Dividends paid is a number that can not be tricked.

Earnings, revenue, etc can be managed with accounting rules.

Dividends are cash and must be paid from a companies bank account. Consistent and rising dividends are a good sign of a strong company.

Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) is a perfect example. It is the largest beverage company in the world. Coke is one of the most well-known companies in the world. It boasts many other well-known brands, like Sprite, Fanta, Dasani, Powerade, and Minute Maid.

The company generated nearly $8 billion of free cash flow ("FCF") or 22% of revenue. Shareholders are paid most of this in dividends and share buybacks.

Over the past two years, Coke's shares have returned more than 24%, including dividends.

Keep investing simple and invest in one of the greatest companies in the world.

Disclosure: I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. The information provided should NOT be considered advice. The topics discussed are risky and have the potential to lose a substantial amount. I am not an investment professional and therefore do not offer individual financial advice. Please do your own research before investing.