At 24/7 Wall St., we know how important dividend size, stability and growth are to growth and income investors who need a dependable stream of income. We often have written about the opportunities that the Dividend Aristocrats offer for long-term investors. These are the companies that meet the guidelines for inclusion and have raised their dividends every year for 25 consecutive years. This year, 66 stocks made the cut, and they remain top picks across Wall Street.
For those seeking even greater dividend dependability, investors may be drawn to the Dividend Kings. These 44 S&P 500 companies have raised the dividends they pay to shareholders for a stunning 50 consecutive years.
With the market wobbling and looking like it may be headed much lower, it may be time for investors to look for momentum or high beta stocks lurking in their portfolios, especially if they are still profitable or flat, and move the capital invested in them to the safest Dividend Kings. We found seven that fit the bill, and all are rated Buy at major Wall Street firms.
It is important to remember that no single analyst report should be used as a sole basis for any buying or selling decision.
AbbVie
This is a top pharmaceutical stock pick across Wall Street. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott Laboratories. The company develops and markets drugs in areas such as immunology, virology, renal disease, dyslipidemia and neuroscience.
One of the biggest concerns with AbbVie is what might happen eventually with anti-inflammatory therapy Humira, which has some of the largest sales for a drug ever recorded. The company was concerned, so in June of 2019 it announced that it has agreed to pay $63 billion for rival drugmaker Allergan, the latest merger in an industry in which some of the biggest companies have been willing to pay a high price to resolve questions about their future growth. The purchase officially closed in May of last year.
AbbVie may be nearing the limits of how far it can boost Humira’s price as cheaper competitors come to market, a problem Allergan is already grappling with as more alternatives to Botox emerge.
Shareholders receive a 3.61% dividend. J.P. Morgan’s $180 target price on AbbVie stock is a Wall Street high. The consensus price target is $163.99, and shares closed trading on Wednesday at $157.62 apiece.
Altria
This maker of tobacco products offers value investors a great entry point now and it has increased its dividend for a stunning 53 consecutive years. Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO) is the parent company of Philip Morris USA (cigarettes), UST (smokeless), John Middleton (cigars), Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Philip Morris Capital. PMUSA enjoys a 51% share of the U.S. cigarette market, led by its top cigarette brand Marlboro.
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