Two Decades-Long Dividend Payers Emerge as Top Stocks

Johnson & Johnson and AbbVie are two dividend stocks that have consistently raised their payouts for decades, earning them a spot as Dividend Kings. Johnson & Johnson has increased its dividend annually for 64 straight years, while AbbVie has done so for 54 consecutive years.

Both companies have strong revenue streams and robust cash flows, allowing them to fund their dividends. In the most recent quarter, Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical business grew revenue by 7.8% year over year, while its medtech business increased revenue by 4.5%. AbbVie generated about $17 billion in revenue, up 10% year over year.

Johnson & Johnson pays a quarterly dividend of $1.34 per share at an above-average yield of 1.96%, while AbbVie's dividend is $1.73 per share with a yield of 2.6%. Both stocks have been solid performers, with five-year average annualized returns of 12% and 22.1% for Johnson & Johnson and AbbVie, respectively.

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