The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series in which consumer goods editor and analyst Austin Smith and industrials editor and analyst Isaac Pino discuss topics across the investing world.
In today's edition, Austin discusses one dividend aristocrat that may be losing its crown: Abbott Laboratories. The company has been paying dividends for an amazing 40 years. However, the company is now planning to split into two companies, a medical device company and a pharmaceutical company. In the past, Standard and Poor's has kicked companies off the Dividend Aristocrat list after a spinoff, much like in 2008 when it kicked out Altria following its Philip Morris spinoff.
Editor's note: In the video, Austin says the Kraft spinoff occurred in 2008; it was actually 2007. The Fool regrets the error.
If you're interested in some of these dividends on your quest for high-yielding stocks, The Motley Fool has compiled a special free report outlining our 11 top, dependable, dividend-paying stocks. It's called "Secure Your Future With 11 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." You can access your complimentary copy today at no cost! Just click here to discover the winners we've picked.
