Dividend Stock Deathmatch: Aristocrats, Kings, Zombies or REITs? Reliable Income vs. Yield Chasing

Core Insights - Dividend stocks are essential for a reliable income strategy, but not all dividend payers are equal [1] - Different types of dividend stocks serve various roles in a portfolio, balancing income and growth [1] Group 1: Types of Dividend Stocks - Dividend Aristocrats: Companies in the S&P 500 that have increased dividends for at least 25 consecutive years [2] - Dividend Kings: Companies that have raised dividends for 50 or more consecutive years, demonstrating strong financial discipline and resilience [4][6] - Dividend "Zombies": Companies that have paid dividends for over a century without interruption, providing consistent income [8][9] - REITs and BDCs: Offer high yields, often between 5-10% or more, but with slower growth [10]