When looking for attractive dividend stocks, one of the key criteria is consistency. Investors want reliable companies that regularly increase their dividends every year, continuously and without fail. This ability to increase dividends regularly and steadily is one of the main factors that attracts investors' attention and contributes to long-term prosperity.

The philosophy in this area is that companies with a long history of regular dividend increases create a solid foundation for future investment returns. These qualities can be found in a select few companies that are able to keep their dividend policy consistent and predictable in times of economic challenge.

Very few companies have been more consistent than Hormel Foods $HRL. The food company, which owns brands like Planter's, Skippy, Spam, Natural Choice and, of course, Hormel, just raised its dividend in November for the 58th consecutive year.

The Royal Dividend Company

There are only about 15 companies in the U.S. that have a…