As 2025 draws near, dividend stocks offering high yields with resilient payouts are becoming increasingly attractive for investors looking to generate steady passive income. With the market adjusting to a lower-interest-rate environment following three rate cuts, these stocks are positioned to enhance the income potential of your portfolio.

Among the top options in the dividend space, Altria (MO) and Energy Transfer (ET) appear attractive. Both companies offer impressive yields exceeding 6%, have sustainable payouts, and are focused on consistently rewarding their shareholders. Their ability to deliver regular and higher dividends makes them compelling candidates for any income-focused portfolio in 2025.

Altria, known for its strong market position in the tobacco industry, has a history of maintaining reliable dividend payments, even amid market fluctuations. This track record of stability positions it as a solid option for investors seeking reliable income.

Similarly, Energy Transfer, a leading energy infrastructure company, has shown a strong commitment to rewarding investors with significant dividend payouts and growth. The company’s consistent earnings growth and solid cash flow enable it to offer and sustain attractive yields. Let’s dig deeper.

Dividend Stock #1: Altria

Altria continues to reward shareholders with a combination of growing dividends and share repurchases while investing in growth initiatives. The company’s smokable products segment, anchored by the resilience of the Marlboro brand, is poised to deliver solid operating company income (OCI) growth. In addition, its moist smokeless tobacco (MST) brands within the oral tobacco segment remain a key driver of profitability.

Altria’s diversified product portfolio and focus on operational efficiency position the company to deliver profitable growth while enhancing shareholder value. In August, Altria raised its dividend by 4.1%, marking the 59th increase in the last 55 years — a reflection of its long-standing commitment to rewarding investors. This trend is expected to continue, as the company is well-positioned to expand its earnings base and pay even higher dividends in the years ahead.

With a strong balance sheet, significant financial flexibility, and a focus on cost savings, Altria is in a favorable position to repay debt and continue delivering cash to shareholders. The company has set a progressive dividend goal, targeting mid-single-digit growth in dividends per share annually through 2028. This will be supported by a growing earnings base, with Altria projecting a mid-single-digit annual increase in its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) during the same period.

A key driver of Altria’s future growth is its expanding U.S. smoke-free business, which is expected to accelerate earnings. The company plans to nearly double its U.S. smoke-free net revenues to $5 billion by 2028, up from $2 billion in 2022, with a significant portion of that coming from innovative smoke-free products. This growth in high-margin products is expected to significantly bolster Altria's earnings in the coming years.

In addition to its product diversification, Altria focuses on operational efficiency by centralizing work, standardizing processes, and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. 

While Wall Street analysts rate Altria as a “Hold,” the stock remains an attractive option for income investors. With a robust dividend growth history, a strong yield of 7.75%, and a growing earnings base, Altria is a top high-yield dividend stock for 2025..

Dividend Stock #2: Energy Transfer

Energy Transfer provides transportation for crude oil (CBG25), natural gas (NGF25), natural gas liquids (NGL), and refined oil and gas products. The company is also engaged in NGL storage and fractionation services. Its extensive portfolio of pipelines and energy assets spans every major supply basin in the U.S., positioning it well to capitalize on domestic demand and export opportunities.

The company’s diversified operations and high-quality assets generate strong, predominantly fee-based earnings, offering a buffer against commodity price volatility and ensuring financial stability.

Energy Transfer will likely benefit from organic project development and strategic acquisitions in the coming years. Further, approximately 90% of its earnings come from fee-based contracts, a model that ensures predictable cash flows. These strengths position the company to deliver shareholder value through sustained dividend growth.

Energy Transfer has a solid record of consistent dividend payments and increases. These payouts reflect the strength of its assets, its diverse geographic footprint, and its wide range of product offerings. Management remains optimistic about the growing demand for its services domestically and internationally.

The company is uniquely poised to benefit from rising energy demand, particularly in natural gas. The expansion of AI data centers and power plants has driven increased utilization across its natural gas pipelines. With its extensive infrastructure, Energy Transfer is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends.

Furthermore, Energy Transfer maintains a solid liquidity position and a strong balance sheet. This financial foundation allows it to fund organic growth initiatives while simultaneously reducing leverage.

Looking ahead, the company anticipates annual distribution growth of 3%-5%, further increasing its appeal as a reliable income-generating stock. Moreover, it offers a compelling yield of 6.67%.   

Analysts are bullish on Energy Transfer stock and maintain a “Strong Buy” consensus rating. This further supports its bull case and makes it one of the top dividend stocks for 2025.