Investing in dividend-paying stocks can be a powerful strategy for long-term wealth accumulation. These stocks provide investors with regular income, along with the potential for capital appreciation. With the stock market constantly evolving, identifying the top dividend-paying stocks is crucial for investors seeking steady returns. In this article, we'll explore the top 20 US dividend stocks that investors should consider adding to their portfolios in 2023.
1. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) As one of the oldest and most respected pharmaceutical companies, Johnson & Johnson has a long-standing reputation for its consistent dividend payments. With a yield of approximately 2.7%, JNJ offers investors a reliable source of income.
2. Procter & Gamble (PG) Procter & Gamble is a household name, offering a wide range of consumer goods. The company has a long history of paying dividends, with a current yield of around 2.3%.
3. Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Microsoft, the tech giant, has been paying dividends for over 20 years. With a yield of approximately 1.8%, MSFT is a favorite among income investors.
4. Coca-Cola Company (KO) Coca-Cola, a global leader in the beverage industry, has been paying dividends since 1893. The current yield is about 2.9%, making it an attractive option for dividend investors.
5. AT&T Inc. (T) AT&T, a telecommunications company, has a long history of paying dividends. With a current yield of around 5.8%, T offers one of the highest yields among the top dividend stocks.
6. Visa Inc. (V) Visa is a dominant player in the payment processing industry. The company has been paying dividends since 2008, with a current yield of approximately 1.2%.
7. Walmart Inc. (WMT) Walmart, the world's largest retailer, has been paying dividends for over five decades. The current yield is around 1.5%, providing investors with a steady stream of income.
8. Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) Philip Morris International is a leading tobacco company with a long history of paying dividends. The current yield is about 7.1%, making it one of the highest-yielding dividend stocks.
9. 3M Company (MMM) 3M is a diversified technology company that has been paying dividends for over a century. The current yield is approximately 2.3%, offering investors a reliable source of income.
10. Home Depot Inc. (HD) Home Depot is the leading home improvement retailer, with a current dividend yield of around 1.8%. The company has been paying dividends for over 50 years.
11. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) JPMorgan Chase, a global financial services firm, has a long history of paying dividends. With a current yield of approximately 2.4%, JPM is an attractive option for income investors.
12. Bank of America Corporation (BAC)

13. American Express Company (AXP) American Express is a financial services company that has been paying dividends for over a century. With a current yield of approximately 1.4%, AXP is a reliable source of income.
14. Intel Corporation (INTC) Intel, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, has been paying dividends for over 20 years. The current yield is about 2.6%, offering investors a steady stream of income.
15. General Electric Company (GE) General Electric, a diversified industrial company, has been paying dividends for over a century. With a current yield of approximately 3.6%, GE is an attractive option for dividend investors.
16. Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) Verizon is a telecommunications company with a current dividend yield of around 4.4%. The company has been paying dividends for over 25 years.
17. Chevron Corporation (CVX) Chevron, one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, has a long history of paying dividends. With a current yield of approximately 3.8%, CVX is an attractive option for income investors.
18. Abbott Laboratories (ABT) Abbott Laboratories, a global healthcare company, has been paying dividends for over 100 years. The current yield is about 2.2%, providing investors with a reliable source of income.
19. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the United States, has been paying dividends for over 20 years. The current yield is approximately 1.6%, offering investors a steady stream of income.
20. McDonald's Corporation (MCD) McDonald's, the world's largest fast-food chain, has been paying dividends for over five decades. The current yield is around 1.8%, making it an attractive option for dividend investors.
Investing in dividend stocks can be a great way to build wealth over time. By focusing on companies with a strong history of paying dividends, investors can create a diversified portfolio that provides both income and growth potential. As always, it's important to do thorough research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.