Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of high dividend yields in certain A-share companies, highlighting how consistent dividends can lead to a situation where investors effectively receive stocks for free, as their cost basis becomes negative over time due to accumulated dividends. Group 1: High Dividend Companies - Yanzhou Coal Mining Company has maintained an average dividend yield of 8.85% over the past decade, allowing early investors to accumulate over 80,000 yuan in dividends from an initial investment of 100,000 yuan [3] - Jizhong Energy, another coal company, has an average dividend yield of 7.19% over the past decade and has never reported a loss in its annual reports [3] - Daqin Railway, which transports coal, has an average dividend yield of 7.59% and is currently trading at a three-year low, making its dividend yield more attractive [5] - Huafa Group, a real estate company, has maintained an average dividend yield of 8.29% despite its stock price hitting a ten-year low [6] - Tianjian Group has not reported annual losses for nearly 20 years and has an average dividend yield of 6.59% [6] - Wan Nian Qing, a cement company, has an average dividend yield of 7.42% and has been consistent in returning profits to shareholders [6] - Other notable companies include Fusenmei, Hailan Home, and Yagor, which have maintained stable dividend yields in their respective industries [6] Group 2: Characteristics of High Dividend Companies - Most of the companies in the high dividend club are "old brands," having been listed for over 20 years, demonstrating resilience through multiple market cycles [7] - These companies primarily operate in traditional industries such as coal, railways, cement, retail, and banking, which have stable demand and do not require excessive reinvestment of profits [7] - All 15 companies listed have never reported annual losses since their IPOs, which is crucial for sustaining dividends [7] Group 3: Market Perception and Challenges - Despite their strong dividend records, many of these companies face declining stock prices, leading to a "dividend paradox" where high dividends do not correlate with stock performance [8] - The market tends to favor high-growth sectors like AI and renewable energy, often overlooking traditional industries, which are perceived as "old economy" [8] - High dividend yields can sometimes be misleading, as they may result from falling stock prices rather than increased dividend payouts, posing risks for investors [10] - Investors need to assess whether high dividends are supported by solid cash flows or if they are merely a result of asset liquidation or debt financing [10] Group 4: Investment Strategy - Investing in high dividend companies requires patience and a deep understanding of the underlying business and industry dynamics [11] - The focus should be on the cash flow generated by the business rather than short-term stock price fluctuations, which can provide a sense of security during market downturns [11] - The list of 15 companies serves as a starting point for further research into sustainable dividend-paying companies [11]