If you're looking for reliable dividend stocks, they don't get much better than (NYSE: MDT). The medical device company has raised its dividend payout for 46 consecutive years.

From 1978 through the present, Medtronic's dividend payout has risen at an average rate of 16% annually. That's fast enough to double the yield you receive on your original investment every four and a half years.

While Medtronic has a history of rapid dividend raises, it's slowed down by a lot recently. This year, Medtronic increased its dividend payout by just $0.01 or 1.5%, and investors are concerned that future raises won't keep pace with inflation.

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Source Fool.com