Let’s be clear: A stock market crash doesn’t appear imminent. Even famed investors like Paul Tudor Jones, who recently spoke of a possible stock market crash, admitted that the current bull market could last another year or two.
However, there’s no harm in preparing to tactically invest during a market downturn. When sentiment shifts to bearish, many investors will head for the hills. Investing legend Warren Buffett, though, would likely stick to his old adage: “Be fearful when others are greedy, but be greedy when others are fearful.”
Just prior to his exit as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett appeared to be following the first portion of his investing maxim. Sitting on nearly $375 billion in cash at the end of 2025, Buffett was seemingly waiting for a downturn to capitalize on short-term fear, uncertainty, and doubt to buy quality on sale.
Buffett may no longer be at the helm of Berkshire, but if he were, it wouldn’t be surprising if, in a market downturn, he would have the company pounce on the following three dividend stocks that the company has owned in the past: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ 1.72%), McDonald’s (MCD +0.52%), and Procter & Gamble (PG 0.80%).
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Johnson & Johnson: A “Buffett buy” at lower prices?
For the most part, Johnson & Johnson fits the Warren Buffett stock mold. However, currently, the diversified healthcare company is a bit pricey. Trading for around 19 times forward earnings, it is in line with its historic valuation , but at a premium to other healthcare and pharmaceutical stocks.
Today’s Change
(-1.72%) $-3.98
Current Price
$226.82
Key Data Points
Market Cap
$546B
Day’s Range
$226.78 – $232.12
52wk Range
$149.04 – $251.71
Volume
241K
Avg Vol
8M
Gross Margin
67.96%
Dividend Yield
2.29%
So, it makes sense that Berkshire sold its stake in 2023. However, if the market crashes anytime soon, I could see Berkshire and current CEO Greg Abel take out a new position in Johnson & Johnson stock.
Operating in a recession-resistant sector, J&J has a long track record of steady earnings growth. This has translated into a long track record of dividend growth. The company has raised its dividend during each of the past 65 years. This places it well within Dividend King status — companies with at least 50 consecutive years of dividend growth.
On a 20% to 25% pullback, shares would trade at a much more attractive multiple in the mid-teens. The stock would have a dividend yield of 2.5% to nearly 3%. At this valuation, the stock would likely have the Oracle of Omaha’s seal of approval.
Recent weakness with McDonald’s creates a golden opportunity
It’s been a long time since McDonald’s was part of Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio. Berkshire cashed out of its position back in 1998.
Today’s Change
(0.52%) $1.42
Current Price
$276.39
Key Data Points
Market Cap
$196B
Day’s Range
$275.02 – $277.50
52wk Range
$271.98 – $341.75
Volume
3.9M
Avg Vol
3.5M
Gross Margin
57.31%
Dividend Yield
2.63%
Buffett has said he regrets cashing out of McDonald’s, missing out on the stock’s solid gains in the nearly three decades since. However, while Berkshire never got back into the stock, the current situation could morph into one that Buffett would arguably pounce upon.
McDonald’s shares have pulled back strongly, falling from $340 per share in February to around $275 per share today. Uncertainty remains high about the fast-food chain’s efforts to regain inflation-wary customers, who have cut back on Big Macs and Happy Meals amid higher prices.
Weak sentiment alone likely wouldn’t pique Berkshire’s interest. McDonald’s currently has a moderately high forward dividend yield of 2.7%. Valuation-wise, however, the stock isn’t exactly cheap, trading for 21 times forward earnings.
However, if a stock market crash knocked McDonald’s to a relatively discounted valuation, this could change in Berkshire Hathaway’s favor.
Procter & Gamble: A safe bet in any downturn
Procter & Gamble is also a Dividend King, with an impressive 71 years of consecutive dividend increases under its belt. Moreover, P&G, the household products company behind brands like Tide and Gillette, is a safe bet during challenging times.
Today’s Change
(-0.80%) $-1.14
Current Price
$141.57
Key Data Points
Market Cap
$330B
Day’s Range
$141.20 – $143.40
52wk Range
$137.62 – $170.99
Volume
7M
Avg Vol
10M
Gross Margin
50.88%
Dividend Yield
3.01%
The company operates in a recession-resistant industry, yet its shares may be volatile during a downturn. Currently, shares are fairly priced, but not quite yet a bargain. The stock trades for 20.5 times forward earnings, on par with other blue chip dividend stocks. The stock has a forward dividend yield of 3%.
However, if the market pulls back, shares could fall to a more bargain-basement valuation. For instance, in the aftermath of the late-2000s, shares traded for between 10 and 15 times earnings.
History may not repeat itself, but at a valuation in the mid-teens, investors like Buffett would likely pile in. Beyond the potential for outsize price appreciation in a rebound, buying at such a low price could yield solid gains from the stock’s steadily growing dividend.
