Dividend Macro Overview: August 2025
Our latest MaxDividends Macro Report for August 2025 is out! 🔥
The MaxDividends Macro Report is your monthly deep dive into global dividend trends — packed with data, insights, and analysis from the most dividend-focused team and community in the world.
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Hey Dividend Investors!
Looking for a hassle-free way to grow your portfolio? Our latest MaxDividends Macro Report for August 2025 is here, packed with insights that could transform your investing strategy.
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Dividend Macro Overview: August 25
Today's Table of Contents
Dividend Eagles: 3 Top-Performing Dividend Stocks of August
Dividend Eagles Top Stocks Updated List
The Most Notable Dividend Increases
The Most Solid Dividend Hikes
Dividend Macro Highlights:
Global Dividend Trends
MaxDividends Monthly Review
My Personal Stock Watchlist for August 2025
Dividend Eagles: 3 Top-Performing Dividend Stocks of August
The "Dividend Eagles List" comprises approximately 100 of the most reliable dividend-paying companies in the U.S. market, each boasting over 15 consecutive years of increasing dividends.
These companies have been meticulously selected based on stringent criteria established by the MaxDividends team.
🥉 +16.97% LOW Lowe's Companies
Building America, Paying Shareholders
Lowe’s Companies (LOW) is one of the largest home improvement retailers in the U.S., serving both DIY homeowners and professional contractors. With more than 1,700 stores across the country and a growing online business, Lowe’s provides everything from lumber and tools to appliances and paint. Its scale, trusted brand, and pro-focused strategy make it a cornerstone of America’s housing and renovation market.
For dividend investors, Lowe’s is a powerhouse. It’s a Dividend King with over 60 consecutive years of dividend hikes, backed by strong free cash flow and disciplined capital allocation.
Management continues to return billions to shareholders annually through dividends and aggressive buybacks. While the yield isn’t sky-high, the long streak of double-digit dividend growth and the company’s leadership in a resilient sector make Lowe’s a classic long-term compounder for income-focused investors.
🥈 +17.69% WST West Pharmaceutical Services
Behind the Scenes, Powering Healthcare
West Pharmaceutical Services (WST) isn’t a consumer-facing brand, but it plays a critical role in modern medicine. The company makes injectable drug delivery systems—vials, stoppers, syringes, and packaging—that pharmaceutical giants rely on to safely deliver vaccines and treatments worldwide. If you’ve ever gotten a vaccine or hospital injection, there’s a good chance West’s products were part of it. Its global reach and dominance in a niche, high-barrier-to-entry market make it a quiet backbone of the healthcare system.
For dividend investors, WST offers consistency and growth. The company has raised its dividend for over 30 consecutive years, supported by steady margins and strong free cash flow from recurring healthcare demand.
While the yield is modest, dividend growth has been robust—averaging double digits in recent years. With a conservative payout ratio and leadership in a mission-critical niche, West is built to keep compounding dividends for decades to come.
🥇 +18.82% WSM Williams-Sonoma
Home Comforts, Premium Dividends
Williams-Sonoma (WSM) is a high-end home goods retailer best known for its namesake stores plus popular brands like Pottery Barn and West Elm. The company sells furniture, cookware, and lifestyle products that blend design with functionality—serving customers both online and through an established brick-and-mortar footprint. With a strong e-commerce platform driving over half of sales, WSM has built a reputation as the go-to for stylish, durable, and premium home essentials.
For dividend investors, Williams-Sonoma checks a lot of boxes. The company has raised its dividend for more than a decade straight, often at double-digit rates, and currently offers an above-average yield for retail.
Its asset-light model, strong free cash flow, and aggressive share buybacks give it flexibility to keep rewarding shareholders—even in slower housing or consumer cycles. For long-term income seekers, WSM is a rare mix of retail brand power, disciplined capital returns, and steady dividend growth.
Dividend One-Pager of the Month
A Proven Dividend Eagle 🦅
50+ consecutive years of dividend increases
Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT) stands as a true Dividend King, boasting an unmatched 57-year streak of consecutive annual dividend increases—the longest in the REIT sector and a rare feat among real estate companies.
This remarkable consistency reflects its disciplined business model, which prioritizes high-quality, well-located retail and mixed-use properties in affluent, densely populated areas.
Unlike peers that chase scale, Federal Realty focuses on value-add redevelopment, transforming underperforming assets into premium destinations, ensuring steady cash flow to support its growing dividend.
