Free cash flow increased from $3.4 billion to $3.8 billion over the three years and averaged $3.55 billion per year, helping to fund General Dynamics' increased dividends. The company has increased its annual dividend without fail for 27 years, with the most recent increase being a 7.6% year-over-year rise to $5.68 per share.

Over time, dividend stocks have shown consistent resilience in difficult market conditions. Despite the recent focus on AI, the long-term appeal of these stocks has grown.

Investors love dividend stocks, especially the high-yield variety, because they offer a significant income stream and have massive total return potential. Total return includes interest, capital gains,

It takes money to make money. However, it doesn't require a lot of cash to get started generating passive income. Several high-quality dividend stocks cost less than $33 a share. Three great ones under that price point are Brookfield Renewable (NYSE: BEPC)(NYSE: BEP),