7 Best Dividend Stocks & Bonds to Buy in April 2025: High Yields, Hidden Gems & Smart Income Plays

April 2025 has brought investors several compelling opportunities in dividend stocks and fixed-income securities. Whether you're seeking monthly income, deep discounts to NAV, or inflation-resistant yields, this month offers something for every income investor. Let’s dive into our top picks.

💰 1. Eagle Point Income Company (EIC): 16% Yield from CLOs with Stability

If you're hunting for monthly income with an attractive risk-reward profile, EIC deserves a spot on your radar.

• Yield: 16% (Monthly distribution of $0.20)
• NAV Premium: ~2% (Below the average 5.91%)
• Portfolio: $450M in CLO Debt (73%) and Equity (24%), diversified among 1,450 loan obligors

EIC is a closed-end fund specializing in collateralized loan obligations (CLOs)—primarily BB-rated CLO debt. The portfolio’s deep diversification (avg exposure per obligor: just 0.07%) and floating-rate structure make it resilient across economic cycles.

Even in rising rate environments and COVID-era stress, EIC’s performance stood strong. Recurring cash flows hit $16.1M in Q4 2024, and dividends remain well-covered. With NAV sitting at $14.86 and market price at $15.00, this is a rare entry point near the bottom of its trading premium range.

Verdict: A perfect match for dividend investors who want monthly income, floating rate protection, and experienced management in a complex asset class.

📉 2. STEW – SRH Total Return Fund: Buffett’s Portfolio at a 22% Discount

Yes, you read that right—you can own a Buffett-heavy portfolio at a massive discount.

• Top Holding: Berkshire Hathaway (38% of portfolio)
• Yield: 3.90%
• Discount to NAV: 22%
• Leverage: Only 9.6% with fixed-rate borrowings under 3%

STEW is an under-the-radar value-driven closed-end fund with 23 U.S. equity holdings, led by giants like Berkshire Hathaway, JPMorgan, and Microsoft. Its outsized BRK position is due to its founder, Stewart Horejsi, who became a billionaire simply by buying and holding BRK since the '70s.

Despite a low yield, the fund’s deep discount, strong holdings, and cheap debt structure make this a compelling long-term value play.

Verdict: For Buffett fans and long-term investors, STEW offers rare access to a high-quality portfolio at a steep discount.

🏦 3. BHFAN – Brighthouse Financial Preferred C: 7.86% Yield from a Rising Star

Preferred shares from Brighthouse Financial (BHFAN) combine yield, safety, and price upside.

• Entry Price: $17.05
• Yield: 7.86%
• Credit Rating: Upgraded to BBB+ from BBB-
• Next Dividend: March 10, 2025

With strong Q4 earnings and upgrades in credit ratings, BHF’s financial health is solid. Compared to its sister preferred stocks, BHFAN is underpriced. A fair market comparison suggests a target price of $17.80–$21.00, leaving room for 23% upside.

Verdict: A quality preferred stock at a discount, ideal for yield-focused investors seeking low volatility and capital appreciation potential.

🏠 4. MFA Financial Series C Preferred (MFA PRC): 10.1% Floating Yield Coming Soon

April is the last chance to grab MFA PRC before it switches from a fixed to floating rate:

• Fixed Yield: 6.5% until March 2025
• Floating Yield (Est.): 9.9% based on SOFR
• Price: $24.80
• Next Dividend: March 4, 2025

This Hybrid Mortgage REIT is stable despite tough conditions in recent years. With SOFR expected to stay elevated even with mild Fed cuts, MFA PRC will likely yield north of 9% post-March.

Verdict: Get in now before the float—this preferred could soon yield double digits with limited downside.

₿ 5. MicroStrategy 8% Series A Preferred: 9.4% Yield Backed by Bitcoin

An ultra-unique opportunity:

• Price: $85.50 (20% below $100 par)
• Yield: 9.4%
• Collateral: 471,000 BTC (~$46B)
• Convertible Option: 0.1 common stock per preferred (break-even: $855 common share)

MicroStrategy’s preferred shares offer high yield and Bitcoin-backed exposure. With over $46B in crypto assets and only $7.3B in debt, the equity cushion is massive. Plus, it’s non-callable and cumulative.

Verdict: High yield meets crypto exposure. Risk rating: 5/6. Not for the faint-hearted, but perfect for long-term HODLers bullish on BTC.

❄️ 6. Americold Realty Trust (COLD): Cold Storage, Hot Potential

• Dividend Yield: 4%
• Entry Price: $21.85
• Fair Value: $31 (42% upside)
• Debt: $3.5B, no maturities until 2027

Americold is the largest cold storage REIT in the U.S. and expanding globally. With a shift to fixed-rate contracts, improving margins, and strategic partnerships with DP World and Ahold Delhaize, revenue visibility and profitability are on the rise.

Automation capex is high, but ROI expectations (18–20%) are impressive. And the stock is trading well below NAV.

Verdict: A safe REIT with growth, undervaluation, and future dividend increases likely.

📜 7. RWTO – Redwood Trust Baby Bond: Safe 9.34% Yield to Maturity

If you’re looking for fixed income with minimal capital risk, RWTO baby bonds deserve attention.

• Price: $25.10 (slightly above par, incl. accrued interest)
• Maturity: Sept 1, 2029
• Yield to Maturity: 9.34%
• Credit Rating: BBB-

Issued by Redwood Trust, a mid-cap mREIT, these notes offer quarterly income and capital preservation. With over $860M market cap and diversified real estate exposure, Redwood is a stable issuer.

Verdict: Perfect for income investors who want to lock in a juicy rate with limited duration risk.

📦 Final Thoughts: April’s Dividend Takeaways

In April 2025, we’re entering a world where smart income investors can still find safe, high-yielding opportunities—but timing and research matter more than ever. These picks represent a mix of income, diversification, and deep value, tailored to various risk appetites.