Today, its 4.6% yield not only surpasses the REIT average but also sits near decade highs, making it a compelling choice for income investors seeking reliability and long-term growth. With a proven track record through economic cycles, Federal Realty remains a cornerstone of dividend resilience.
Dividend Eagles: Best Picks for August
An updated compilation of top-performing dividend stocks with 15+ years of consecutive dividend increases.
The Most Notable Dividend Increases of the Month
Badger Meter (BMI) - Dividend Increase: +18.00%
30+ consistent years of dividends. Proven Dividend Eagle 🦅
Badger Meter (BMI) is that solid measurement-tech name I’d bring up to a friend—making smart water meters, flow instrumentation, and analytics tools for utilities and industrial users across North America and beyond. They’re not flashy, but where accurate water data matters most, they’re the backbone.
For Q2 2025, BMI posted revenue of $238.1 million , up 10 % year-over-year . Net income was $34.6 million, representing a margin play that held strong despite market cycles—not headline grabbing, but dependable.
Dividend-wise, the numbers are clean: Annual Dividend is $1.36, Dividend Yield is 0.71 %, Dividend Increase Track Record is 32 years, 5-Year Dividend Growth is +100.00 %, and Dividend Payout Ratio is 29.58 %.
Illinois Tools (ITW) - Dividend Increase: +7.00%
50+ consecutive years of dividends. Proven Dividend Eagle 🦅
Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW) engineers and manufactures complex industrial products across sectors like automotive, welding, food equipment, polymers, construction, and test & measurement. With operations in over 50 countries and a decentralized business model focused on innovation and pricing power, ITW leverages scale and recurring demand to drive profitability—"not flashy but steady," as you always say.
In Q2 2025, ITW posted $4.05 billion in revenue, up 1% year-over-year with flat organic growth . Net income came in at $755 million, roughly steady with last year, while GAAP EPS was $2.58, up 2% YoY, setting a new Q2 record. Margins expanded with operating margin of 26.3%, up about 10 basis points, thanks to enterprise initiatives adding 130 bps of leverage . It’s a textbook margin play—even in flat end markets.
The company pays an annual dividend of $6.00, yielding 1.83% . ITW has raised its dividend for 54 consecutive years, with 5-year dividend growth of 40.00%, and maintains a payout ratio near 67.13% . Yield is modest, but income consistency and capital discipline are built right into the DNA.
PPG Industries (PPG) - Dividend Increase: +4.40%
50+ consecutive years of dividends. Proven Dividend Eagle 🦅
PPG Industries (PPG) makes specialty coatings, paints, and materials used in industries like aerospace, automotive, packaging, and construction. With operations in over 70 countries, PPG serves both industrial manufacturers and end‑market consumers through its performance, architectural, and industrial coatings segments. It’s a global chemical stalwart—steady, diversified, and deeply embedded in industrial supply chains.
For Q1 2025, PPG reported $3.684 billion in revenue, down 4.0% year-over-year, pressured by foreign currency translation and prior divestitures. Net income stood at $375 million, a decline of 7% YoY, while adjusted net income was $396 million, reflecting a compressed net margin. Gross and operating leverage held up reasonably given volume softness—classic industrial margin discipline showing up in difficult macro conditions.
PPG pays an annual dividend of $2.72, yielding about 2.36%. They’ve raised dividends for 53 consecutive years, with 5-year dividend growth at around 34.00%, and a payout ratio of approximately 58.22%—a solid income stream backed by industrial-scale cash generation and long-term dividend discipline.
The Most Solid Recent Dividend Hikes
Casey’s General Stores Inc (CASY) +14.00%
Logitech International S.A. (LOGI) +12.19%
Oil-Dri Corporation of America (ODC) +16.13%
W.R. Berkley Corporation (WRB) +12.50%
Worthington Industries Inc (WOR) +11.76%
🦅 Dividend Eagles List: August’25
An updated compilation of top-performing dividend stocks with 15+ years of consecutive dividend increases, known as Dividend Eagles, selected based on stringent criteria.
The Dividend Eagles Top Stocks List is a curated selection of over 100 of the most reliable dividend-paying companies in the U.S. market.
Each company on this list boasts a remarkable track record of increasing dividends for at least 15 consecutive years, reflecting their financial stability and commitment to returning value to shareholders.
Created by the MaxDividends Team. Available only on MaxDividends. Exclusive.
Key Benefits of the Dividend Eagles Top Stocks List
Consistent Dividend Growth
Companies featured have a proven history of not only paying dividends but also increasing them annually for over 15 years. This consistency can provide investors with a growing income stream, which is particularly valuable for those seeking passive income or planning for retirement.
