The Best Dividend Stock to Buy and Hold Forever

Core Viewpoint - Buying and holding a stock for the long term requires careful selection, and Coca-Cola is highlighted as a reliable dividend stock with a strong business and attractive yield [1] Company Overview - Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) is a leading consumer staples company known for its strong distribution, marketing, and innovation capabilities, making it a potential industry consolidator [2][3] - The company operates in a resilient industry, which helps it withstand economic fluctuations [3] Performance Metrics - Coca-Cola's organic sales increased by 6% in Q3 2025, with adjusted earnings also rising by 6%, contrasting with PepsiCo's organic sales growth of only 1.3% and a 2% decline in adjusted earnings [4][5] - The company's performance is particularly appealing to conservative dividend investors, especially given PepsiCo's current struggles [5] Dividend Yield - Coca-Cola offers a dividend yield of 2.9%, which, while not the highest in the sector, is competitive compared to the S&P 500's yield of 1.1% and the average consumer staples yield of 2.7% [6][8] - The company has a long history of increasing its dividend annually for over 50 years, earning the title of Dividend King [7]