How 5 Dividend Kings Stack Up Against The Competition

During uncertain market times, investors look for more safety. And what better place than sound companies, with proper valuations that provide a decent dividend while waiting for the stock to appreciate in time? Here are five companies to look into based on their dividends, dividend sustainability, growth prospects and comparison to main competitors in the market place. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): The stock is trading at around $65 at the time of writing, with a 52-week trading range of 57.50-68.05. The shares yield a 3.5% dividend rate, which fares well compared to its main competitors: Abbott Laboratories (ABT) is yielding 3.42% and Novartis (NVS) yields 3.43%, respectively. Johnson & Johnson has systematically raised dividends each year for the last 20 years, even in the midst of two recessions in that time frame. The payout ratio is at 54%, beating Novartis' 47%, while losing to the payout ratio that Abbott Laboratories... Read more