Unilever N.V.

Unilever, based in London and Rotterdam, is one of the world's largest consumer-goods companies, home to brands such as Dove, Knorr, Hellmann's, Rexona and Domestos, sold in almost every country. A portfolio of everyday essentials gives it defensive, dependable demand, and it is sharpening its focus by spinning off its ice-cream business. Unilever has a long record of paying and gradually raising its dividend, funded by dependable consumer cash flow, and adds buybacks. A solid, reliable yield from a defensive consumer-goods leader defines its income appeal, even if growth has been steadier than spectacular.