Investing in dividend stocks is a popular strategy among investors seeking stable income and long-term capital appreciation. Dividends are payments made by companies to their shareholders, typically in the form of a portion of their profits. With the stock market's volatility, many investors are looking for reliable dividend-paying stocks to add to their portfolios. In this article, we'll explore the top 20 US dividend stocks to watch in 2023, providing insights into their financial health, dividend yields, and growth potential.
1. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) As one of the world's largest healthcare companies, Johnson & Johnson has a long history of paying dividends. With a dividend yield of 2.5%, JNJ offers investors a steady stream of income and potential capital appreciation.
2. Procter & Gamble (PG)

3. Coca-Cola (KO) Coca-Cola, the world's largest beverage company, has a dividend yield of 2.7%. As a leading player in the beverage industry, Coca-Cola offers investors a steady dividend stream and growth potential.
4. 3M (MMM) 3M, a diversified technology company, has been paying dividends for over a century. With a dividend yield of 2.8%, 3M is a solid investment for long-term growth and income.
5. McDonald's (MCD) McDonald's, the world's largest fast-food chain, has a dividend yield of 2.4%. As a consumer staple, McDonald's offers investors a stable dividend stream and potential capital appreciation.
6. Visa (V) Visa, a leading payment processor, has a dividend yield of 1.6%. With a strong position in the global payment industry, Visa offers investors a steady dividend stream and growth potential.
7. Microsoft (MSFT) Microsoft, a technology giant, has a dividend yield of 1.2%. As a leader in the software and cloud computing industry, Microsoft offers investors a stable dividend stream and potential capital appreciation.
8. IBM (IBM) IBM, a global technology company, has a dividend yield of 4.3%. With a diverse portfolio of services and products, IBM offers investors a steady dividend stream and growth potential.
9. AT&T (T) AT&T, a telecommunications company, has a dividend yield of 6.6%. As a dividend aristocrat, AT&T offers investors a high yield and potential capital appreciation.
10. Verizon Communications (VZ) Verizon Communications, another telecommunications company, has a dividend yield of 5.1%. With a strong position in the industry, Verizon offers investors a high yield and potential capital appreciation.
11. General Electric (GE) General Electric, a diversified industrial company, has a dividend yield of 3.1%. With a focus on energy, aviation, and healthcare, GE offers investors a stable dividend stream and potential capital appreciation.
12. Pfizer (PFE) Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company, has a dividend yield of 3.2%. With a pipeline of new drugs and a strong position in the healthcare industry, Pfizer offers investors a steady dividend stream and growth potential.
13. Johnson Controls (JCI) Johnson Controls, a global provider of building and automotive technologies, has a dividend yield of 2.1%. With a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, Johnson Controls offers investors a steady dividend stream and growth potential.
14. Honeywell International (HON) Honeywell International, a diversified technology and manufacturing company, has a dividend yield of 2.2%. With a strong position in aerospace, automation, and performance materials, Honeywell offers investors a steady dividend stream and growth potential.
15. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the United States, has a dividend yield of 1.5%. With a focus on healthcare solutions, UnitedHealth Group offers investors a steady dividend stream and growth potential.
16. American Express (AXP) American Express, a financial services company, has a dividend yield of 1.1%. With a strong position in the credit card and travel industry, American Express offers investors a steady dividend stream and potential capital appreciation.
17. Visa (V) Visa, a leading payment processor, has a dividend yield of 1.6%. With a strong position in the global payment industry, Visa offers investors a steady dividend stream and growth potential.
18. Microsoft (MSFT) Microsoft, a technology giant, has a dividend yield of 1.2%. As a leader in the software and cloud computing industry, Microsoft offers investors a stable dividend stream and potential capital appreciation.
19. IBM (IBM) IBM, a global technology company, has a dividend yield of 4.3%. With a diverse portfolio of services and products, IBM offers investors a steady dividend stream and growth potential.
20. AT&T (T) AT&T, a telecommunications company, has a dividend yield of 6.6%. As a dividend aristocrat, AT&T offers investors a high yield and potential capital appreciation.
When considering dividend stocks, it's important to conduct thorough research and consider your investment goals and risk tolerance. These top 20 US dividend stocks are just a starting point for your investment journey.