My 3 Favorite High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Buy in February (1 Currently Yields 6.8%)

Core Insights - The article discusses the appeal of investing in income-generating assets, highlighting the importance of passive income for financial independence Group 1: Brookfield Renewable - Brookfield Renewable has recently increased its dividend by 5%, maintaining an annual growth rate of at least that since 2011 [4] - The company currently offers a dividend yield of 3.7%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1.1% [4] - Brookfield expects annual dividend growth of 5% to 9% and anticipates cash flow per share growth of over 10% annually through at least 2030 [5] - The company's growth is supported by long-term contracts linked to inflation, rising power prices, and a backlog of renewable energy projects [6] Group 2: Main Street Capital - Main Street Capital is a business development company (BDC) that provides debt and equity capital to smaller private companies, generating interest and dividend income [7] - The company is required to distribute at least 90% of its taxable net income to shareholders, ensuring consistent returns [7] - Main Street has never reduced or suspended its monthly dividend, which has grown by 136% since its IPO in 2007, including a 4% increase over the past year, resulting in a current yield of 5% [8]