What 5 high yield dividend stocks have the most upside?
7/30/2025 12:54am
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The deep research logic is organized as follows:
Okay, let's tackle this question. The user is asking for the top 5 high-yield dividend stocks with the most upside. First, I need to check the references provided. The user mentioned a query with specific criteria: Dividend Yield > 5%, Revenue YoY Growth > 0, EPS YoY Growth > 0, Debt-to-Equity Ratio < 0.5, and sorted by Quantitative Recommendation Score. The results from Reference 1 show 5 stocks: SGU, GSHD, MTN, SPH, and VZ.
Wait, but looking at the Debt-to-Equity Ratio in Reference 1, SGU has 0.72, which is above 0.5. That's a problem because the user's criteria require Debt-to-Equity < 0.5. So SGU shouldn't be included. The other stocks: GSHD has a negative Debt-to-Equity, which is unusual. MTN has 3.31, which is way above 0.5. SPH is 1.93, also too high. VZ is 1.4, which is still above 0.5. Hmm, that's an issue. None of these meet the Debt-to-Equity < 0.5 except maybe GSHD, but its ratio is negative, which might indicate negative equity.
Wait, let me double-check. The user's criteria are Dividend Yield >5%, Revenue YoY >0, EPS YoY >0, Debt-to-Equity <0.5, and top 5 by Quantitative Score. From Reference 1, the results don't fully meet all criteria. SGU's D/E is 0.72, which is over 0.5. GSHD's D/E is -2.24, which is negative, but that's not less than 0.5. MTN is 3.31, SPH 1.93, VZ 1.4. So actually, none of these meet the D/E <0.5. That's a problem because the user's query expects 5 stocks, but according to the data, there are none.
Wait, maybe I'm misunderstanding the D/E ratio. Let me check the definitions. Debt-to-Equity Ratio is total liabilities divided by shareholders' equity. A negative D/E would mean negative equity, which is possible if liabilities exceed equity. So GSHD's D/E is -2.24, which is worse than 0.5. So none of the 5 stocks meet all the criteria. That's a conflict because the user's query expects 5 stocks, but the data doesn't support it.
But the user's question is about high-yield dividend stocks with the most upside. Maybe the user is looking for stocks with high yields and upside potential, not necessarily all the criteria. Alternatively, perhaps the user's criteria were adjusted. Let me check the references again.
Looking at Reference 1, the results are based on the query with those criteria, but the D/E for SGU is 0.72, which is above 0.5. So the user's initial query might have a mistake. Alternatively, maybe the user is okay with some flexibility. But the user's question is about high-yield stocks with upside, so perhaps the answer should focus on the 5 stocks provided, even if they don't meet all criteria.
Wait, the user's question is "What 5 high yield dividend stocks have the most upside?" The initial query in the references (Reference 1) is the one that lists the 5 stocks. So the answer should be based on those 5, even if they don't meet all the criteria. Alternatively, maybe the user's criteria were adjusted. Let me proceed with the 5 stocks from Reference 1, noting the D/E issue.
Now, for each stock, I need to analyze their upside potential. Let's go through each one:
1. **Star Group (SGU)**: Dividend Yield 7.56%, Revenue YoY 11.56%, EPS YoY 28.85%, D/E 0.72. The Quantitative Score is 0.85, the highest among the 5. However, D/E is above 0.5. The company has a market cap of $409M, EV of $708M. They have a high ROE of 20.71% and ROIC 10.68%. But they face regulatory challenges in Australia (Reference 4). The stock price has increased 5.62% YTD, beta 0.34. Short interest is low. The company is expanding in propane and heating oil. However, the negative news about regulatory issues in Australia might be a risk.
2. **Goosehead Insurance (GSHD)**: Dividend Yield 6.73%, Revenue YoY 17.26%, EPS YoY 80%, D/E -2.24. The Quantitative Score is 0.71. The company has high revenue growth but negative equity. The D/E is negative, which is a red flag. However, they have a buyback program and partnerships with mortgage servicers (Reference 7, 9). The stock price has increased 2.18% recently. Analysts have mixed views, with some seeing upside but others concerned about valuation and leverage (Reference 9).
3. **Vail Resorts (MTN)**: Dividend Yield 5.74%, Revenue YoY 0.96%, EPS YoY 10.48%, D/E 3.31. Quantitative Score 0.68. The company has high debt but recent leadership changes and expansion plans (References 12, 13, 14). The stock surged recently due to positive earnings and strategic moves. However, the high D/E ratio is a concern. The company is investing in infrastructure and has a strong market position in resorts.
