These stocks don't appeal only to dividend seekers.Stocks that can survive and thrive for long periods -- say, beyond 20 years -- are a special breed. These companies typically display one or several of the following characteristics: innovative abilities, leadership in a major industry, a strong moat, or exciting growth potential. That's not an exhaustive list of traits such corporations can have, but they are among the most important.To find businesses that display them, it can be helpful to start by looki ...