Strong Markets Lift Dividend ETFs and REITs - Though Results May Vary

Strong stock markets lifted dividend ETFs. U.S. REITs are solidly in the number one place in the following trend score table. International dividend ETFs notched up. iShares Dow Jones Intl Select Div Idx (IDV) jumped 1.6% in the last five days. For a more detailed performance of dividend ETFs, please refer here. Assets Class Symbols 02/02 Trend Score 01/26 Trend Score Direction iShares Dow Jones US Real Estate (IYR) 11.12% 10.74% ^ SPDR S&P 500 (SPY) 9.92% 10.47% v SPDR DJ Wilshire Intl Real Estate (RWX) 8.92% 10.32% v iShares Dow Jones Intl Select Div Idx (IDV) 8.76% 8.61% ... more

Best in Breed Dividend Stocks: Core Holdings for the Long-Term Investor, Part 2

In the first installment of "Best in Breed Dividend Stocks," we discussed what constitutes a best in breed dividend stock. Without regurgitating the entire article, the key investment metrics I focus on are: Consistent Long Term Dividend Payments, Dividend Growth Rate, a low Dividend Payout Ratio, above average Return on Equity, above average Sustainable Growth, and a Durable Competitive Advantage. In this installment we will be covering three more sectors: Technology, Industrial, and Consumer Discretionary.Other than Consumer Discretionary, finding reliable dividend stocks in these sectors is somewhat challenging. Technology companies are not known for their lofty dividend payouts, as they often use capital for research and development and acquisitions. As the technology sector has... more

22 High-Yield Large-Cap Stocks With PE/G Ratio Less Than 1.5

As an income investor, I am looking for stocks with high dividends. As a growth investor, I am also seeking for stocks with low PE/G, a ratio used to determine a stock's value while taking into account earnings growth. Is there any stock that has both growth and high yield characters? 22 High Dividend Stocks within S&P 500Below are 22 stocks from S&P 500 with dividends greater than 3% and PE/G less than 1.5. Many of them are also in the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats list, which consists of large-cap, blue-chip companies within the S&P 500 that have increased dividends every year for at least 25 consecutive years. Name (Symbol)YieldPEG RatioAbbott Laboratories (ABT)3.9%1.1Avon Products, Inc. (AVP)3.1%1.5Chevron (CVX)3.0%0.5ConocoPhillips (COP)3.1%0.6E.I. du Pont de Nemours (DD)3.2%1.0Intel... more

Johnson & Johnson: Dividend Stock Analysis

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) engages in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Consumer, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Devices and Diagnostics. The company is a Dividend Aristocrat which has increased distributions for 48 years in a row. One of the company’s largest investors is no other than Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway.Over the past decade this dividend stock has delivered an annualized total return of 4.10% to its loyal shareholders.The company has managed to deliver an average increase in EPS of 11.10% per year since 2000. Analysts expect Johnson & Johnson to earn $4.75 per share in 2010 and $4.99 per share in 2011. This would be a nice increase from the $4.40/share the... more

Two Well-Rated, High-Yielding Foreign Telecoms to Research

One sector that appeals to many income investors is telecommunications. There are a couple reasons for this, including: Telecommunications companies are relatively resistant to negative economic trends. Individuals who are facing financial problems will be more likely to cut back on discretionary spending, such as luxury goods, rather than cutting off the telephone or Internet., Telecommunications companies tend to have higher dividends than many other sectors. Much like utilities, telecommunications companies tend to be slow growers and so are able to return much of their cash to shareholders.. Two high-yielding foreign telecoms caught my eye and thus are flagged for further research. All estimates and stock ratings below were obtained via my Zack's Premium subscription.... more

FedEx vs. UPS: Which Is the Right One to Buy? (Hint: Go With The Higher Dividend)

The world's two shipping companies are enjoying a massive rebound in volumes and revenue. United Parcel Service (UPS) reported earnings this week. The company reported that earnings surged 44% in the fourth quarter. UPS also stated that 2011 earnings per share should set an all-time high. Which shipping giant is the right one to buy, FedEx (FDX) or UPS? With a broad recovery in the shipping business, many investors are asking that question. Let's look at the metrics of both stocks side by side.... more

16 Dividend Stocks Growing Future Yield

Yield does not come without a price, usually in the form of added risk and/or complexity. Ultimately, dividend growth investors realize that long-term and sustainable high-yield investments are grown over time. This is accomplished by purchasing high-quality dividend investments with a reasonable yield and a long history of growing their dividends, and waiting for the yield on cost to grow.... more

Vivendi: Well Defined Strategy, History of Significant Dividends Make for a Bargain at Current Price

To say that this author is reticent about investing in France is an understatement. After all, this is the home of the 35-hour work week and other similarly “enlightened” economic policies. In spite of this, there are French firms that are relevant on the world stage. Vivendi (VIVHY.PK) is one shining example, but few investors seem to have noticed.... more

ConocoPhillips: A Dividend Stock With Earnings Growth

Finding undervalued dividend paying stocks in this ongoing rally can be very challenging, to say the least. If you're looking for Basic Materials dividend stocks with good earnings growth, ConocoPhillips (COP) is worth a look. COP just reported Q4 and full year 2010 earnings, and they blew away last year's earnings and sales - Q4 sales up 23%, Q4 adjusted net income up 10%, Full year 2010 sales up 27%, and Full Year adjusted net income up 80%.... more

Leggett and Platt: High Dividend Yield and Strong Cash Flow

Leggett and Platt (LEG) is a diversified designer and manufacturer of a variety of components for furniture, automotive, and industrial use. Growth over the last 5- and 10-year periods has been disappointing. Operational and free cash flows are particularly strong for this company, and need to be taken into account when evaluating the stock.As a dividend aristocrat, the company has increased its dividend for nearly 40 consecutive years.... more