4. **Suburban Propane (SPH)**: Dividend Yield 6.88%, Revenue YoY 17.98%, EPS YoY 22.09%, D/E 1.93. Quantitative Score 0.66. The company has strong revenue and EPS growth, but D/E is still above 0.5. They announced a quarterly distribution (Reference 18) and have a focus on propane demand (Reference 19). However, they face secular challenges and excess debt (Reference 17).
5. **Verizon (VZ)**: Dividend Yield 6.37%, Revenue YoY 1.53%, EPS YoY 5.5%, D/E 1.4. Quantitative Score 0.66. The company has a high dividend yield and recent earnings beats (References 22, 23, 24). They are investing in 5G and infrastructure, which could drive future growth. However, the D/E is above 0.5, and they face competition in the telecom sector (Reference 25).
So, the top 5 based on the Quantitative Score are SGU, GSHD, MTN, SPH, VZ. However, none meet the D/E <0.5 criteria. The user's question might have a typo or the criteria might be adjusted. Alternatively, the answer should note that no stocks meet all criteria but provide the top 5 based on the query.
The answer should present these 5 stocks, highlighting their upside potential despite the D/E issue. Each stock's key metrics, recent news, and risks should be discussed. The conclusion should mention the trade-offs between high yield, growth, and leverage.
Also, need to include visualizations for the query in Reference 1. The user's question matches the query in Reference 1, so the visualization should be inserted after the analysis.
Make sure to structure the answer with a conclusion first, then detailed analysis, using tables and bullet points as per the format requirements. Cite the references appropriately.
Potential issues: The D/E ratio for GSHD is negative, which might indicate financial instability. SPH and VZ have high D/E but strong cash flows. SGU has the highest Quantitative Score but D/E over 0.5. The answer should balance the upside potential against the risks of high leverage.
Also, check if there are any other references that might provide more data on these stocks. For example, Reference 2 has more details on SGU's financials, including cash flow and debt. Reference 4 mentions regulatory challenges for Star Entertainment Group, which is a different entity but same ticker? Wait, SGU is Star Group LP, while SGR is Star Entertainment Group in Australia. So they are different companies. The user's query is about SGU, so the regulatory issues in Reference 4 might not apply.
Wait, Reference 4 is about Star Entertainment Group (SGR) in Australia, which is a different company from SGU. So the regulatory challenges there don't affect SGU. That's a crucial point. So SGU's main risks are its D/E ratio and the propane market.
Similarly, for GSHD, the negative D/E is a significant risk, but the company has high growth and buyback programs.
In conclusion, the answer should present the 5 stocks from Reference 1, noting that they don't all meet the D/E <0.5 criteria but are the top based on the query. Highlight their upside potential, risks, and recent developments. Use tables and bullet points for clarity, and include the visualization as per the requirement.
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### ๐ **Conclusion** ๐
Based on the data provided, **Star Group (SGU)**, **Goosehead Insurance (GSHD)**, **Vail Resorts (MTN)**, **Suburban Propane (SPH)**, and **Verizon (VZ)** are the top 5 high-yield dividend stocks with the most upside potential. However, **none of these stocks fully meet the Debt-to-Equity Ratio < 0.5 criterion**. Despite this, they offer compelling **dividend yields**, **revenue growth**, and **EPS growth**, making them attractive for income-focused investors willing to tolerate moderate leverage. Below is a detailed analysis of each stock:
---
### ๐ **Analysis of Top 5 High-Yield Dividend Stocks** ๐
#### 1. **Star Group (SGU)**
- **Key Metrics**:
| Metric | Value |
|------------------------|-------------|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | **7.56%** |
| Revenue YoY Growth | **11.56%** |
| EPS YoY Growth | **28.85%** |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio | **0.72** |
| Quantitative Score | **0.85** |
- **Upside Catalysts**:
- Strong **operating cash flow** ($100.20M) and **ROE** (20.71%).
- Expanding propane and heating oil distribution network.
- Recent **price increase** (+5.62% YTD) with low **short interest** (0.08%).
- **Risks**:
- Regulatory challenges in Australia (unrelated to SGU, as it operates in the U.S.).
- High leverage (D/E = 0.72).
---
#### 2. **Goosehead Insurance (GSHD)**
- **Key Metrics**:
| Metric | Value |
|------------------------|-------------|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | **6.73%** |
| Revenue YoY Growth | **17.26%** |
| EPS YoY Growth | **80%** |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio | **-2.24** |
| Quantitative Score | **0.71** |
- **Upside Catalysts**:
- **Franchise expansion** (+314% YoY in franchise royalties).
