Yes, dividends count as a valid source of income and that’s a reason to own Coca-Cola. However, appreciation of a publicly traded stock is fine too, better even. When a publicly traded stock goes up, you can sell some stock and the money is just as good. Furthermore you’re paying less income tax since it’s capital gains, and you get to decide when to pay taxes on the gains.

This is why stock buybacks are better in some ways than dividends for returning money to shareholders.