We're nearing 2026, and now is a good time for investors to explore the best dividend stocks, as economic and market uncertainty continue to rise. ...

If the headline yield today is not something you're concerned with, and you pay more attention to how fast a yield can grow, then it's worth buying dividend stocks you can forget about for decades. ...

The first thing that comes to mind when we speak about the S&P 500 is the biggest tech companies, high valuations, and fastest-moving giants. ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a hybrid investment strategy that combines classic dividend growth stocks with Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds to enhance investment income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - A solid base of classic dividend growth stocks is essential for long-term growth and income generation [1]. - Incorporating a mix of different asset types can lead to a highly efficient investment income strategy [1]. - The total return achieved through this hybrid system is on par with the S&P index, indicating its effectiveness [1].

Coca-Cola has a strong brand, a vast distribution network, a low-cost business model, and steady demand, which have helped support growing cash flow and a dividend payout that has grown for 63 consecutive years. As a Dividend King, Coca-Cola boasts a proven track record of dividend payouts, making it a solid investment for income-oriented investors.Another strength is its asset-light business model. While it owns the brands and recipes, its bottlers handle the more expensive manufacturing and distribution p ...

Core Insights - Warren Buffett announced his retirement as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, with Greg Abel set to take over at the end of the year, although Buffett will remain as board chair [3] - Berkshire Hathaway has reduced its underperformance against the S&P 500 from 12.2% to 4.3% in 2025, despite a decline in stock prices following Buffett's retirement announcement [4] - The company holds a significant cash reserve of $381 billion, positioning it to capitalize on future market dislocations [4] Company Holdings - Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio is heavily concentrated, with five companies making up over 70% of its total holdings, indicating a long-term investment strategy [5] - American Express has shown strong performance in 2025, with a dividend yield of 0.88%, and reported Q3 earnings per share of $4.14, exceeding expectations by 19% year-over-year [8][10] - Apple remains a major holding, constituting 23.8% of Berkshire's portfolio, despite a recent sale of shares, and offers a dividend yield of 0.38% [11] - Bank of America, another key holding, reported Q3 earnings per share of $1.06, with a profit increase of 23% year-over-year and a solid dividend yield of 2% [15] - Chevron, with a dividend yield of 4.42%, is noted for its stability and has recently announced a $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corp, expected to close soon [18][23] - Coca-Cola, a long-time favorite of Buffett, has seen an 11% increase in 2025 and offers a dependable dividend yield of 2.92% [25][28]

Core Viewpoint - The current market is considered expensive, with the Shiller CAPE ratio at 39.6, indicating a potential correction or bear market is likely approaching [1][2] Market Context - Historical data shows that corrections of 10% are common, with the S&P 500 experiencing an average annual correction of at least 10% since 1950, and a 20% correction occurring every three to five years on average [2] Defensive Investment Strategy - Defensive sectors such as healthcare, consumer staples, and utilities are expected to perform well during market corrections and bear markets [3] - Dividend stocks are highlighted as favorable investments during sideways and bear markets due to their income generation [3] Selected Stocks for Mini Portfolio - A mini portfolio of eight stocks, all classified as Dividend Kings (companies that have increased dividends for 50 consecutive years), is recommended for market drawdowns [4] - These stocks are positioned in defensive sectors and offer dividend yields above the S&P 500 index yield of 1.25% [4] Individual Stock Highlights - **Coca-Cola (KO)**: Dividend yield of 2.9%, increased dividends for 63 years, current price around $70.61, market cap $303 billion [5][6] - **Procter & Gamble (PG)**: Dividend yield of 2.86%, increased dividends for 69 years, current price around $147 [7] - **Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)**: Dividend yield of 2.7%, increased dividends for 62 years, current price around $186.57, market cap $450 billion [8][9] - **American States Water (AWR)**: Dividend yield of 2.54%, increased dividends for 71 years, current price around $74.84, market cap $3 billion [10][11] - **Northwest Natural Holding (NWN)**: Highest yield at 4.21%, increased dividends for 70 years, current price around $47 [12] - **Genuine Parts (GPC)**: Dividend yield of 3.3%, increased dividends for 69 years, current price around $127 [13] - **Marzetti Co. (MZTI)**: Dividend yield of 2.21%, increased dividends for 62 years, current price around $172 [13] - **Becton, Dickinson (BDX)**: Dividend yield of 2.35%, increased dividends for 53 years, current price around $178 [14] Total Investment Overview - The total cost to purchase one share of each of these eight stocks is approximately $1,000, creating a defensive income-generating portfolio [15]

