However, with last year's 20% rally fresh in mind, many are questioning whether the market can sustain such momentum for another 12 months. While individual opportunities for this kind of appreciation remain, another strategy to consider is to focus on dividend-paying stocks.

Dividend stocks not only provide a reliable income stream but also offer stability, even in unpredictable market conditions. For those looking to enhance returns, here are three Dividend Kings with strong yields that can strengthen your portfolio this year, regardless of how the broader market or individual stock prices perform.

Despite falling 10% through December, shares of tobacco giant Altria Group Inc (NYSE:MO) still managed to finish 2024 up around 30%. While they need to start trading beyond the $60 level to show they've truly broken out of this multi-year range, this is the best they've looked in a long time. 

The fact their dividend yield is 7.7% will only add to investors' temptation. Altria's dividend has more than 50 years of continuous growth behind it, so it's no wonder it's considered one of the most reliable dividend-paying stocks out there. 

Like Altria, Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE PM) is another tobacco stalwart with an industry-wide reputation for a strong dividend. They boast more than 16 years' worth of dividend growth, along with a 4.46% dividend yield. 

PM's relative strength index (RSI) is in the mid-30s, suggesting it's close to being extremely oversold. For those of us on the sidelines who are keen to add a strong dividend-paying stock to our portfolio for 2025, potential entry points don't get a whole lot better than this.  

Rounding out our list is telecommunications titan Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ). The stock traded mostly sideways through 2024 and started 2025 towards the bottom of that range. However, with a dividend yield of 6.74%, don't be surprised if Wall Street starts taking advantage of bargain prices. 

While two analysts rated the stock Neutral in December, both gave refreshed price targets that are well above where Verizon shares are trading right now. It will be interesting to see if the stock can continue to consolidate above the $39 level in the coming weeks. One trade to consider is starting to build a position around here and adding to it as it turns north again. And receiving a dividend yield of nearly 7% while you wait for this isn't the worst way to start the new year.