Income investors have a small but powerful advantage over growth stock investors. While both investment types can take advantage of lower prices during a stock market decline, dividend investors also benefit from the rising yields that come with a falling stock market.

Not every dividend stock can maintain its payout when economic conditions worsen, of course. That's why it makes sense to stuff your portfolio with high-quality businesses that have long track records of steadily boosting their dividends. Let's take a closer look at two such businesses, Home Depot (NYSE: HD) and Procter Gamble (NYSE: PG). They both have some excellent qualities as long-term investments. But which is the better fit for your portfolio?

The two consumer-facing businesses are both suffering from weaker demand as consumer spending patterns shift. But this is where Procter Gamble's focus on selling essential products really pays off. Since consumers don't readily abandon their favorite brands in niches like laundry care and home cleaning supplies, P's organic sales trends have held up well in recent months. The metric was up 8% last quarter compared to Home Depot's 2% decline.

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Source Fool.com