3 Dividend Stocks You Can Safely Hold

In a volatile market, investors often flock to the relative predictability of dividend stocks. Although these stocks aren't immune to the market's fluctuations, the payout can act as a stabilizing force. More important, payouts serve as an incentive for investors to hold the stock should the industry or the broader market turn downward.

These stocks are especially attractive when they can boast a long-term trend of increasing payouts. So many investors may turn to companies known for this -- particularly Dividend Aristocrats, stocks that have increased dividends annually for at least 25 years. Investors may also look to industries that remain steady regardless of economic cycles.

Stocks fitting these descriptions bring a high likelihood that they will maintain growth and dividend streaks that will continue for decades. Investors looking for such investments should consider Aflac (NYSE: AFL), PPL (NYSE: PPL), and Sysco (NYSE: SYY).

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Source Fool.com