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Though the term dividend aristocrats generate plenty of interest for the underlying elite status, another even more rarefied category exists called dividend kings to buy. Rather than 25 years of consecutive payout growth, the kings command at least 50 years. As we head into uncertain times, investors should pay close attention to this rare group of enterprises.

Fundamentally, of course, companies that can afford to provide passive income to their stakeholders tend to be deeply established businesses. Should unexpected turbulence hit the market, they’re likelier to ride out the turmoil compared to growth-centric organizations. Therefore, dividend kings to buy deserve serious consideration for your portfolio. In addition, these elites of elite firms will want to keep the trend going at any cost. Naturally, you don’t want to be the person responsible for a 50-plus-year track record being broken. Thus, you’re in reasonably good hands with these dividend kings to buy.

ABBV	AbbVie	$155.28
CL	Colgate-Palmolive	$73.29
PG	Procter & Gamble	$140.35
NWN	Northwest Natural	$47.41
KO	Coca-Cola	$60.36
SYY	SYSCO	$76.35
JNJ	Johnson & Johnson	$155.56

AbbVie (ABBV)

A top-flight pharmaceutical firm, AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) ranks among the most intriguing dividend kings to buy. According to Dividend.com, the company features 51 years of consecutive payout growth. Now, it’s worth pointing out for clarification that AbbVie spun off from Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) in 2012. Therefore, Dividend.com tracks the history to Abbott, not to the 2012 spinoff date.

Now, either way, I don’t think you can go wrong. For Abbott, the company might be undervalued relative to forward earnings. In AbbVie’s case, it too may be undervalued. For instance, the market prices ABBV at a forward multiple of 13.66. As a discount to earnings, AbbVie ranks better than 60.16% of the competition.

Fundamentally, AbbVie’s buyout of Allergan – the manufacturer of Botox – could pay off handsomely. As people return to the office, a greater incentive exists to look presentable. That should help Botox and in turn ABBV stock. Finally, Wall Street analysts peg ABBV as a consensus moderate buy. Further, their average price target stands at $163.64, implying 6% upside potential.

Colgate-Palmolive (CL)

One of the top manufacturers of household goods, Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL) commands attention for the underlying toothpaste. According to Divdend.com, the enterprise features 60 years of consecutive dividend growth. Further, it carries a forward yield of 2.57%. In contrast, the underlying consumer staples sector’s average yield sits at 1.89%. Finally, its payout ratio is 55.23, reflecting a reasonably sustainable passive income.

According to Gurufocus.com’s proprietary calculations for fair market value (FMV), CL rates as modestly undervalued. Objectively, Colgate-Palmolive’s greatest strengths lie in its profitability metrics. Perhaps most notably, its operating margin stands at 19.77%, outpacing 90.77% of the field. As well, its net margin pings at 9.93%, above nearly 80% of the industry.

Further, while it could use a little bit of improvement in the balance sheet, Colgate-Palmolive’s Altman Z-Score is 6.43. This indicates a very low risk of bankruptcy over the next two years. Lastly, covering analysts peg CL as a consensus moderate buy. Moreover, their average price target is $79.70, implying 8% upside potential. Thus, it’s one of the steady dividend kings to buy.

Procter & Gamble (PG)

With so many rumblings in the market and in the broader global economy, consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) simply makes sense. However, the enterprise’s status as one of the dividend kings to buy makes PG all the more attractive. Presently, Procter & Gamble commands 67 years of consecutive payout growth. As well, its forward yield stands at 2.61%. Again, this ranks conspicuously higher than the consumer staples sector’s average yield of 1.89%.

According to Gurufocus.com’s FMV calculations, PG rates as fairly valued. Objectively, it might be a tough overvalued. However, this is really an organization built for the long haul. For instance, the consumer goods stalwart features an Altman Z-Score of 5.06, implying low bankruptcy risk. Operationally, PG enjoys a three-year EBITDA growth rate of 31.2%, outpacing 82% of the field. However, it’s again the profitability that drives the case for PG as one of the dividend kings to buy. Its net margin stands at 17.79%, above nearly 92% of the industry.

Turning to Wall Street, analysts peg PG as a consensus moderate buy. Moreover, their average price target is $157.48, implying almost 13% upside potential.

Northwest Natural (NWN)

Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Northwest Natural (NYSE:NWN) provides natural gas service to approximately 2.5 million people in Oregon and southwest Washington. As a public utility, Northwest enjoys a natural monopoly. Because of the scale involved and the high barrier to entry, it’s doubtful that anyone can usurp Northwest.

Cynically, then, NWN makes for an enticing opportunity among dividend kings to buy. Currently, the utility commands 66 years of consecutive dividend increases. Further, its forward yield stands at 4.06%. In contrast, the utility sector’s average yield is 3.75%. Now, one factor to keep in mind is that Northwest’s payout ratio of just under 70% is a bit high. Still, no one’s going to want to give up the dividend king status. Also, for full transparency, Northwest doesn’t offer wow-factor financials. However, Gurufocus.com’s FMV calculations rate NWN as modestly undervalued.

