12 Best Dividend Aristocrat Stocks to Invest in Right Now

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3. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 89

AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) is a global biopharmaceutical company that manufactures and markets innovative medicines. The demand for drugs is so stable that the industry is considered highly defensive, with little economic exposure. Even in recessions, doctors continue to prescribe treatments and patients continue to buy them. The company has a diversified portfolio in multiple therapeutic areas that includes immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care.

Since a large portion of its drugs treat serious or chronic diseases, AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) enjoys dependable revenues and earnings, which finance its dividend program. Through a transaction with Denmark-based Gubra A/S, the firm is entering the obesity market, where it will develop GUB014295, an experimental weight loss drug. The deal was for an initial $350 million, potentially increasing by as much as $1.9 billion in clinical milestones, plus future royalties on sales.

AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) had to deal with some headwinds some time ago, but it kept its dividends despite this. The company has been increasing its payouts for 53 straight years, making it one of the best dividend aristocrat stocks to purchase now. Presently, it is paying a quarterly dividend of $1.64 per share and is yielding 2.98%, as of September 26.

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