Finding "forever" stocks isn't easy. Corporations that can thrive and pay dividends for long periods are rare, but they do exist. Such companies tend to have several qualities, including competitive advantages and leadership in industries that are likely to continue growing.

Let's consider two stocks that investors can buy and hold for good: Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT). Though neither has been popular on Wall Street lately, both have much to offer long-term, income-seeking investors.

Apple is facing multiple issues, including slowing iPhone sales in China and an antitrust lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice alleging that it holds a monopoly in the smartphone market. The company's revenue growth is likely to be slow for the next few quarters, while its legal challenges add some uncertainty to its prospects. However, Apple has long known that it cannot forever rely on the iPhone to drive solid top-line growth.

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Source Fool.com