"It's been quite a wild ride for markets over the past seven years, from the short-lived COVID-19 crash in 2020 and the nearly year-long bear market in 2022 to the tariff chaos that unfolded in the April 2025. Despite the ups and downs, the rollercoaster ride has been worth staying on. Of course, it's easy to invest when stocks are in the midst of a powerful bull market led by a profound technological revolution."
"Though they've been true powerhouses of performance, I still view the names as worth hanging onto or even buying for those with new money to put to work. Of course, the valuations may not be as appealing anymore. But given the dividend growth potential and potential for reignited earnings growth moving forward, I certainly wouldn't sleep on the following defensive powerhouses."
Markets experienced pronounced volatility over the past seven years, including the 2020 COVID-19 crash, the 2022 bear market, and tariff disruptions in April 2025. A powerful bull market fueled by an AI-driven technological revolution has lifted many stocks, including steady dividend payers. Two dividend-paying holdings combined dividend growth with capital appreciation within the portfolio and remain attractive for long-term investors despite less appealing valuations. Dividend growth potential and prospects for renewed earnings growth underpin continued interest in these defensive names. McDonald's is presented as a long-term buy-and-hold candidate facing inflation-driven cost pressures and communication challenges around its value proposition.
Read at 24/7 Wall St.
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