The 3 Highest-Yielding Dividend Stocks Built to Pay Forever

Investors in search of steady income often face a trade-off: higher yields usually come with higher risk, while safer dividends offer modest returns. But what if there were stocks that blend generous payouts with the financial resilience to sustain them indefinitely? Based on 2025 data, here are three high-yielding dividend stocks that meet that rare combination—alongside the risks to watch.

1. Whirlpool Corporation (WHR) – 7.7% Yield

The Highest-Yielding Dividend Machine
Whirlpool, the global leader in home appliances (think KitchenAid mixers and Maytag washers), is the top dog in this list with a 7.7% dividend yield. The company’s $17 billion in annual revenue and a Dividend Risk Score of B suggest a payout that’s far from precarious.

Whirlpool’s iconic kitchen appliances, such as the KitchenAid stand mixer, symbolize its enduring brand strength.

Why It Works:
- Whirlpool’s Q4 2024 results showed adjusted EPS growth despite a sales dip, thanks to cost-cutting and operational efficiency.
- The dividend is underpinned by a payout ratio that remains manageable, even as the company navigates appliance demand volatility.
- Investors receive $1.1 billion annually in dividends, a figure that’s held steady even as the stock price fluctuates.

Risk Factor: The stock’s high yield partly reflects market skepticism about long-term appliance demand. A prolonged economic slowdown or supply-chain disruptions could pressure margins.

2. Universal Health Realty Income Trust (UHT) – 7.3% Yield

A Steady Healthcare REIT
Universal Health Realty is a healthcare-focused REIT with 69 properties across 20 U.S. states, including hospitals and medical offices. Its 7.3% yield and B Dividend Risk Score make it a standout for income seekers.

Why It Works:
- The REIT’s Funds from Operations (FFO) grew slightly in Q3 2024, driven by stable rental income from essential healthcare services.
- Its diversified portfolio reduces exposure to single facilities or regions, a critical hedge in an industry where tenant mix matters.
- With $2.1 billion in total assets and a low leverage ratio, UHT has ample liquidity to weather sector-specific challenges.

Risk Factor: Healthcare REITs are tied to broader macro risks, such as government policy changes or shifts in patient volume. However, the trust’s focus on “essential” care facilities (e.g., skilled nursing) may offer more stability than elective-care properties.

3. MPLX LP (MPLX) – 7.2% Yield

The MLP Defying Sector Headwinds
MPLX, a midstream oil-and-gas MLP, delivers a 7.2% yield despite operating in a notoriously cyclical sector. Its C Dividend Risk Score hints at volatility, but recent performance shows resilience.

Why It Works:
- MPLX reported 9% EBITDA growth and 7% distributable cash flow growth in Q4 2024, fueled by tariff hikes and operational improvements.
- A debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 3.1x and a distribution coverage ratio of 1.5x suggest manageable leverage and ample cash to cover payouts.
- Unlike exploration-and-production firms, MPLX’s fee-based business model insulates it from commodity price swings.

Aerial view of MPLX’s pipeline network, highlighting its critical role in energy logistics.

Risk Factor: MLPs are sensitive to oil prices and regulatory changes. A prolonged downturn in energy demand or ESG-driven divestment could pressure the stock.

Conclusion: High Yield, High Conviction (With Caveats)

These three stocks—Whirlpool, Universal Health, and MPLX—offer dividend yields above 6.5%, well above the S&P 500’s average of ~1.5%. Their financial metrics underscore their sustainability:

• Whirlpool leverages its brand dominance and cost discipline to maintain payouts.
• Universal Health benefits from healthcare’s recession-resistant nature and geographic diversification.
• MPLX thrives on its fee-based infrastructure, a model that outperforms commodity exposure.

However, investors must weigh the risks:
- Sector-specific volatility (e.g., appliance demand, energy cycles) could test these stocks.
- MLP tax complexity and REIT dividend structures may complicate tax planning.

For those willing to accept these risks, these three picks offer a rare blend of income and longevity. As the data shows, their payout ratios remain below 75%, and their free cash flow coverage (especially for Whirlpool and Universal Health) is robust. In a world hungry for yield, these stocks could keep paying for years to come—if their industries hold up.