4 Best Long-Term Dividend Stocks to Watch in 2017

These picks are some of the great American companies that are crucial parts of our modern economy. They have a leading position in their markets, with a long and proven track record of rewarding investors with higher dividend payments. Despite all the good news about the U.S. economy in 2016, from robust job gains to strong consumer spending, the stock market returns have been very disappointing. So far this year, the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average are up just above four percent, while the NASDAQ has gained over three percent.

There is a reasonable chance that this performance will be repeated in 2017, given no major driver of growth in sight and the risk of another recession increasing. In this environment of high volatility and low returns, it makes sense to look for the best long-term dividend stocks that generate consistent free cash flows, maintain quality balance sheets, and have the potential to protect their long-term earnings and dividend growth in the event of an economic shock. Here are four top-paying dividend stocks to watch in 2017: The Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO), Procter & Gamble Co (NYSE:PG), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT).

Source: Income Investor

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