Including High Income Stocks in a Dividend Growth Portfolio

Most of my articles on dividend investing contain a fair bit of warning about the dangers of high dividend stocks. This has caused several readers to question whether I should include high yielding stocks in their portfolios or not. In this article I would try to explain the advantages and disadvantages of these securities, and let readers decide for themselves whether they suit their investment objectives.First, I find stocks with above average yields helpful for retirees or future retirees who expect to start living off dividends up to the next 10 years. While dividend growth stocks are a great investment vehicle for the long run, it might take some time for them to start generating a sufficient yield on cost. For example it might take over a decade for a stock like Wal-Mart (WMT) with... more

FIS Declares $0.05 Quarterly Dividend;

FIS (NYSE: FIS) announced a regular quarterly dividend of $0.05 per common share, $0.20 annualized. The dividend is payable December 31, 2010, to shareholders of record as of the close of business December 17, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 15, 2010. Yield on the dividend is 0.7%.... more

16 Dividend Stocks That Aren't Just a Passing Fad

It seems nowadays that every investing article ends with the same conclusion - you should be buying dividend stocks. They are all quoting studies citing the performance edge that dividends have enjoyed over the long-term and the value of a semi-fixed return generated from periodic dividend payments. However, you should beware of some of the information provided. Beyond the simple concepts, some of the writers are making really bad recommendations and cross-breeding dividend investing with their preferred form of investing.... more

Global Partners (GLP) Increases Quarterly Dividend 1.5% to $0.495; Yields

Global Partners LP (NYSE: GLP) has declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.495 per unit, $1.98 annualized. The distribution is a 1.5% increase over the previous annualized rate of $1.95. The distribution will be paid November 12, 2010 to unitholders of record as of the close of business November 3, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 1, 2010. Yield on the dividend is 7.8%.... more

Seeking Yield in BDCs: Why We Chose MVC Over Blackrock Kelso

Business development companies (BDCs) are an interesting sector for investors seeking some incremental yield. BDCs finance middle market companies with anything from senior secured debt to common equity. They are not subject to corporate income tax as long as their investments are with companies under $500 million in revenue. The constant complaint that small businesses cannot get financing from banks should make today’s environment a good one.... more

EarthLink (ELNK) Declares $0.16 Quarterly Dividend; 7.4% Yield

EarthLink, Inc. (Nasdaq: ELNK) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock in the amount of $0.16 per share, $0.64 annualized. The dividend is to be paid on December 22, 2010 to shareholders of record on December 8, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 6, 2010. Yield on the dividend is 7.4%.... more

First Horizon (FHN) Declares 1.1822% Quarterly Stock Dividend

First Horizon National Corp.'s (NYSE: FHN) board of directors has approved distribution to common shareholders of a quarterly dividend payable in common stock at the rate of 1.8122%. The dividend will be distributed on January 1, 2011, to holders of record on December 10, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 8, 2010.... more

Algonquin Power: Turning the Corner May Lead to Dividend Growth

Algonquin Power and Utilities (AQN.TO - C$4.70, AQUNF.PK - $4.61) is a small-cap Canadian electric generation company focused on renewable, clean power and water utilities. The company manages a billion dollars in utility assets in the US and Canada. Expansion into California and rate increases in their water utilities should positively impact cash flow. While the first half of ’10 generated lower earnings, the second half of ’10 should be an improvement. Algonquin owns 60 electric generation facilities in Canada and the US, comprising of 47 hydro-electric, 12 thermo-electric, and 1 wind farm. In addition, AQN operates 19 water utilities in Illinois, Arizona, and Texas. About 50% of revenues are derived from renewable facilities, 25% from water utilities, 18% from thermo-generation... more

Altera (ALTR) Posts Q3 EPS of $0.69, Tops by 4c; Declares $0.06 Quarterly Dividend; 0.8% Yield; Sees Sequential Sales Growth of 3 - 6%

Altera (Nasdaq: ALTR) reports Q3 EPS of $0.69, 4 cents better than the analyst estimate of $0.65. Revenue for the quarter was $527.5 million, which compares to the estimate of $525.98 million. Altera's board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share payable on December 1, 2010 to stockholders of record on November 10, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 8, 2010. Yield on the dividend is 0.8%. Sees sequential sales growth of 3% - 6%.... more

B&G Foods (BGS) Declares $0.17 Quarterly Dividend; 6.1% Yield

B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE: BGS) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share of common stock, $0.68 annualized. The dividend will be payable on January 31, 2011 to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 29, 2010. Yield on the dividend is 6.1%.... more