Johnson & Johnson, UnitedHealth and McKesson Offer 64-Year Dividend Defense

1 articles · Updated · The Motley Fool · Aug 6

$612 billion Johnson & Johnson, UnitedHealth and McKesson were highlighted as healthcare dividend stocks positioned to cushion portfolios in a future bear market while the S&P 500 sits near highs.
J&J anchors the group with $25 billion in quarterly sales, up 6.6% year over year, and 64 straight annual dividend increases; its payout has risen 67% over the past decade.
UnitedHealth stands out for valuation after a stock drop of more than 50% tied to elevated claims costs and fraud-related overspending, yet its dividend per share has still climbed 271% in 10 years and yields 2.26%.
McKesson adds supply-chain exposure as the largest U.S. drug distributor, with a market value just under $100 billion and dividend growth of 193% over the past decade.
Healthcare underpins all three picks because demand is largely non-discretionary, making the sector a traditional defensive haven when economic growth or broader markets weaken.