Dividends can play a big role in the returns of stocks over many years. Since 1960, 84% of the returns from the S&P 500 index resulted from the compounding returns of reinvested dividends, according to a study by Hartford Funds.

If I were structuring my investments to produce dependable dividend income for retirement, I would consider adding shares of Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) to my holdings. These companies are highly profitable and provide products people use every day, which goes a long way toward paying out rising dividend payments over time. Here's what makes these companies great investments.

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Source Fool.com