Top Dividend Stocks Loved by Warren Buffett – What They Tell Us About Smart Income Investing

Discover the dividend-paying stocks Warren Buffett actually buys—and why they remain long-term income powerhouses.

A navy-themed infographic titled "Buffett's Top Dividend Stocks (2025)" featuring five major companies—Apple, Coca-Cola, Chevron, American Express, and Moody’s—with their dividend yields and investment rationale. Includes a bottom section summarizing Warren Buffett’s timeless investing principles like patience, quality, and reinvestment.
< Buffett's Favorite Dividend Picks 2025 >

1. The Legend Behind the Portfolio

It’s 2025, and Warren Buffett is still investing like a boss—except now, it’s not just about value… it’s also about cash flow.

At 94, the Oracle of Omaha doesn’t chase speculative AI or crypto hype. Instead, he sticks with his old playbook:

"Buy great businesses that pay you to hold them."

Let’s take a closer look at what dividend-paying stocks Buffett owns and what that means for everyday investors like us.



2. Why Buffett Loves Dividends – But Doesn’t Talk About Them Much

Here’s the twist: Buffett doesn’t often preach about dividend investing. But if you open up Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio, it’s loaded with dividend payers. Why?

  • Steady income without selling assets
  • Tax advantages for long-term holders
  • Cash to redeploy into other investments
  • Durability during market downturns
"The best investments are those that keep sending you cash—no matter what the market is doing."

An infographic titled "Buffett’s Top Dividend Stocks (2025)" displaying five major holdings—Apple, Coca-Cola, Chevron, American Express, and Moody’s—with their respective dividend yields and Buffett’s reasons for investing. The layout includes icons, financial highlights, and a section summarizing key investing principles such as long-term thinking, reinvesting dividends, and choosing quality over yield.
< Buffett’s Top Dividend Stocks 2025 >

3. Buffett’s Top Dividend Stocks (2025)

■ 1) Apple Inc. (AAPL)

  • Dividend Yield: ~0.5%
  • Annual Dividend Payout: ~$15 billion (total company)
  • Berkshire Stake: ~$155 billion

Why Buffett holds it:

  • Brand loyalty, pricing power
  • Strong cash flow + consistent share buybacks
  • Low yield but high dividend growth
“Buffett once called Apple 'probably the best business I know.' That’s saying something.”

■ 2) Coca-Cola (KO)

  • Dividend Yield: ~3.1%
  • Dividend Growth Streak: 61 consecutive years
  • Berkshire Stake: ~$25 billion

Why Buffett holds it:

  • Global brand
  • Resilient in recessions
  • Reliable income since 1988
“Buffett’s Coca-Cola dividends alone now pay over $700 million a year.”

■ 3) Chevron (CVX)

  • Dividend Yield: ~4.1%
  • Energy exposure with inflation hedge
  • Berkshire Stake: ~$20 billion

Why Buffett holds it:

  • Strong capital returns
  • Beneficiary of commodity cycles
  • High dividend payout policy
“Buffett has always liked cash-rich businesses. Chevron prints it.”

■ 4) American Express (AXP)

  • Dividend Yield: ~1.3%
  • Dividend Growth Rate: 8.5% CAGR (10 years)
  • Berkshire Stake: ~$30 billion

Why Buffett holds it:

  • Financial moat via brand and network
  • Strong profitability
  • Steady, growing dividend
“He likes businesses that grow earnings—and their dividends—with time.”

■ 5) Moody’s Corporation (MCO)

  • Dividend Yield: ~0.9%
  • Small stake, big conviction

Why Buffett holds it:

  • Predictable recurring revenue
  • Oligopoly in credit ratings
  • Low payout, high growth potential
“Buffett doesn’t chase yield. He chases durability—and Moody’s delivers.”


4. What Can You Learn from Buffett’s Dividend Picks?

Buffett Trait What It Looks Like in Action
Patience He’s held KO since 1988.
Conviction 40%+ of his portfolio is AAPL.
Consistency Focuses on cash-flow-positive firms.
Simplicity Doesn’t over-diversify; holds winners.
“You don’t need 50 stocks. You need a few great businesses that pay you well.”


5. How to Use This as an Investor in 2025

Even if you don’t have Buffett’s billions, you can follow his principles:

  • ✅ Start with dividend growers
  • ✅ Reinvest early, take income later
  • ✅ Focus on companies with pricing power
  • ✅ Don’t chase high yield—chase quality
  • ✅ Be patient. Let time do the heavy lifting


Build Your Own Buffett-Style Income Portfolio

Which of these stocks would you feel confident holding for 10+ years?
In the next post, we’ll break down “Buffett-Style ETFs” you can buy for hands-off investing with a dividend focus.

Until then—study the greats. Copy their mindset.
And remember: You’re not late. You’re just getting started.


< U.S. Dividend Stock Investment Strategies | Your Guide to Stable Income >