Crude oil prices have slumped about 15% over the past year. That has pushed West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the primary U.S. oil price benchmark, below $70 a barrel. That decline will weigh on the oil-fueled cash flows of many energy companies. But the real show of strength is the dividend, which has been increased every year for 42 consecutive years. That's an incredible streak given the inherent volatility of energy prices. And a strong balance sheet isn't just supportive of the dividend, it also gives Exx ...