5 Dividend Stocks to Hold Forever

I looked at five stocks and assessed their ability to continue their policy of dividend payments. In an economy where interest rates may remain low for some time, investors seeking income may wish to hold such stocks forever: Johnson and Johnson (JNJ): A giant in the world of healthcare, Johnson and Johnson operates in three segments: consumer, pharmaceutical, and medical devices and diagnostics. Founded in 1886, the Brunswick, New Jersey based company has a market capitalization of $182.34 billion, and is expected to show revenues of $65.07 billion this year, and $68.49 billion in 2012. Shares are currently trading at $66.72, toward the upper end of their 52-week range of $56.99 to $68.05. With earnings per share estimated to rise from last year’s $4.41 to this year’s estimated $4.95 to $5.26 in 2012, analysts estimates of an average 12 month target for the share price of $71.82 seem conservative. Johnson... Read more