Five sure stocks to invest in now for dividend income

As investors look to Full Year (FY) 2025 earnings releases, dividend-paying stocks are once again in focus for those seeking steady income alongside capital preservation.

Companies with a consistent track record of cash payouts and strong balance sheets can offer both reliability and peace of mind in a volatile market environment.

Here’s a curated list of twelve stocks that stand out as sure bets for generating dependable dividend income in FY’25, according to Meristem Research in their recent release. They recommended the dividend portfolio for short-term investors based on 2025FY financial results and their track records.

Access Holdings

Access Holdings Plc has historically paid dividends in multiple consecutive years. The company paid final dividend of N2.05kobo in 2024 (December 2023: N1.80 kobo). In early trading on Monday January 12, the stock was trading at N22.9 per share. It had reached a 52-week high of N28.95 as against 52 week low of N19.9. Access has 53,317,838,433 shares outstanding. You can qualify for this dividend before the register of members closes.

Access Holdings has already informed the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that a meeting of the Board of Directors of the company will hold on Thursday, January 29, 2026, to consider and approve the Group’s Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ending December 31, 2025 (‘the Results’).

“The Board may also consider issues relating to full year dividend. The Results approved by the Board will be submitted to the Central Bank of Nigeria for approval before release on the floor of the Exchange,” the company said in a recent disclosure at the NGX. In line with the Exchange’s Listing Rules, Access Holdings has commenced a Closed Period in respect of transactions on its securities from January 1, 2026, until 24 hours after the release of the results.

Last 7 Days Trades

Data Source: NGX

Note that investor positioning for dividends can boost prices ahead of payouts, increase short-term volatility around ex-dividend dates, and influence sector performance. Over the long run, consistent dividend demand can support stock valuations, though changing macroeconomic conditions can quickly reverse these effects.

Dangote Cement

Dangote Cement is widely regarded as one of the most reliable dividend-paying companies on the Nigerian Exchange Limited. The cement maker has paid dividends consecutively for many years, and through its consistent dividend payouts. At N635 er share, the stock is trading near its 52-week high of N665 as against 52-week low of N349.2. Note that the Board of Directors of Dangote Cement Plc will meet on February 26, 2026, to discuss various matters, including the Audited Financial Statements for the Year ending December 31, 2025 (2025 AFS).

In view of the above, Dangote Cement Plc has entered a Closed Trading Period effective January 1, 2026, until twenty-four (24) hours after the 2025 AFS and relevant resolutions passed at the Board meeting are released to the public. The Closed Trading Period applies to all insiders and parties that may at any time possess sensitive information that may materially affect the price of the securities of the Company. Buying from Dangote Cement Plc’s outstanding shares of 16,873,559,251 will not be a bad decision.

Last 7 Days Trades

Data Source: NGX 

Zenith Bank

Zenith Bank Plc has a strong track record of paying dividends consistently over many years, making it one of the more reliable dividend-paying stocks listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). Even through economic downturns, Zenith Bank paid dividends to shareholders every year for many years, reflecting consistent profitability and shareholder focus.

Each of Zenith Bank’s 41,069,830,000 outstanding shares is currently priced at N67. Market commentators and shareholder representatives frequently cite Zenith Bank’s dividend consistency as one of the strongest among Nigerian banks, and the bank has become known for delivering value to shareholders. So, positioning in this stock for dividend income wouldn’t be a bad decision.

The stock had reached a 52-week high of N78.5 as against a 52-week low of N43. Note that the board of directors of Zenith Bank will meet on Thursday January 29, to consider the group’s financials. The meeting will also consider among others the proposal for full year final dividend for shareholders. The bank’s closed period which prohibits insiders and their connected persons to directly or indirectly deal in the shares has commenced since January 1.

Last 7 Days Trades

 Data Source: Meristem

GTCO

Like other banks, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has a track record of paying dividends to shareholders and generally pays them consistently, though amounts can vary over time. GTCO’s dividend policy appears aligned with earnings growth and shareholder value creation. This fosters a positive view among investors who value both cash returns (dividends) and capital appreciation (share price gains).

