Retire Young, Retire Wealthy: 3 Dividend Kings to Pay You Forever

Core Insights - Dividend kings are a prestigious group of publicly traded stocks that have increased their dividend payouts for at least 50 consecutive years, making them attractive for investors seeking long-term income [1][8] - These companies exhibit exceptional stability, which is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted dividend payments over decades [2][8] - The current list of dividend kings includes 53 companies, recognized for their resilience and ability to thrive through various macroeconomic cycles [8] Company Summaries - Hormel Foods (HRL): Offers a yield of 3.51% and is considered a strong choice among dividend kings due to its safety and relatively high yield. Expected earnings for 2027 are projected at $2.19, with a potential share price of $52.05, indicating a 63% return over the period without dividends [3][10][11] - Black Hills (BKH): This utility company provides electricity and natural gas, currently yielding 4.4%. It is noted for its stability and predictable cash flow, benefiting from population growth in its service area [5][17] - Universal (UVV): Provides leaf tobacco to cigarette manufacturers and is considered the riskiest among dividend kings. Despite the decline in cigarette sales, Universal's sales continue to grow, and it has a low risk of reducing its dividend [6][18][19]