3 'Strong Buy High-Yield' Dividend Stocks to Buy Now, 12/20/2025, According to Analysts

Dividend-paying stocks offer a steady way to earn passive income and are often seen as safer picks in today's uncertain market. They can also deliver solid capital gains over time.Claim 50% Off TipRanks Premium and Invest with Confidence Unlock hedge-fund level data and powerful investing tools designed to help you make smarter, sharper decisions Stay ahead of the market with the latest news and analysis so your portfolio is always positioned for maximum potential Using TipRanks' Best High Dividend Stocks Screener, we identified three dividend stocks yielding over 5% that carry Strong Buy ratings from Wall Street analysts. Each holds an Outperform Smart Score (8, 9, or 10), which measures a stock's chance of beating the broader market based on eight key factors. Here are this week's stocks: Copa Holdings (CPA) – Copa Holdings is the parent company of Copa Airlines, which provides passenger and cargo services. The stock carries a dividend yield of 5.37% and a Smart Score of "Perfect 10." In the last three months, all six Wall Street analysts covering CPA stock have rated it a Buy, with their 12-month consensus price target indicating an upside of about 26.49%. Clearway Energy (CWEN) – This is a U.S. renewable power company focused on wind and solar assets. The stock carries a dividend yield of 5.45% and a Smart Score of "Perfect 10." Interestingly, six out of the seven Wall Street analysts covering CWEN stock have rated it a Buy, with their 12-month consensus price target indicating an upside of about 20.37%. Ares Capital (ARCC) – This is a U.S.-based business development company that provides capital and financing to middle-market companies. The stock carries a dividend yield of 9.53% and a Smart Score of Eight. Interestingly, eight out of the 10 Wall Street analysts covering ARCC stock have rated it a Buy, with their 12-month consensus price target indicating an upside of about 12.54%. What Is TipRanks' Smart Dividend Newsletter? TipRanks Smart Dividends Newsletter delivers a weekly high-quality dividend stock recommendation, backed by detailed analysis and up-to-date market insights. A well-chosen dividend stock can enhance your income investment portfolio and potentially yield long-term returns. For a complete list of dividend stocks and their payout dates, check out the TipRanks Dividend Calendar. Use our Dividend Calculator to maximize your dividend income