If I Had to Pick Just 1 Dividend Stock, This Is It

Group 1: Dividend Performance - Coca-Cola has a strong track record of dividend payments, having paid dividends since 1920 and increased its annual dividend for 63 consecutive years [3] - The current quarterly dividend is $0.51, yielding approximately 2.7%, which is more than double the current S&P 500 average [4] - The lower dividend yield is attributed to a significant stock price increase of over 17% at the start of 2025 [6] Group 2: Business Resilience - Coca-Cola is considered a recession-proof business due to its consumer staple products that maintain sales regardless of economic conditions [7][8] - The company has pricing power, allowing it to increase prices without losing customers, which helps maintain revenue stability during economic downturns [9][10] - In the first quarter of the year, Coca-Cola's organic revenue grew by 6% despite only a 2% increase in global unit case volume, showcasing its ability to adjust pricing effectively [10] Group 3: Strategic Portfolio Management - Coca-Cola has streamlined its brand portfolio by cutting it roughly in half in 2020, which has simplified supply chain management and distribution [13][14] - The company focuses on a selective approach to brand acquisitions, adapting to changing consumer preferences such as low-calorie and plant-based products [16] - This strategic focus allows Coca-Cola to achieve higher net income compared to competitors like PepsiCo, despite lower overall revenue [14]