Long-term investors always look for companies that show signs that they will be around for a while. Membership on the Dividend Aristocrats list gives indication of longevity. In order to maintain their status on that list, companies need to raise their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years. Companies that consistently stay in financial trouble will not give shareholders raises.

Keep in mind that there is always risk in investing in the stock market. However, these types of companies can also provide a decent yield relative to CDs and savings accounts while providing consistent income boosts in the process. This is in addition to the potential capital gains these companies provide. Let’s a take look at five rock solid dividend companies that regularly boost their dividends.

3M Company (NYSE: MMM) operates as a conglomerate with businesses in the health care sector, industrial, energy, consumer, and technological sectors. In a nutshell, this company utilizes science to make practical products the world can use. The sticky note represents one of its most famous products. 3M Company most recently increased its dividend in January for the 57^th consecutive year. The company paid a steady dividend for 98 years. Currently, the company pays its shareholders $4.10 per share per year and yields 2.7% annually.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) operates as a healthcare conglomerate. It’s most well-known for products such as Band-Aids, Listerine, and Tylenol. Johnson & Johnson also sells prescription products and medical devices. In April, the company raised its dividend for the 53^rd consecutive year. Currently, the company pays its shareholders $3 per share per year representing a lucrative 3% yield.

Hormel Foods (NYSE: HRL) sells edible items such as lunch meats and foods like Skippy peanut butter. In November 2014, the company raised its dividend for the 49^th consecutive year. Currently, Hormel Foods pays its shareholders $1 per share per year and yields 1.7%.

W.W. Grainger (NYSE: GWW) distributes “maintenance, repair and operating” supplies. The company boosted its dividend for the 44^th consecutive year in April. Currently, W.W. Grainger pays its shareholders $4.68 per share per year and yields 2.1%.

McCormick & Co. (NYSE: MKC) sells food enhancers such as spices, seasonings and gravy mixes. Last November, McCormick & Co. raised its dividend for the 29^th consecutive year. Currently, the company pays its shareholders $1.60 per share per year and yields 2%.

Finally, these companies sell highly needed and practical products. While these companies don’t operate in high flying growth sectors, such as social media and mobile computing, they provide shareholders with the potential for slow and steady growth in the form of capital gains and dividend increases.

*William Bias owns shares in 3M, Johnson & Johnson, W.W. Grainger, and McCormick

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