Six Consumer Stocks Paying Sustainable Dividends to Own in 2011

With the end of the financial crisis of 2007-2009, and unemployment leveling off, investors are once again bullish on stocks. The stock market, which many economists consider to be a leading indicator of the economy, is trading at its highest levels in over two years. Apart from the so called PIGS - Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain, the world economy is headed for another year of positive GDP growth in 2011. The most notable economic rebound is seen in the emerging market powerhouses like Brazil, China and India, where the growing number of middle class consumers is generating higher profits for the companies featured below. Overall, growth in the world economy translates into consumers increasing their discretionary spending and trading up from generic brands to brand name... more

10 Dividend Stocks That Are Still Undervalued

By many measures, 2010 was a great year for dividend growth stocks. There were far fewer dividend cuts and fewer companies that failed to raise their dividends at the expected time. From a valuation standpoint dividend stocks performed quite well, with many income portfolios outperforming the S&P 500.... more

The Dow 10: A Dividend Stock Strategy for 2011

All signs are pointing to 2011 being a good year for the stock market. Ok, maybe not all signs, but enough to make investors fairly optimistic. It’s likely that this year investors that have remained on the sidelines since the market crash of 2008 will finally start getting back into stocks. This time around these investors are going to be more conservative and not chase the sexy growth stocks that capture most of the headlines. Fortunately for them, there are scores of great dividend stocks available with which to build a stable portfolio. Even more fortunate for them is that dividend stocks have tended to outperform the broader market indices.... more

Can Prospect Capital Build Back Earnings and Dividends to Pre-Cut Levels?

Prospect Capital (PSEC) has been making announcements at a furious clip in recent weeks. The mid-sized Business Development Company ("BDC" has issued at least 6 press releases announcing new business and capital raising developments since its latest earnings release on November 9th. At the BDC Reporter we don’t comment on every new item, but we thought it would be interesting to have a long look at what Prospect has been up to, especially as the stock price has run-up substantially during this time. BACKGROUND NOTES... more

2011 Dividend Growth Challenge: Dissecting Eight Solid Payers

Last week, I received a simple question about a stock that had a 3% growth rate on its 3% dividend yield. I was asked if many stocks filled that criteria. So I did some research and found quite a few, and so I decided to take things one step further. How many stocks if any would you expect to have a 4% dividend yield, a 4% dividend growth over both one year and five years? The answer? Eight. Not bad, right? I would certainly expect a stock that pays a 4% dividend and is able to increase it by 4% every year would be a solid addition to a passive income portfolio.... more

Why Dividends Ruin Your Returns

There are many reasons to own dividend stocks: They provide a steady (and often growing) stream of cash. They give you some security because of those regular paybacks. They instill fiscal discipline in the company's management. And, oh yeah, per countless studies, dividend stocks outperform non-dividend payers. That said, dividends can ruin your returns. I'll show you how.... more

The Most Promising Dividends in Electric Utilities

Dividend payers deserve a berth in any long-term stock portfolio. But seemingly attractive dividend yields are not always as fetching as they may appear. Let's see which companies in the electric utility industry offer the most promising dividends. Yields and growth rates and payout ratios, oh my!Before we get to those companies, though, you should understand just why you'd want to own dividend payers. These stocks can contribute a huge chunk of growth to your portfolio in good times, and bolster it during market downturns.... more

Income Boost: High-Yield Dividend Stocks Being Snapped Up by Insider Executives

All in all, 2010 proved to be a solid year for the stock market, ending on a high note carrying over into the new year. Right now, optimism is high -- but the bull market is maturing, and some may suggest it may very well be heading for a correction. So while risk-takers may feel comfortable riding the bullish tide, it may not be a bad idea to find a way to hedge your bets for 2011. Not only do dividend yielding stocks tend to be steadier and more stable than non-payers, they're especially attractive once a bull market starts showing signs of maturity.... more

United Security (UBFO) Declares 1% Stock Dividend

United Security Bancshares (Nasdaq: UBFO) reported that the Board of Directors of United Security Bancshares declared a 1st quarter 2011 stock dividend of 1%. The stock dividend will be paid to shareholders of record on January 7, 2011 and the dividend shares will be issued on January 19, 2011. The ex-dividend date is January 17, 2011.... more

Senior Housing Properties Trust (SNH) Approves Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.37 - Annual Yield 6.70%

Senior Housing Properties Trust (NYSE: SNH) announced its regular quarterly common share dividend of $0.37 per common share ($1.48 per share per year). The regular quarterly dividend will be paid to common shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 14, 2011 and distributed on or about February 11, 2011. Senior Housing Properties Trust is a real estate investment trust, or REIT, which owns independent and assisted living communities, nursing homes, rehabilitation hospitals, wellness centers and medical office buildings throughout the United States. SNH is headquartered in Newton, MA.... more