Financial Stability
The stringent criteria ensure that only financially robust companies are included. These firms have demonstrated resilience across various market cycles, making them potentially safer investments during economic downturns.
Comprehensive Research
The list is meticulously compiled by the MaxDividends team, leveraging in-depth analysis and strict selection criteria. This saves investors time and effort in identifying high-quality dividend stocks, providing a reliable resource for building a dividend-focused portfolio.
Enhanced Portfolio Performance
Investing in companies with a strong dividend growth history can lead to superior long-term returns. Reinvested dividends and the power of compounding can significantly boost portfolio value over time.
Access to Exclusive Insights
Subscribers to the Dividend Eagles Top Stocks List gain access to regular updates, detailed company analyses, and insights into dividend trends, helping them make informed investment decisions.
These companies have been meticulously selected based on stringent criteria established by the MaxDividends team.
Created by the MaxDividends Team. Available only on MaxDividends. Exclusive.
By incorporating the Dividend Eagles Top Stocks List into your investment strategy, you align yourself with a disciplined approach focused on quality, stability, and growth.
Dividend Macro Highlights: Global Dividend Trends
The macro report is updated quarterly
U.S. Dividend Landscape (S&P 500)
The S&P 500 dividend yield has been cut in half over the past decade. It now stands at 1.21%, which means stock prices relative to dividends are higher than usual. As a result, the dividend yield is at record lows.
Inflation's Impact on Dividends
Inflation has been rising faster than dividends have been increasing, leading to a correction in the S&P 500 dividend chart. Since mid-2022, inflation has been gradually declining, allowing the S&P 500 dividend chart to reflect growth. Since mid-2023, the pace of inflation’s decline has slowed significantly.
However, the ongoing downward trend in inflation continues to positively impact the growth of the S&P 500 dividend chart.
S&P 500 Historical Dividend Trends
Historical dividends from stocks that are part of the S&P 500 Index are shown in Figure 5. The data is adjusted for inflation.
With the current inflation rate, there is a gradual acceleration in the growth of dividends on the S&P 500 Index. The previous peak was in May 2020, when the dividend was 73.09. Currently, this figure stands at 77.35.
S&P 500 Dividend Growth
The S&P 500 dividend growth is shown in Figure 6. Over the past 32 years, the chart has been negative only three times, and all of those periods were linked to crises.
Over the past month, dividend growth has outpaced inflation, reaching 7.46%. The upward trend has continued over the past 12 months.
For your convenience, we have prepared a PDF version of the Dividend Macro Overview. You can download and review it at any time.
My Personal Stock Watchlist for August 2025
A complete list of my top stocks currently on my radar.
I’m fully committed to strong dividend stocks, striking the perfect balance between capital growth and a rising stream of dividend income. My ultimate goal? To build a solid and ever-growing passive income for a life funded by dividends.
I share my insights, strategy, stock picks, and investment ideas on the MaxDividends blog.
Right now, I’m tracking over 45 companies, regularly updating my shortlist and main watchlist every month.
A complete list of my favorite stocks I’m currently tracking—only the best make it in.
MaxDividends Recent Events
By following the MaxDividends strategy and passing it on to your kids, you can eliminate a lot of your future worries about income.
At MaxDividends, we focus on maximizing yields to make the most of dividends, helping you grow a reliable and expanding passive income.
Last week, we shared several new articles and dividend stock ideas—stay tuned for insights and opportunities!
👉 List of Undervalued Dividend Stocks (August)
👉 Target’s Secret Weapon for Dividend Investors — And Why It Still Works After 53 Years
My Comments & Monthly Review
One more step forward, and I just locked in an extra $112 in annual cash flow—on top of what I already had, and now it’s official.
No market forecasts, no guessing oil prices, no endless news debates. I don’t need them.
What I do need? Cash hitting my bank account—month after month—so I can pay the bills and live life on my own terms.
With every step, I’m closer to my goal than I was a year ago. A lot of small, quiet moves eventually turn into big, noticeable results. My passive income keeps snowballing, and right now, that snowball is already generating almost $9,000 a year—on autopilot.
Time passes, life goes on, but here’s the difference: it now goes on with an extra $9K showing up in my pocket every single year. I could walk away from my portfolio for a year, even two, and guess what? The income wouldn’t just stay—it would keep growing.
