2 Sweet Dividend Stocks to Buy to Satisfy Your Craving for Passive Income

Group 1: Sugar Consumption and Market Impact - Americans consume about 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily, exceeding the recommended amount by five teaspoons [1] - The high sugar intake benefits companies that produce sugary products, allowing them to pay substantial dividends to investors [2] Group 2: Coca-Cola Overview - Coca-Cola is a leading global beverage company known for its sweetened soft drinks and other beverage brands [3] - The company has increased its dividend payment for 62 consecutive years, qualifying it as a Dividend King [4] - Coca-Cola paid $8 billion in dividends last year and has distributed over$80 billion to shareholders since 2010 [4] Group 3: Coca-Cola Financial Performance - Coca-Cola's current dividend yield is approximately 3%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's yield of around 1.2% [5] - The company expects organic revenue growth of 4% to 6% annually, which should drive 7% to 9% annual earnings-per-share growth in the long term [6] Group 4: Hershey Overview - Hershey is the top confectioner in the U.S. and the second-largest player in the snacking industry, with well-known brands like Hershey's and Reese's [7] - Hershey's dividend yield is also over 3%, and it has increased its dividend for 15 consecutive years, growing at more than 10% annually over the past decade [8] Group 5: Hershey Growth Strategy - Hershey targets 2% to 4% annual net sales growth and 6% to 8% adjusted earnings-per-share growth in the long term [8] - The company is investing in innovative product development and pursuing acquisitions, such as the recent acquisition of Sour Strips, to enhance its product portfolio [9] Group 6: Investment Appeal - Both Coca-Cola and Hershey generate significant revenue from sugar products, enabling them to provide attractive dividends [10] - Their strong track records of dividend growth suggest continued appeal for investors seeking passive income [10]