Seven dividend aristocrats that Buffett owns

Warren Buffett is arguably the best investor in the world. His main holding, Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) has delivered market beating returns during his leadership. Buffett’s strategy is characterized by purchasing stocks which have a long-term durable competitive advantage in a stable industry. Buffett then holds on to these companies and reinvests distributions either back into the business or by purchasing new businesses. In a previous article I mentioned that Berkshire’s portfolio has likely generated over $1.30 billion in dividends in 2009. Some of its holdings included seven dividend aristocrats.

Stocks which are included in the dividend aristocrat’s index represent companies which have raised dividends for over 25 years in a row. The companies included in the index represent some of the world’s most recognizable brands such as Coca Cola (KO), McDonald’s (MCD) or Procter & Gamble (PG). They have strong durable advantages, which have allowed them to increase profits and share the wealth with shareholders by consistently raising distributions, through several economic crises, oil shocks and asset bubbles. In addition to that these wide-moat companies derive substantial portions of their revenues globally, which makes them somewhat immune to local economic downturns.

I believe that by combining Buffett’s strategy of purchasing the companies with strong competitive advantages with my dividend growth strategy would produce exceptional results for enterprising dividend investors. The dividend stocks in Berkshire’s portfolio include:

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX), a medical technology company, which develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products worldwide. The company has increased its quarterly dividend in each of the past thirty-seven years. (analysis)

The Coca-Cola Company (KO) manufactures, distributes, and markets nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups worldwide. It principally offers sparkling and still beverages. The company has increased distributions for 47 consecutive years. I would be a buyer of KO below $54.66. Check my analysis of the stock.

Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) engages in the exploration, production, transportation, and sale of crude oil and natural gas. The company is a component of the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrials and the Dividend Aristocrats indexes. Exxon Mobil has been consistently increasing its dividends for 27 consecutive years. I would only be a buyer of XOM on dips below $60. Check my analysis of the stock.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) engages in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide. The company has boosted distributions to shareholders for 47 years in a row. I would be a buyer of JNJ below $65.33. Check my analysis of the stock.

Lowe’s Companies (LOW) is one of the original components of the Dividend Aristocrats . The home improvement retailer which operates the United States and Canada has increased its dividends for 47 consecutive years.

The Procter & Gamble Company (PG) engages in the manufacture and sale of consumer goods worldwide. The company operates in three global business units (GBUs): Beauty, Health and Well-Being, and Household Care. The company has rewarded stockholders with dividend increases for 53 consecutive years. I would be a buyer of PG below $58.67. Check my analysis of the stock.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) operates retail stores in various formats worldwide. The world’s largest retailer has a 35 year record of annual dividend raises. I would be a buyer of WMT on dips. Check my analysis of the stock.

Full Disclosure: Long KO, JNJ, PG and WMT

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- Buffett the dividend investor
- Warren Buffett – The Ultimate Dividend Investor
- Buffett Partnership Letters
- Myths about Warren Buffett