Investing in Steady Dividends for 2025: Two Stocks That Won’t Leave You High and Dry

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Well, the stock market, dear reader, has been positively hopping along, poking its nose into the clouds, where only the bravest of investors dare tread. The S&P 500, bless its heart, has managed to secure a dividend yield of a rather paltry 1.19%, which, for a moment, might make you feel as though you’ve been invited to a grand feast, only to discover the roast duck is but a mirage, and all you’ve been handed is a solitary, somewhat wilted lettuce leaf.

And yet, in the most peculiar of twists, a few rather sturdy and dependable stocks seem to be bucking the trend, offering dividends that could put a bit of a shine on your earnings in 2025 and beyond. Enter two stalwarts that might just be the answer to your prayers: Altria Group (MO) and Verizon Communications (VZ). These two offer dividend yields above 6%, an eye-catching proposition for those who fancy a bit more substance than the usual market offerings.

But let us not dally, dear reader, for here’s why you might want to give these stocks a hearty consideration for your portfolio, should you find yourself in need of reliable dividend income in the coming years.

Altria: A Steady Stream of Income, No Matter the Smoke and Mirrors

Altria, that reliable old warhorse of the tobacco world, remains a force to be reckoned with, particularly in the ever-complicated landscape of the United States market. With its well-known Marlboro cigarettes, as well as a smattering of other products ranging from cigars to nicotine pouches (don’t ask), it maintains a robust grip on its sector. Recently, the company has delivered a quarterly dividend of $1.06, pushing its annualized yield to a hefty 6.3%. This, I dare say, is a far sight better than what you’d find in the average index fund, which, as noted, leaves you with a rather disappointing sum for your trouble.

Now, you might be thinking, “But surely, the tobacco business is in decline, what with all the regulations and that pesky decline in cigarette usage among the masses?” True enough, old sport, true enough. However, Altria has proven to be a bit like a clever but unassuming butler-always finding ways to maintain the flow of cash, even in the face of shifting trends. Price increases on the old cigarette packs, for example, continue to add a few extra coins to the treasury. Over the past year, the company’s free cash flow has hit an impressive $8.7 billion, and in spite of a 12% drop in cigarette volumes, their earnings per share (EPS) still managed to grow by 7.2%. It’s a fine example of the art of balancing the books with the grace of a seasoned accountant.

And as for its more modern offerings, such as the On! nicotine pouches, they’ve been growing at a jolly pace, with a year-over-year increase of 26.5%. The company is also rather astutely repurchasing its own shares, which, of course, increases the dividend per share, all the while making the whole business a tad more efficient. With free cash flow per share rising by 17% over the last five years, one can’t help but be impressed by how Altria has continued to thrive in an ever-shifting marketplace. At a dividend yield of 6.3%, this stock, my dear fellow, looks to be a solid bet for those in search of steady income.

Verizon: The Towering Giant of Telecom, Still Standing Tall

And then, of course, we have Verizon, another venerable player in the field, though not quite as old and smoky as Altria, it must be said. Verizon, a leader in the telecommunications sector, has been something of a quiet giant. It’s not likely to give you the thrills and spills of a high-flying tech stock, but for those who enjoy a more methodical, steady approach to investment, Verizon could be your very own Jeeves-reliable, efficient, and always on hand to lend a helping hand when needed.

What makes Verizon truly impressive, however, is its infrastructure. While the company might not be experiencing the sort of breakneck growth seen in other sectors, its colossal investments in network infrastructure over the decades have given it a competitive moat that is nigh impenetrable. So even as new competitors pop up, Verizon continues to enjoy a commanding presence in the U.S. telecommunications market.

This year, Verizon is expected to spend a whopping $18 billion on capital expenditures, and yet, it’s still on track for a rather respectable $20 billion in free cash flow come 2025. This is, if nothing else, a testament to its ability to manage its business in a steady and measured fashion. Add to that the 6.1% dividend yield, and it’s clear that Verizon is a worthy candidate for anyone seeking a reliable source of income, especially given its infrastructure advantage in mobile and internet services.

To top it off, the company is rapidly expanding its home internet offerings, having just surpassed 5 million fixed wireless subscribers in the past quarter, helping to boost total revenue by 5% year over year. For the investor with an eye for the long term, Verizon, with its vast infrastructure and steady cash flow, is an ideal candidate for dividend income.

So there you have it, old sport. For those looking to add a bit of flair and dependability to their portfolio, Altria and Verizon are certainly worthy of consideration. They’re the reliable companions you need for the long haul, delivering steady dividends without the unnecessary drama. Now, wouldn’t that be a treat? 📈

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2025-09-03 12:57