Our old friend, Willie Nelson – a chap with a keen eye for the enduring – once observed that only Fords and natural stone truly last. A perfectly sound notion, that, though one might quibble about the precise inventory of the eternal. Investors, you see, are forever on the hunt for the financial equivalent – stocks that can be relied upon to tick along nicely for decades, dispensing dividends with the regularity of a perfectly wound clock. It’s a jolly good aspiration, though finding such specimens is rather like locating a sober bookmaker – rare, but not entirely impossible. I’ve been giving the matter some thought, and have alighted upon a trio of companies that appear to possess the requisite staying power, and, crucially, a pleasing habit of sharing the wealth.
1. AbbVie: A Dividend King, What!
Let us begin with AbbVie, a company that has ascended to the rather exclusive rank of Dividend King. A Dividend King, you understand, is a firm that has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to increasing its dividend for at least fifty consecutive years – a feat requiring not only financial acumen but a considerable degree of fortitude. AbbVie’s streak currently stands at fifty-three years, a legacy inherited from its time as part of Abbott Laboratories. A most impressive record, wouldn’t you agree?
Some Dividend Kings offer yields that are, shall we say, a bit on the meagre side. Not AbbVie. Its current forward dividend yield hovers around 3.2%, a figure almost three times that of the S&P 500. And it would be even higher, were the stock not performing with such commendable vigour. One can’t have everything, of course, but it’s a delightful problem to have.
One might raise an eyebrow at the inclusion of a company that has existed as an independent entity for only thirteen years on a list of “forever” stocks. However, let us not forget that AbbVie’s roots extend back to 1888, when Abbott Laboratories first graced the financial landscape. Moreover, the company has demonstrated a remarkable resilience, navigating the choppy waters of patent cliffs with aplomb. The recent loss of exclusivity for Humira, its blockbuster autoimmune drug, presented a challenge, but AbbVie’s investments in research and development, coupled with a series of shrewd acquisitions, have ensured continued growth. A dashedly clever bit of maneuvering, what!
2. The Coca-Cola Company: A Bubbling Success
Now, Coca-Cola. A truly regal Dividend King, if ever there was one. The beverage giant has been diligently increasing its dividend for a staggering sixty-three consecutive years. And one can confidently anticipate that this admirable streak will continue for some time to come. The company, you see, possesses a certain…je ne sais quoi…that ensures its continued appeal to the thirsty masses.
Currently, Coca-Cola’s forward dividend yield stands at a respectable 2.8%. While slightly below its ten-year average of 3.1%, it remains an attractive proposition for income-seeking investors. And, of course, the sheer ubiquity of the product provides a certain degree of comfort. One rarely worries about the long-term prospects of a company whose product is enjoyed by practically everyone.
One struggles to imagine a scenario in which Coca-Cola would not remain a stalwart of the financial landscape. The company has, after all, thrived for nearly 140 years, weathering countless economic storms and fashion fads. It is, quite simply, one of the bluest of blue-chip stocks. And, lest we forget, its market share in developed nations is a modest 14%, with an even lower 7% in developing and emerging markets. Plenty of room for growth, you see.
3. Realty Income: The Monthly Dividend Maestro
Realty Income, while not a Dividend King in the same venerable sense as AbbVie and Coca-Cola, is nonetheless a compelling addition to this portfolio. It hasn’t been around quite as long, but its track record of dividend increases is nothing short of remarkable. For over thirty consecutive years, Realty Income has diligently increased its dividend, and, since going public in 1994, it has done so a grand total of 133 times. A most impressive feat, wouldn’t you say?
Realty Income’s dividend is particularly appealing on two fronts. First, its forward yield of 5.3% is considerably higher than those of AbbVie and Coca-Cola. Second, and perhaps even more delightfully, the company pays its dividend monthly, rather than quarterly. A most convenient arrangement for those of us who appreciate a regular infusion of income.
While AbbVie and Coca-Cola have demonstrated their stability over the years, so too has Realty Income. Its beta over the last three decades is a remarkably low 0.5, indicating a low level of volatility. Furthermore, the REIT has generated positive total operational returns – a combination of adjusted funds from operations growth and dividend yield – for an astonishing 29 consecutive years. A most reliable performer, indeed.
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2026-01-26 11:54