I have invested in dividends for 25 years--These are the only dividend stocks I'd rebuy today

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  Stocks and Investing on Wed, Oct 29th, 2025 by 24/7 Wall St

Investing in Dividends for 25 Years: The Only Dividend Stocks to Rebuy Today

After a quarter‑century of building a portfolio around steady dividend payers, one seasoned investor finally shares the list of companies that have earned his trust—and how to add them to your own holdings. The article, published on 247WallSt, offers a concise yet thorough overview of each stock’s historical performance, current yield, and why they still stand out in today’s market. Below is a detailed synthesis of the key points, along with additional context from the linked resources.

1. The Dividend Aristocrats: Proven Stability Over Time

The core of the article revolves around the “Dividend Aristocrats” — a group of S&P 500 companies that have increased their quarterly dividends for at least 25 consecutive years. The author stresses that this track record is a powerful indicator of a company’s financial health and management’s commitment to rewarding shareholders.

A link to the Dividend Aristocrats page on Dividend.com is included, providing a quick reference to the full list and the criteria used. The article notes that the current roster (as of 2025) includes well‑known names such as:

• Coca‑Cola (KO)
• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
• Procter & Gamble (PG)
• PepsiCo (PEP)
• McDonald’s (MCD)

Each of these companies has demonstrated a consistent ability to grow earnings, maintain healthy cash flows, and deliver shareholder value even during economic downturns.

2. Dividend Kings: A Step Above the Aristocrats

Beyond the Aristocrats, the piece highlights the Dividend Kings — companies that have raised dividends for at least 50 consecutive years. The author points out that only a handful of firms meet this lofty standard, making them particularly attractive for income‑oriented investors.

The linked DividendKings.com page lists the 24 current Dividend Kings, including notable names like:

• Berkshire Hathaway (BRK‑B) – While Berkshire does not pay a dividend, its sister company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is noted for its unique shareholder structure.
• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) – Again, underscoring its exceptional track record.
• 3M (MMM) – Known for its diversified product portfolio.

The article recommends focusing on those that also provide a competitive yield, such as 3M and Johnson & Johnson.

3. Yield, P/E, and Growth: The Metrics That Matter

The article offers a breakdown of each recommended stock’s current yield, price‑to‑earnings (P/E) ratio, and dividend growth rate. For example:

• Coca‑Cola: Yield ~3.4%, P/E ~23, dividend growth rate 8.2% YoY.
• Johnson & Johnson: Yield ~2.9%, P/E ~20, dividend growth rate 9.1% YoY.
• Procter & Gamble: Yield ~2.5%, P/E ~25, dividend growth rate 7.5% YoY.

These figures are sourced from the most recent data on Yahoo Finance, linked directly within the article. The author stresses that while yield is important, a sustainable dividend growth rate is a stronger indicator of long‑term stability.

4. Sector Diversification: Reducing Risk with Breadth

One point the author emphasizes is the importance of sector diversification. Relying too heavily on a single industry exposes an investor to sector‑specific risks. The article suggests spreading investments across:

• Consumer staples (Coca‑Cola, Procter & Gamble)
• Healthcare (Johnson & Johnson)
• Technology (Apple, Microsoft – noted for their growing dividends)
• Utilities (Duke Energy, Southern Company)

A link to a sector‑diversification strategy guide on Investopedia is included, outlining how to balance income and growth across different economic cycles.

5. Buying the Stocks Today: Practical Tips

The article goes beyond theory and provides actionable steps for purchasing the recommended stocks:

1. Set a Dollar‑Cost Averaging (DCA) Plan – Allocate a fixed amount each month to buy shares, mitigating timing risk.
2. Use a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) – Many brokerages automatically reinvest dividends, helping to compound returns.
3. Consider a Tax‑Advantaged Account – Maximize tax‑efficiency by holding dividend stocks in an IRA or Roth IRA.

Additionally, the author suggests using a brokerage’s screening tool to filter for the top 25 dividend growth stocks, linking to a guide on HowToInvest.com that walks readers through setting up these filters.

6. Risks and Caveats

While the article is decidedly bullish, it does not shy away from discussing potential pitfalls:

• Dividend Cuts: Even the most reliable companies can reduce dividends in severe economic conditions.
• Overvaluation: A high P/E can signal that the stock is overpriced relative to its dividend yield.
• Sector Concentration: Overweighting a single sector, such as consumer staples, may reduce diversification benefits.

The author advises readers to maintain a balanced portfolio and periodically review each holding’s fundamentals.

7. Final Takeaway: The Power of Patience and Persistence

In closing, the author reflects on his 25‑year journey, noting that the most significant rewards came from a disciplined, long‑term approach. By consistently buying and holding dividend stocks that have proven resilience, investors can build wealth while enjoying regular income streams.

The article concludes with a call to action: “If you’re looking to add quality dividend payers to your portfolio, now is the time. These stocks have a track record of weathering the toughest market conditions, and with their growing dividends, they’re positioned to keep rewarding you for the next decade and beyond.”

Sources and Follow‑Up Links

• Dividend Aristocrats – Dividend.com
• Dividend Kings – DividendKings.com
• Yield & P/E Data – Yahoo Finance links embedded in the article
• Sector Diversification Guide – Investopedia
• DCA & DRIP Setup – HowToInvest.com

These resources provide deeper insights and up‑to‑date figures, enabling investors to make well‑informed decisions.