Dividend Stocks Draw Income Investors Amid Fed Uncertainty
Verizon's 6.8% yield leads the Dow Jones Industrial Average, though its 2% annual dividend growth rate and CEO transition create uncertainty. The telecom giant benefits from sticky customer relationships that generate predictable cash flows.
Chevron's 4.6% yield reflects 37 years of consecutive dividend increases, supported by its integrated energy model and fortress balance sheet. Meanwhile, Merck's 3.4% yield trades at a 25% discount to 2024 highs as markets weigh patent expiration risks.
Johnson & Johnson extends its 62-year dividend growth streak with a 3.0% yield, trading at $206 against $227 analyst targets. Coca-Cola's 2.9% yield combines 63 years of increases with AI-driven supply chain optimization and emerging market expansion.