Start the New Year Off With Passive Income: 3 Dividend Kings to Buy Now

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of incorporating dividend-paying stocks into an investment portfolio, highlighting their ability to provide passive income and mitigate losses during market downturns [2][3]. Group 1: Dividend Stocks Overview - Dividend-paying stocks can provide extra cash flow regardless of market conditions, making them a valuable addition to any portfolio [2]. - Dividend Kings, companies that have increased their dividend payments for at least 50 consecutive years, are highlighted as wise investment choices due to their commitment and ability to sustain dividends over time [3]. Group 2: Company Profiles - Coca-Cola (KO): - The company is the largest non-alcoholic beverage producer globally, with a market cap of $303 billion and a dividend yield of 2.89%, having increased its dividend for over 60 years [7][5]. - Current share price is $70.52, with a dividend payment of $2.04 per share [6][7]. - Abbott Laboratories (ABT): - A healthcare giant with a diversified business model across medical devices, nutrition, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals, offering a market cap of $218 billion and a dividend yield of 1.88% [10][12]. - The current share price is $125.46, with a dividend payment of $2.36 per share, and has increased its dividend for 53 years [12][13]. - Target (TGT): - The retailer is undergoing a recovery phase with a new CEO and has a market cap of $44 billion, boasting a dividend yield of 4.66% [14][16]. - Current share price is $97.09, with a dividend payment of $4.56 per share, and has increased its dividend for 54 years [18].