Why? Because I own the best businesses, led by the smartest leaders in the world, working 24/7 to make me richer while I focus on the people and things I love. That’s the beauty of it. I’m a happy, lazy turtle with a growing bank account—and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
This is the MaxDividends concept in action—a clear, proven strategy built on the strongest dividend stocks we call Dividend Eagles. They’ve carried me this far and will take me all the way to my goal, on time.
If you haven’t started yet, remember: every month you wait is another month you could have been getting paid. That’s money you’ll never get back. Don’t let the snowball start without you.
My passive income keeps increasing. In my investments, I follow the MaxDividends strategy. You can read more about it here:
My strategy is based on the MaxDividends concept and is incredibly passive. Most of the time, I do nothing—just watch my dividend income grow.
I track all my results in the MaxDividends App—it provides a clear, structured view of every portfolio.
MaxDividends Dividend Market Monthly Review
Here we go—another month down, another step closer to financial freedom. The MaxDividends journey is built on real stories, real numbers, and real compounding.
August has been a busy one: dividends hit the account, reinvestments went straight back to work, and new stock picks were added to strengthen the foundation. Whether you’re just starting or already deep in, the truth is simple—every dollar invested in quality dividend payers keeps stacking future income.
The guys who start today will thank themselves tomorrow. The ones who wait? They’ll feel the FOMO.
What’s Happening in the MaxDividends Portfolio?
July payouts rolled in and, true to strategy, got reinvested immediately—turning income into more shares and more future income.
New Buys: Added $10,000 to Yokogawa Bridge (Japan) with another $20,000 lined up next week. On the U.S. side, select high-yield names were added to balance steady income with long-term growth.
Dividend Hikes: A few holdings boosted payouts this month—the best kind of raise, because it’s money working harder without lifting a finger.
Core Philosophy: No hype chasing, no panic selling. Just methodical compounding through quality and consistency.
Market Mood: Fear = Opportunity?
The headlines keep screaming uncertainty. Inflation hasn’t vanished, volatility is back, and growth stocks hog the spotlight. But here’s the truth: volatility is noise. Cash flow is real.
Smart dividend investors see shaky markets for what they are—buying opportunities. Quality dividend payers that raise payouts through cycles make short-term swings irrelevant. Every pullback is a chance to buy more income at a discount.
Dividend Ideas of the Month
Over 500 companies were screened this cycle, and the strongest ideas made it through. A mix of defensive names, high-yield opportunities, and steady growers:
Merck (MRK) – Pharma powerhouse, trading near lows, yielding ~3.8%. A defensive anchor.
OZK Bank (OZK) – Regional bank with industry-best efficiency and conservative risk management. Rock-solid for income stability.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) – The Dividend King. Diversified, defensive, and still raising payouts.
T. Rowe Price (TROW) – Cash-rich asset manager with a strong dividend protection track record.
High-Yield Screeners – Financials, energy, telecoms, and REITs, many offering 7%+ yields paired with sustainable payout ratios.
These aren’t spec plays—they’re cash flow generators designed to compound.
Inside the App: Tools Getting Stronger
The MaxDividends app keeps evolving:
New dividend score analytics
Improved payout ratio visibility
Real-time yield tracking
Goal-based alerts to keep you on track for your monthly income targets
The mission stays clear: make dividend investing simple, powerful, and accessible. Whether your goal is $500 or $12,000/month, the app is your roadmap.
From the Founder: Max’s Monthly Word
When I started, I was putting $50 a month into dividend stocks. It wasn’t the amount—it was the habit. That tiny start snowballed into a system that now pays thousands every single month.
Here’s the lesson: don’t wait for “perfect.” Don’t wait for “someday.” Start small. Stay consistent. Compounding is the heavy lifter—you just need to show up.
MaxDividends $12K Project: The Passive Income Race
We’re 15 months into the public challenge—building $12,000/month in dividends over 120 months.
Current income: $750/month
Future projection: $12,000/month in 10–12 years
Approach: Blend of high-yielders for immediate income + dividend growers for compounding
This is proof in motion: consistency beats hype, and patience pays.
Dividend Education: Did You Know?
The world’s first dividend was paid in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company.
Reinvested dividends with 8–10% annual growth outpace inflation over time.
Dividend growers (30+ year streaks) historically outperform during downturns.
Invest $1,000/month in 4% yielders growing 6% a year → in 15 years, passive income >$20,000 annually without touching principal.
This isn’t speculation. It’s math.
Your Monthly Checklist
✓ Reinvest all July dividends
✓ Review top picks and add one new high-yield position
✓ Track progress on the $12K Project
✓ Log into the app for updated dividend alerts and analytics
✓ Share MaxDividends with a friend who’s still “waiting to start”
Final Word: This Is Freedom in Motion
Every dividend check, every reinvestment, every steady buy—it’s building a life on your terms. The goal isn’t to out-trade Wall Street or predict headlines. The goal is freedom.