The stock at N99.25 on January 12 rose by 0.05 percent. GTCO shares had risen above N100 per share to a 52-week high of N103.2 as against 52-week low of N56.95. The board of director of GTCO Plc – which has 36,425,229,514 outstanding shares – will meet on January 27 to consider the company’s audited financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Also, issues relating to full year dividend is expected to be discussed at the meeting. GTCO’s closed period started on January 1, 2026 and will expire 24 hours after the announcement of the full year 2025 results. You can still qualify for their dividend by buying the stock.

Last 7 Days Trades

 “As companies release their 2025FY earnings results, dividend declarations are expected to follow through. For investors looking to position for opportunities in 2026, a dividend-focused strategy offers a practical and dependable way to generate income in the near term,” Meristem research analysts said in their January 6 dividend portfolio recommendation. In addition to the five stocks profiled, they see stocks like United Capital, Lafarge Africa, Presco, Okomu Oil Palm, Africa Prudential, FCMB not disappointing shareholders with regards to 2025 final dividend payment.

Data Source: Meristem

Stanbic IBTC

Stanbic IBTC is a strong dividend payer among Nigerian bank stocks. Its yields are respectable, payments are regular, growth and payout sustainability are solid — making it especially appealing for income-oriented investors. For dividend income this quarter, it will not be bad decision to position in the stock ahead of closure of shareholders register for full year 2025 final dividend.

Though Stanbic closed at N106.9 per share on Monday January 12, the stock had reached a 52-week high of N126.25 as against a 52-week low of N59. Stanbic has 15,901,769,246 shares outstanding. Interestingly, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc commenced its closed period on December 1, 2025 and it continues until the full year 2025 Audited Financial Statements of the Company are released.

Also, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company is scheduled to hold on Friday January 30, 2026 to discuss amongst other items, the Company’s Consolidated and Separate Audited Financial Statements for the year ending December 31, 2025 as well as a proposed dividend.

Last 7 Days Trades

The market rewards for capital appreciation and dividend 

Year 2025 was a remarkable one for Nigeria’s stock investors who saw their investments rise by 51.19 percent as against 37.65 percent in 2024. Despite this feat, investors following early-year rally are tracking market momentum and stock-specific developments closely, to position properly and keep portfolio optimised. As part of efforts to align with global standards and improve market liquidity, Nigerian transitioned its stocks trade settlement cycle to T+2 on November 28, 2025. This move helps to strengthen investors’ confidence, as a shorter settlement cycle helps minimise uncertainties between trade and settlement.

Here’s why stock investors look to full year dividends

A clear and dependable full-year dividend policy reduces uncertainty and enhances confidence in long-term investment decisions. In every earnings season, full-year dividends play important role in how investors evaluate companies and make investment decisions.

Year-on-year (YoY) investors look to full-year dividends because they offer a more complete, comparable, and reliable measure of a company’s financial health, dividend sustainability, and long-term value.

Rather than focusing only on short-term payouts, many investors look at dividends over an entire financial year to gain a clearer and more reliable picture of a company’s performance and commitment to shareholders.

One key reason investors value full-year dividend is its consistency. Why? Because a steady or growing annual dividend suggests that a company has stable cash flows and a sustainable business model. It signals financial strength and management’s confidence in future earnings, which can be especially attractive to long-term and income-focused investors.

Unlike interim or quarterly dividends that can fluctuate due to seasonal earnings or short-term factors, full-year dividends provide better insight into dividend sustainability. The consistency helps investors assess whether dividends are supported by earnings rather than short-term borrowing or asset sales.

Another important factor is comparability. Looking at full-year dividends allows investors to compare companies more accurately, especially across industries or markets where payout schedules differ. Annual dividend figures make it easier to calculate key metrics such as dividend yield and payout ratios on a like-for-like basis.

Also, full-year dividends influence valuation and portfolio planning. Many investors rely on predictable annual income to meet financial goals, such as retirement planning or reinvestment strategies.   (BusinessDay)