3 Top Dividend Stocks to Buy in December

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three high-yield stocks—Enterprise Products Partners, Bank of Nova Scotia, and W.P. Carey—as attractive investment options for reliable income as 2025 approaches. Group 1: Enterprise Products Partners - Enterprise Products operates in the midstream energy sector, which is less volatile compared to other energy segments, focusing on energy infrastructure assets [4][6]. - The company has a market capitalization of $71 billion, a current price of $32.61, and a dividend yield of 6.62%, with a history of increasing distributions for 27 consecutive years [5][6]. - Enterprise's distributable cash flow covers its distribution by approximately 1.7 times, indicating strong financial health and resilience against potential downturns [7]. Group 2: Bank of Nova Scotia - Bank of Nova Scotia offers a dividend yield of 4.5% and has a long history of paying dividends since 1833, emphasizing its commitment to reliable income [8][12]. - The bank is undergoing a strategic overhaul, exiting less desirable markets and increasing its U.S. exposure through partnerships, which may enhance its growth prospects [10][12]. - Despite recent challenges, the dividend was maintained in 2024 and increased again in 2025, reflecting management's confidence in the turnaround strategy [12]. Group 3: W.P. Carey - W.P. Carey, a net lease REIT, is transitioning from a focus on office properties to industrial, warehouse, and retail sectors, which is expected to drive future growth [13][14]. - The REIT's adjusted funds from operations (FFO) increased by 6.5% year-over-year in Q3 2025, and it has raised its full-year guidance for 2025 [16]. - W.P. Carey currently has a dividend yield of 5.36%, which is above the market average, and has resumed increasing its dividend after a strategic reset [17].