Finally, covering analysts peg NWN as a consensus moderate buy. Further, their average price target stands at $54.33, implying almost 14% upside potential.

Coca-Cola (KO)

Probably the world’s most famous soft-drink manufacturer, Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) needs no introduction. Not only does it represent a blue-chip giant, it effectively symbolizes American capitalism. From this angle, it’s not terribly surprising that KO ranks among the dividend kings to buy.

Right now, the iconic enterprise features 62 years of consecutive payout growth. As well, the company’s fairly generous with its passive income, carrying a forward yield of 3.08%. Again, in contrast, the consumer staples sector’s average yield is 1.89%. While I wouldn’t fret about the sustainability of the yield, prospective investors should note the payout ratio of 65.82%.

At the present juncture, Gurufocus.com rates KO as fairly valued. However, patient investors may be able to advantage of Coca-Cola’s operational strengths. For example, its three-year revenue growth rate pings at 4.6% while its net margin hit 22.19%. Both stats rate into the top tier of the underlying industry. Looking to the Street, covering analysts peg KO as a consensus strong buy. Additionally, their average price target stands at $68.33, implying over 14% upside potential.

SYSCO (SYY)

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, SYSCO (NYSE:SYY) specializes in marketing and distributing food products, small wares, kitchen equipment, and tabletop items to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, and hospitality businesses. Given its vast relevancies, it makes for an attractive idea among dividend kings to buy. Specifically, Sysco commands 54 years of consecutive dividend increases.

In addition, it offers a forward yield of 2.59%. I’m not going to repeat it but it’s higher than the underlying consumer staples sector. Also, it should be stated that the payout ratio sits at 42.68%. While it’s not the lowest figure in the world, no one should worry excessively about yield sustainability. Gurufocus.com rates SYY as modestly undervalued. Objectively, Sysco’s greatest strengths lie in its profitability-related metrics. For instance, its return on asset (ROA) pings at 6.45%, outpacing 77% of the competition.

Turning to Wall Street, analysts peg SYY as a consensus moderate buy. Moreover, their average price target stands at $88.15, implying nearly 17% upside potential.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

A consumer goods and healthcare giant, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) represents one of the world’s most recognizable brands. As well, with so many events seemingly spiraling out of control globally, JNJ just seems like a smart bet overall. Tack on the fact that it’s one of the dividend kings to buy and you have a very compelling bullish case.

At the moment, Johnson & Johnson features 61 years of consecutive payout growth. In addition, the company carries a forward yield of 2.91%. In contrast, the healthcare sector’s average yield sits at 1.58%. Also noteworthy is the payout ratio, which pings at 41.5%. At this rate, investors can sleep a little easier when it comes to yield sustainability. Financially, the company’s greatest strengths lie in its profitability metrics. Notably, its net margin hit 18.9%, blowing past 87% of the industry. Plus, the company’s Altman Z-Score is 4.01, reflecting low bankruptcy risk.

Lastly, covering analysts peg JNJ as a consensus moderate buy. Additionally, their average price target stands at $183.10, implying 20% upside potential.

On the date of publication, Josh Enomoto did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

Investors should hold dividend stocks in their portfolios. In fact, in times of volatility, these are some of the safest stocks to own for healthy cash inflows, meaningful capital gains, and attractive valuations. Moreover, with the current market volatility, investing in the best dividend stocks to buy at attractive valuations makes sense, potentially delivering robust gains over the long term. Furthermore, dividend stocks can provide an effective hedge against rampant inflation. Unfortunately, recent data shows consumer spending is unlikely to slow as fast as experts hoped. Therefore, wagering on high-yielding dividend stocks is arguably the best investing strategy to minimize risks and grow your portfolio even in these testing times.

NYCB	New York Community	$8.61
PM	Philip Morris	$100.10
SBLK	Star Bulk	$22.92
UAN	CVR Partners	$98.46
PFE	Pfizer	$41.11
RIO	Rio Tinto	$72.71
CVX	Chevron	$166.17

New York Community (NYCB)

New York Community (NYSE:NYCB) is a leading regional bank offering an enticing dividend yield of over 7.9%. Its yield is more than 1% higher than the current inflation rate and more than 150% higher than the sector average. Moreover, the firm has benefitted from higher interest rates, resulting in a net income margin of over 48% for the year. With higher rates expected this year as well, it’s safe to assume another strong bottom-line performance.

In addition, NYCB recently acquired Flagstar Bancorp, expecting to produce synergies driving higher earnings. Following the acquisition, the company’s revenues were up 71% from the prior-year period in its fourth quarter. As we advance, combining both companies will likely result in robust revenue growth in the upcoming quarters.

