Dividend Stocks Showing Investors The Money

Investors realize return on investment in the form of dividends, capital gains or a mix of both. Stocks that pay dividends typically deliver on average total long term returns that are characteristic of equities in general. The main characteristic that differentiates dividend paying stocks is that the dividend payment provides some stability in the total returns that investors are expected to receive in a given year. This lowers volatility and ensures that investors generate a relatively predictable return that could be used to fund retirement needs. Investors relying on dividends for their retirement income should also look at companies that regularly grow distributions, as a hedge against inflation. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) operates retail stores in various formats worldwide. The company raised its quarterly dividends by 20.70% to 36.50 cents/share. This marked the 37th consecutive annual dividend increase for Wal-Mart. The ten year annual dividend growth rate is 17.80% for this dividend aristocrat. Yield: 2.80% (analysis) Waste Management, Inc. (WM) provides integrated waste management services in North America. The company raised its quarterly dividends by 7.90% to 34 cents/share. This marked the Ninth consecutive annual dividend increase for the company. The five year annual dividend growth rate is 9.50% for this dividend stock. Yield: 3.70% (analysis) WGL Holdings, Inc. (WGL) engages in the delivery and sale of natural gas, and provides energy-related products and services in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. The company raised its quarterly dividends by 2.60% to 38.75 cents/share. This marked the 35th consecutive annual dividend increase for the company. The ten year annual dividend growth rate is 2% for this dividend champion. Yield: 4% The Gap, Inc. (GPS) operates as a specialty retailing company.... Read more