 shows that these companies prioritize returning capital to shareholders, which further boosts total shareholder returns.
On the operational front, their profitability metrics are exemplary. With an average ROIC of 27.1% and EBIT margins of 27.4%, these companies demonstrate efficient use of capital and strong pricing power.
The Standout: Texas Pacific Land (TPL)
Texas Pacific Land has started 2025 with a bang, delivering a stunning 23% YTD return. Dividend Growth Machine TPL continues to prove why it’s a cornerstone of the Dividend Heroes portfolio. Its unique business model and exceptional execution have driven this outsized performance, and it’s worth keeping an eye on for the rest of the year.
The Broader Picture
The Dividend Heroes’ performance isn’t just about impressive numbers; it’s about long-term value creation. With an average P/E of 20.9x, these companies offer a compelling mix of growth and stability. Their average market cap of $55.6 billion underscores their scale and ability to weather market volatility.

Investors looking for a blend of reliable income, capital appreciation, and strong fundamentals would do well to study the Dividend Heroes. Their average YTD return of 6% in just a few weeks of 2025 is a testament to their enduring appeal.
Final Thoughts
As we progress through 2025, the Dividend Heroes are off to a stellar start. With consistent dividend growth, robust buybacks, and market-leading profitability, they continue to set the gold standard for dividend investing. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the world of dividends, the Dividend Heroes deserve a spot on your radar.
Stay tuned for more updates as the year unfolds. If the early returns are any indication, 2025 is shaping up to be another banner year for the Dividend Heroes.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.