Top Dividend Stocks to Consider in January 2025

As we step into the new year, investors are looking for stable and growing income streams. Dividend stocks have long been a favorite among income-oriented investors, and with good reason. Dividend-paying companies tend to have strong balance sheets and stable earnings, making them well-positioned to weather economic storms. In this article, we'll highlight some of the best dividend stocks to consider in January 2025, focusing on companies with attractive yields, strong dividend growth prospects, and solid fundamentals.

1. AbbVie (ABBV)
- Forward Dividend Yield: 3.7%
- Dividend Growth: 310% since 2013 spinoff from Abbott Labs
- AbbVie has a strong track record of dividend growth and a robust pipeline of new therapies. The company's focus on high-margin, specialty pharmaceuticals and its commitment to returning capital to shareholders make it an attractive choice for income investors.

2. Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA)
- Forward Dividend Yield: 3.7%
- Dividend Growth: 14 consecutive years of dividend increases
- As one of the largest apartment owners in the country, MAA benefits from steady rental income and a strong financial profile. The company's focus on expanding its apartment portfolio and its history of dividend growth make it an appealing option for income investors.

3. Brookfield Infrastructure (BIP) and Brookfield Renewable (BEP)
- Forward Dividend Yield: 5.1% (BIP) and 6.1% (BEP)
- Dividend Growth: 9% compound annual growth rate for BIP and 15 consecutive years of dividend increases for BEP
- Both companies operate diversified portfolios of infrastructure businesses, generating relatively stable cash flow to support their growing dividends. Their focus on organic growth and acquisitions, along with their strong balance sheets, make them attractive choices for income investors.

4. Crown Castle (CCI)
- Forward Dividend Yield: 6.1%
- Dividend Growth: 10 consecutive years of dividend increases
- Crown Castle is the nation's largest provider of shared communications infrastructure, with over 40,000 towers and approximately 90,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions. The company's high yield distribution and low volatility make it a good holding for accounts seeking growth, income, and less risk.

5. LyondellBasell (LYB)
- Forward Dividend Yield: 7.2%
- Dividend Growth: 15 consecutive years of dividend increases
- LyondellBasell is a global leader in developing and supplying materials that enable packaging, health, and transportation solutions. The company's strong dividend growth track record, along with its commitment to returning capital to shareholders, makes it an attractive choice for income investors.



When selecting dividend stocks, it's essential to consider the company's payout ratio, which determines what percentage of its profits, distributable cash flow, and other financial metrics are being used to finance the dividend. A lower payout ratio indicates a more sustainable dividend. Additionally, investors should look for companies with strong balance sheets, stable earnings, and cash flow to ensure the sustainability of their dividends.

In conclusion, the best dividend stocks to consider in January 2025 are those with attractive yields, strong dividend growth prospects, and solid fundamentals. By focusing on these factors, investors can build a diversified portfolio of dividend stocks that will provide both income and capital appreciation over time. As always, it's essential to conduct thorough research and consider your individual investment goals and risk tolerance when selecting dividend stocks.