Core Insights - The article discusses the best defensive dividend stocks for 2025, focusing on companies that are well-positioned to endure market fluctuations and have strong financial performance. Consumer Spending Trends - Global consumer spending is still below pre-pandemic levels, with persistent inflation affecting budgets [2] - There is a declining connection between consumer spending and sentiment, making future consumer behavior unpredictable [2] - Behavioral changes from COVID, such as reliance on digital platforms and prioritizing convenience, have become ingrained in consumer habits [3] Generational Insights - Generation Z is emerging as the largest and wealthiest generation, with spending habits evolving faster than previous generations [4] - This generation prioritizes financial success over traditional milestones, such as marriage or having children [4] - Consumers are increasingly favoring local brands over imported products to support domestic businesses and ensure affordability [4] Market Adaptations - Consumers are now more purposeful in their spending, focusing on volume growth rather than price increases due to rising costs [5] - Digital shopping experiences are preferred for their convenience, indicating a shift in consumer behavior towards online platforms [5] Company Highlights - **Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (NASDAQ:KDP)**: - Hedge Fund Holders: 46 - Dividend Yield: 3.44% - Recent acquisition of JDE Peet's for $7 billion aims to address investor concerns about debt levels [11] - Jefferies maintains a Buy rating despite a price target reduction from $41 to $39 [12] - The company has a history of increasing dividend payouts and plans for expansion [13] - **Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:DG)**: - Hedge Fund Holders: 55 - Dividend Yield: 2.38% - Analyst Bernstein maintains a Buy rating with a price target of $134 [14] - Appointment of Travis Nixon as Senior VP of AI Optimization to enhance operational efficiency [15] - The company aims to drive innovation and improve customer experience through AI integration [16]

Core Insights - Warren Buffett is recognized as a long-standing and successful investor, demonstrating resilience and strategic acumen in the investment landscape [1] Company Analysis - The article highlights Warren Buffett's investment philosophy and approach, which have contributed to his enduring success in the financial markets [1] Industry Context - The investment industry often looks to Buffett as a benchmark for successful investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking and value investing [1]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of selecting dividend stocks that provide a balance of risk and reward for long-term investment success [1][2]. Group 1: Coca-Cola (KO) - Coca-Cola holds a dominant 47.1% market share in the U.S. carbonated soft drink market and has a diverse portfolio including lemonade, tea, water, juices, sports drinks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages [4][6]. - In Q3, Coca-Cola reported revenue of $12.45 billion, a 5% increase from $11.85 billion year-over-year, with earnings of $3.69 billion and EPS of $0.86, up from $2.84 billion and $0.66 respectively [7]. - The company achieved 10% revenue growth in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, 4% in North America, and 11% in Asia-Pacific, offsetting a 4% decline in Latin America [6][7]. - Coca-Cola offers a strong dividend yield of 3% [7]. Group 2: Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) - Enterprise Products Partners is a leading midstream company in the U.S., responsible for transporting fossil fuels without the need for expensive mining or drilling operations [8][10]. - The company reported Q3 revenue of $1.68 billion, down from $1.78 billion year-over-year, but managed to reduce operating costs from $12 billion to $10.3 billion [12]. - Net income fell slightly to $1.35 billion with EPS at $0.61, compared to $1.43 billion and $0.65 respectively [12]. - The dividend yield for Enterprise Products Partners is currently 7.1%, making it an attractive option even during revenue declines [13]. Group 3: Lam Research (LRCX) - Lam Research operates in the semiconductor industry, providing equipment for foundries to manufacture semiconductors, including wafer cleaning and plasma etching [14]. - The company reported Q3 revenue of $5.32 billion, a significant increase from $4.16 billion year-over-year, with EPS rising to $1.26 from $0.86 [15]. - Lam Research's stock has increased by 123% in 2025, although its dividend yield is relatively low at 0.6% [16]. Group 4: Diversification Strategy - The article highlights the importance of diversifying investments across different sectors to mitigate volatility risks [17]. - Investing in Coca-Cola, Enterprise Products Partners, and Lam Research can create a balanced income-generating portfolio [18].