Buying dividend-paying stocks to hold for long periods is a relatively simple method for building wealth. That said, picking stocks most likely to maintain and raise their dividend payouts isn't always so straightforward.

Johnson Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) and Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) are two legendary dividend payers that recently announced results from the last three months of 2023. Let's look at their performances in light of their competitive advantages to see which is likely to deliver more dividend income to your brokerage account over the long run.

Last April, Johnson Johnson raised its dividend payout for the 61st year in a row. The well-established healthcare conglomerate isn't growing its payout by leaps and bounds, but it is up a healthy 32% over the past five years. At recent prices, it offers a 3% dividend yield.

Continue reading

Source Fool.com