Three Dividend Stocks That Have Survived Every US Recession Since the 1960s

Three companies have demonstrated their commitment to maintaining dividend payments through economic downturns. Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), and Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) have raised their payouts every year since the 1960s, with P&G boasting a record 70 consecutive years of raises.

P&G's dividend safety is anchored by its household-and-personal-care business, which generates $19.56 billion in operating cash flow and $15.84 billion in free cash flow annually. The company has also telegraphed plans to maintain its dividend payments at a level comfortably within its current cash generation.

Johnson & Johnson's diversified healthcare business has also supported its 64 consecutive years of dividend increases, with the company generating $94.19 billion in revenue and $26.80 billion in net income annually. The company's pipeline of oncology and immunology treatments is expected to fund its dividend payments for the foreseeable future.

Coca-Cola's global reach and pricing power have enabled it to maintain its dividend record, with the company generating $12.4 billion in free cash flow annually. However, the company faces challenges from tax litigation and consumer-affordability pressure in Asia Pacific.