And here’s the truth: the guys who’ll be financially free in 10–15 years aren’t talking about it—they’re buying today. Quietly. Consistently. One dividend at a time.
My Strategic Thoughts & Plans for 2025
Main
For the past 20 years, I’ve aggressively invested my time and resources into building businesses, which have been my main source of capital. In recent years, my stock investments have further grown that capital.
This year, I’m turning 40. As a father of three, I want to stay involved in business and investing, but on my own terms. My goal is to take on a more strategic role, free up more time for myself and my family, and pursue interests I’ve put off for years. Investing allows me to do just that.
In 2025, I’m transitioning to fully living off dividends. My primary capital and main portfolio—filled with strong growth companies and high-dividend stocks—will fund this shift.
Q3 2025
Here’s the plan for this quarter:
In my main portfolio, I’ll be putting accumulated cash to work — adding to dividend stocks and continuing to reinvest aggressively. Right now, I don’t need to draw from my dividend income, so every dollar is going back into more dividend-paying shares.
That said, I’m already tracking how my monthly income is growing, how my capital is compounding, and how the overall trend is moving. I’m starting to get used to seeing over $10,000 a month in dividends — and I’m loosely comparing that against our monthly expenses. It’s a good place to be.
As for the $12,000 dividend portfolio, no changes there — still sticking with weekly buys of $3,000 throughout the quarter, like clockwork.
The kids’ portfolios also stay on track — I’ll continue investing $300 into each one, once per quarter. Three kids, three portfolios, one consistent plan.
The structure of all portfolios remains the same. The strategy hasn’t changed either: the focus is still on dividend income and dividend growth, with capital appreciation as a bonus — driven by buying financially strong, undervalued businesses.
Right now, 90% of my core portfolio consists of high-yielding, dividend-growing stocks. My average monthly dividend income is now approaching $6,000. For now, I’ll continue reinvesting these dividends to accelerate the growth of both my dividends and passive income.
💡 My strategy is based on the MaxDividends Investing Concept and Dividend Eagles, and it’s incredibly low-maintenance. Most of the time, I just sit back and watch my passive income grow.
I’ll share with you simple, proven, and effective methods for selecting built-to-last companies—led by generations of exceptional leaders—that pay consistently growing dividends. These companies provide ever-expanding passive income, allowing you to focus on what you love and spend time with the people who matter most.
✅ This is a time-tested, results-driven approach that leads to predictable success.
By focusing on strong, reliable companies that pay above-average dividends and steadily increase payouts over time, we set the foundation for consistent dividend growth and financial freedom.
👉 My Recent Friday Purchases Overview
My Plans for This Week
A new week is here, and my dividend journey keeps moving forward. Last week alone, my portfolio added over $100 in extra annual dividend income. And I’m not slowing down.
The spotlight last week was on OZK Bank—I’ve been adding heavily, building the position up to an average weight in my portfolio. On my shortlist right now: Lowe’s, Target Corp, Nexstar Media, Snap-On, and I’m keeping an eye on Shoe Carnival.
Over the weekend, I had a chance to dig deeper into the numbers, and I like what I’m seeing as far as entry conditions for new positions. I’ll be sharing more of my thoughts on that later this week.
As for the MaxDividends App—we’re continuing to refine and expand. Right now, we’re verifying dividend histories and payout data, plus adding new companies from both the U.S. and Japan. We’ve also rolled out a few new reference notes to explain key metrics, and we’ve significantly sped up load times across several core sections of the app.
Happy dividends for all the holders!
MaxDividends Mission
Helping people build growing passive income, retire early, and live off dividends.
Congrats on hitting $9K in annual dividend income, that's huge! Your Dividend Eagles concept is rock solid and Lowe's absolutely deserves that bronze medal spot. What I find really impresive about LOW is not just the 60+ year dividend streak (which is amazing) but how they've managed to maintain double digit dividend growth while also executing on the massive FBM acquisition. Most companies would pause or slow their dividend growth during such a big strategic move but Lowe's kept the pedal down which shows real confidnce in their cash flow generation. The fact that you've got them on your shortlist makes total sense to me. They're trading at a reasonable valuation considering the long term demographic tailwinds in home improvment and the underpenetrated Pro market. Are you planning to add more LOW or waiting for a better entry point? Either way, great monthly review as always!