Three Longtime Dividend Growers in Healthcare Offer Income and Growth

Johnson & Johnson is a dividend stock with 62 years of consecutive dividend growth and a 3% yield currently. It has a AAA credit rating and a payout ratio of 66%.

Becton, Dickinson is a diversified medical supplies company with 52 years of consecutive dividend growth. It has a lower 1.6% yield but a strong 42% payout ratio.

Abbott Laboratories is a healthcare conglomerate with 52 years of dividend growth and a current yield of 1.8%. It is focused on treatments for cardiovascular and diabetes patients.

The article recommends dollar cost averaging into a position in Abbott stock due to its high valuation. Its forward P/E ratio is 26.

All 3 companies have strong histories of consistent earnings growth. Analysts forecast around 9% annual EPS growth for them over the next 3-5 years.