I guess that would put the big six Canadian banks at the top of the list.  If an investor bought only those in a portfolio, he/she would be criticized as not being diversified enough.  They would however be making consistent profit.  Some companies have been around as long as I can remember and have always paid good dividends.  Some you have to rely on research and instinct such as Chorus Aviation that is in the news today - I have 3,000 @ $4.30 cost each.