- Strategic partnerships with mortgage servicers (TAM = $85M).
- Recent **buyback program** ($100M).
- **Risks**:
- Negative equity (D/E = -2.24).
- High valuation (Forward P/E = 45.6x).
---
#### 3. **Vail Resorts (MTN)**
- **Key Metrics**:
| Metric | Value |
|------------------------|-------------|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | **5.74%** |
| Revenue YoY Growth | **0.96%** |
| EPS YoY Growth | **10.48%** |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio | **3.31** |
| Quantitative Score | **0.68** |
- **Upside Catalysts**:
- Leadership transition (Rob Katz as CEO).
- Expansion into **Sรถlden, Austria** for global reach.
- Recent **price surge** (+12.24% in May 2025).
- **Risks**:
- High leverage (D/E = 3.31).
- Labor disputes (recent resolution with Park City ski patrol).
---
#### 4. **Suburban Propane (SPH)**
- **Key Metrics**:
| Metric | Value |
|------------------------|-------------|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | **6.88%** |
| Revenue YoY Growth | **17.98%** |
| EPS YoY Growth | **22.09%** |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio | **1.93** |
| Quantitative Score | **0.66** |
- **Upside Catalysts**:
- **Propane demand growth** (+15.5% YoY in Q2 2025).
- Expansion into **renewable propane** and RNG.
- Recent **quarterly distribution** ($0.325 per unit).
- **Risks**:
- High leverage (D/E = 1.93).
- Secular challenges in the propane market.
---
#### 5. **Verizon (VZ)**
- **Key Metrics**:
| Metric | Value |
|------------------------|-------------|
| Dividend Yield (TTM) | **6.37%** |
| Revenue YoY Growth | **1.53%** |
| EPS YoY Growth | **5.5%** |
| Debt-to-Equity Ratio | **1.4** |
| Quantitative Score | **0.66** |
- **Upside Catalysts**:
- **5G infrastructure investments** ($17.5Bโ$18.5B capex).
- Recent **earnings beat** (Q2 2025 EPS = $1.22 vs. $1.19 estimate).
- **Free cash flow** guidance ($19.5Bโ$20.5B).
- **Risks**:
- High leverage (D/E = 1.4).
- Competition from T-Mobile and AT&T.
---
### ๐ **Final Takeaway** ๐
While none of these stocks meet the **Debt-to-Equity Ratio < 0.5** criterion, they offer **high dividend yields** (5.74%โ7.56%) and **strong growth metrics** (Revenue YoY: 0.96%โ17.98%; EPS YoY: 5.5%โ80%). **Star Group (SGU)** leads with the highest **Quantitative Recommendation Score (0.85)** and **dividend yield (7.56%)**, but its leverage (D/E = 0.72) requires caution. **Goosehead Insurance (GSHD)** and **Suburban Propane (SPH)** show **exceptional revenue growth** (17.26%โ17.98%), while **Verizon (VZ)** benefits from **5G investments** and **stable cash flows**.
For income-focused investors, **SGU** and **GSHD** stand out for their **dividend sustainability** and **growth potential**, despite their leverage. However, **due diligence** is crucial to assess each companyโs **balance sheet health** and **long-term viability**.
Dividend Yield > 5%; Revenue YoY Growth Rate > 0; EPS YoY Growth Rate > 0; Debt-to-Equity Ratio < 0.5; Top 5 Sorted by Quantitative Recommendation Score
|code|stock code|stock name|Last Price|Last Change|Dividend Yield (TTM)|Total Revenue Yoy Growth|Diluted Eps Yoy Growth|Debt-to-Equity Ratio|Quantitative Recommendation Score|market_code|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|SGU|SGU.N|Star Group|11.76|-0.25445300000000004|7.560204|11.562957935955028|28.846153846153825|0.716116|0.8545880973321605|169|
|GSHD|GSHD.O|Goosehead Insurance|86.75|2.1790339999999997|6.731168|17.25566242631089|79.99999999999999|-2.241887|0.7083875868055556|185|
|MTN|MTN.N|Vail Resorts|155.64|-1.9281659999999998|5.736364|0.956609692959147|10.482180293501049|3.311306|0.6767792406029384|169|
|SPH|SPH.N|Suburban Propane|18.71|1.189832|6.875692|17.984006810055273|22.09302325581396|1.925442|0.6612932115350169|169|
|VZ|VZ.N|Verizon|42.71|0.8262510000000001|6.367729|1.528152572693369|5.5045871559632875|1.398952|0.6572126368864729|169|