Owning consistent dividend stocks is one of the best ways to beat the market over the long term. But dividends come in all shapes and sizes, so finding the best dividend stocks of 2014 can be difficult.
Fool contributor Travis Hoium found three companies with very different paths but equally attractive dividends. Apple (AAPL 0.52%) has a huge cash hoard and the ability to increase its 2.2% dividend yield or even pay a special dividend. Seadrill's (SDRL) 10% yield is high enough to set off warning signs, but in the growing business of offshore drilling, it may be safer than it appears. Finally, there's 3M (MMM -0.66%), which has paid a dividend for 97 years and increased its payout for 55 straight years.
In the video below, Erin Miller talked with Travis about what he looks for in a dividend and why the companies above are so attractive.
