In 2025, several stock investments offer substantial potential for passive income, with top picks including Ares Capital (ARCC), Energy Transfer LP (ET), Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPD), Pfizer (PFE), and Verizon Communications (VZ). Ares Capital, with an 8.67% dividend yield, could generate $4,335 from a $50,000 investment. Energy Transfer may yield about $3,270, while EPD offers $3,255, Pfizer $3,220, and Verizon $3,400. Collectively, investing $50,000 in all five could yield between $17,000 and $18,000 in passive income throughout the year, making these stocks attractive options for investors seeking consistent returns.