Investing in dividend stocks is a popular strategy among income-focused investors seeking steady returns, and one company that has historically attracted attention for its robust dividend yield is AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T). 

Currently boasting a dividend yield of 6.15%, AT&T has been a staple in many portfolios due to its reputation as a reliable income generator. But what does it mean for an investor when a company offers such a high dividend yield? And how does one estimate the potential growth of their investment over time?

Before we delve further into AT&T, let’s understand that when we talk about a dividend yield, we refer to the financial ratio that indicates the annual dividend income as a percentage of the current share price. For AT&T, with its dividend yield at 6.15%, this means that for every $100 invested in AT&T stock, an investor can expect to receive $6.15 annually in dividends.

Now, how long does it take to double your money if you invest in AT&T?

An easy way to respond this question is by using the handy rule called the Rule of 72, which essentially helps us figure out the approximate time needed for an investment to double based on its annual growth rate. 

For AT&T with a 6.15% dividend yield:

Years to double= (6.15% ÷ 72) ≈ 11.7 years

However, it is important to remark that this estimate only assumes a scenario where AT&T’s dividend and stock price remain stable over time. In reality, stock prices can go up and down due to various factors such as market conditions and how well a company performs, nonetheless, even if AT&T’s stock price does not increase, if the company raises its dividend every year, let’s say by 2.5%, your investment could still grow faster. This is because when you invest in dividend stocks such as AT&T, you are allowed to reinvest your dividends. This essentially means that you are using the money you profit to buy more shares of the divident stock, in this case AT&T. and over time, as you own more shares, you earn more dividends, which you can reinvest again. This compounding effect means your investment can grow exponentially, even without a rise in the stock’s price.

In an optimistic scenario where both AT&T’s stock price and dividend grow, your investment could double sooner. For instance, if the stock price appreciates by 3% annually and the dividend increases by 2.5% each year, you might see your investment double in approximately 9 years. 

Nevertheless, despite the potential gains investing in AT&T may offer, we cannot forget that this type of investment is not without risks. As stated before AT&T can be very volatile. Therefore, although it can rise significantly, it can also decrease, and this could affect the value of your investment. 

Moreover, it is worth noting that although historically, AT&T has been a reliable dividend payer, recent corporate actions like the spinoff of Warner Bros. Discovery have influenced its dividend policy.

Therefore, if you are thinking to invest in AT&T, you should keep abreast of any developments that may impact the  sustainability and growth potential of AT&T’s dividend yield. Be aware that AT&T’s ability to sustain and grow its dividend depends on various factors, including its financial health and strategic decisions. And, since its dividends are taxable, your overall returns will depend on your tax bracket.