Philip Morris (PM)

Philip Morris (NYSE:PM) is one of the top tobacco businesses in the world. Its revenues have grown at a steady pace over the years, consistently rewarding its shareholders in the process. However, the PM stock slid, as smoking rates continue to fall. Helping, we are seeing the firm pivot into the fast-evolving new tobacco sphere, which grows rapidly each quarter. Its Reduced-Risk-Products division accounts for 32.1% of its total sales, generating an 82% jump in sales from 2019.

Furthermore, its acquisition of Swedish Match and full control of IQOS in the U.S. by 2024 are two of the biggest milestones for the firm in its smoke-free transition. Perhaps more importantly for its investors, the company still offers a handsome dividend yield of 5%, with 14 consecutive years of payout expansion.

Star Bulk (SBLK)

Shipping giant Star Bulk (NASDAQ:SBLK) benefitted from the pandemic-led tailwinds when supply-chain disruptions increased demand for shipping services. The surge in demand led to robust freight rates and improved profitability. The company’s gross profit and EBIT margins are above the 40% mark over the past 12 months, along with a 40% increase in free cash flow margins.

With an A-graded profitability profile, the firm is in a significantly better position to weather the current economic challenges. Furthermore, it boasts an enviable dividend yield of roughly 21.5%, which dwarfs its 5-year average at 4.6%. Its president, Hamish Norton, noted that after racking up $2.1 million cash per vessel quarterly, the excess cash is distributed as dividends. Additionally, with China and India looking to increase their hold on the worldwide economy, SBLK to benefit from the greater demand for commodities and raw materials.

CVR Partners (UAN)

CVR Partners (NYSE:UAN) witnessed double-digit growth in its profitability margins from its historical averages following a surge in fertilizer prices. The war between Ukraine and Russia pushed fertilizer prices to multi-year highs last year. However, the fertilizer price index is down over 50% from the highs achieved in April last year. Fertilizer exports from Russia are still growing, with export revenues up 70% in 2022. Consequently, UAN stock shed 8.2% of its value last year.

The fertilizer giant’s top-line performance will feel the string of lower prices. However, reducing natural gas, one of its key input costs, could help offset the lack of gains on its top-line front. Moreover, it boasts a monster dividend yield of roughly 24%, bolstered by massive quarterly payouts of $10 and above in two of the past three quarters.

Pfizer (PFE)

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) was among the top pandemic stocks, which saw its shares skyrocket to new highs with the monster success of its Covid vaccine. However, Pfizer’s cash cow is quickly fading away with the pandemic in the rear-view mirror and billions of shots given worldwide.

Nevertheless, Pfizer’s Covid vaccine allowed the firm to build its massive cash war chest, which has soared over a whopping $22.7 billion. Naturally, it’s making it rain, acquiring multiple biotech businesses, including Array BioPharma, ReViral, Biohaven Pharmaceutical, Therachon, and more. Moreover, its Seagen acquisition has the pharma space buzzing, which provides millions in new revenue for Pfizer from its promising cancer drugs pipeline.

Its management guides non-Covid sales of up to $84 billion by 2030, indicating a normalized CAGR of almost 7% from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2030. Moreover, its stock trades at just 3.3 times forward sales estimates, yielding 3.9%, growing its payouts in the past 12 consecutive quarters.

Rio Tinto (RIO)

Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) is one of the biggest names in the metals and mining space. It has had a track record of steady expansion in its business and adding value for its shareholders. RIO stock has gained over 60% in value in the past three years, with a 5-year average dividend yield of over 7%.

Perhaps the most attractive element about the company is its wide footprint and resources with a wide range of applications. With a focus on copper, lithium, and other powerful base metals, its outlook remains largely positive over the next several years. These metals will remain in high demand following the push toward green energy. For instance, it is likely to become the largest supplier of lithium in Europe over the next 15 years.

It finished the year with a massive $7.4 billion in free cash flows, returning over $10.7 billion of its cash as dividends to its shareholders. With the likely demand boom with China’s reopening and a stretched demand/supply balance, expect the firm to continue growing rapidly.

Chevron (CVX)

Chevron (NYSE:CVX) is one of the top oil majors that boast an excellent track record of rewarding its shareholders. It racked up record profits last year, and the windfall was passed on to its shareholders.

The company raised its payouts by 6% to $1.50 in March and recently announced a new $75 billion buyback program effective in April. With a robust operating environment, it’s plausible to assume that this Dividend King will continue rewarding its shareholders and then some.

Most recently, Chevron held its Investor Day, reiterating its commitment to delivering excellent shareholder returns by leveraging its rock-solid balance sheet, effective capital allocation, and strong asset portfolio. If Brent crude could average $70 a barrel for the next five years, Chevron could continue raising its dividend at accelerated rates and buy back 25% of its outstanding shares.

On the date of publication, Muslim Farooque did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.