3 Dividend Kings to Buy in December for Steady Income and Growth

December has long been a historically strong period for the stock market, with investors often seeking defensive, income-generating assets to capitalize on seasonal trends. For those prioritizing both stability and growth, dividend-paying stocks-particularly those with decades of consistent payouts-offer a compelling opportunity. Among the most resilient names in this category are AbbVie (ABBV), Ares Capital (ARCC), and Enbridge (ENB). These companies, all recognized as Dividend Kings, combine robust financial fundamentals with strategic positioning to deliver steady income and long-term appreciation.

1. AbbVie (ABBV): A Healthcare Powerhouse with Unmatched Resilience

AbbVie has increased its dividend for 53 consecutive years, a testament to its ability to navigate industry challenges and maintain shareholder value. With a current yield of approximately 3% according to Nasdaq, the stock offers a balanced mix of income and growth potential.

The company's transition from the declining revenue of Humira-a once-blockbuster drug-to newer therapies like Rinvoq and Skyrizi has been a masterclass in innovation. These autoimmune treatments drove combined sales growth of over 40% year-over-year in 2025, ensuring AbbVie's pipeline remains robust. Analysts highlight the company's strong R&D focus and diversified portfolio as key drivers of future earnings, making it a reliable choice for investors seeking both income and capital preservation.

2. Ares Capital (ARCC): High-Yield Exposure to the Private Lending Boom

For investors seeking higher yields, Ares Capital-a business development company (BDC)-stands out with a forward dividend yield of 9.8% according to Finviz. The company has maintained or increased its dividend for over 16 consecutive years, reflecting its disciplined approach to capital deployment.

Recent results underscore ARCC's strategic positioning in the private lending market. In Q3 2025, the company reported a Core EPS of $0.50 and a record net asset value per share of $20.01. Its new investment commitments of $3.9 billion in the same quarter highlight its role as a leading direct lender in the U.S. middle-market space, a sector with an estimated total addressable market of $5.4 trillion. With its fourth-quarter 2025 dividend set at $0.48 per share, ARCC continues to deliver consistent returns while capitalizing on the growing demand for alternative credit solutions.

3. Enbridge (ENB): Energy Infrastructure's Steady Giant

Enbridge, a global leader in energy infrastructure, has raised its dividend for 30 consecutive years and currently offers a yield of 5.6% according to Nasdaq. The company's recent Q3 2025 earnings report, which showed adjusted EBITDA of $4.3 billion, underscores its resilience amid macroeconomic headwinds.

Enbridge's strategic investments in natural gas and liquids infrastructure position it to benefit from long-term demand trends. The company has sanctioned $3 billion in new growth projects, including expansions in gas storage, pipeline capacity, and CO2 sequestration. Additionally, its $2 billion investment in the Gas Transmission segment-targeting 23 Bcf of incremental storage capacity-aligns with the surging demand for natural gas in the U.S. Gulf Coast. With a disciplined leverage ratio of 4.8x and a 5% annual growth outlook for EBITDA and DCF/share beyond 2026 according to Enbridge, Enbridge offers a compelling blend of income and growth for long-term investors.

Why December Is the Time to Act

The end-of-year period often sees a shift toward defensive assets, as investors lock in gains and seek stability. Dividend Kings like AbbVie, Ares Capital, and Enbridge provide a dual benefit: reliable income streams and the potential for capital appreciation. Their strong balance sheets, consistent payout histories, and alignment with high-growth sectors make them ideal candidates for a diversified portfolio.

As the market navigates uncertainty, these companies exemplify the power of compounding dividends and strategic reinvestment. For those looking to capitalize on December's seasonal momentum, these three names offer a roadmap to steady, long-term returns.