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To that end, a recent article in Forbes discussing investor emotions caught my attention. The salient takeaway from the article was:The assumption that investors are rational agents is bunk. We are not rational. We're human. Even the most brilliant investor can be swayed by emotions into making irrational decisions that result in financial loss.
This is quite easy to illustrate looking back at the last three years. Logic had very little to do with movements in most stocks. Knowing this, there are some things that long-term buy-and-hold investors can do to profit from from these irrational moves in the market.I. Dollar Cost Average In
When the market is rallying, we generally should be buying fewer shares than when it is declining. Our emotions left unchecked will lead us to do the opposite of what we should be doing. Investors are often compelled to buy when the market is rallying, then sell when it is declining. So how do we guard against this?
Dollar cost averaging [DCA] is one way. DCA is a strategy of investing equal dollar amounts on a regular basis over specific time periods. For example, you might choose to invest $2,000 each month in your income portfolio, no matter what the market is doing. This will lead to more shares being purchased when prices are low and fewer shares purchased when prices are high. The overall effect is to lower the total average cost per share of the investment, over time.II. Keep A Watch List Of Great Stocks
Unfortunately, great stocks that perform well over an extended period are noticed by the market and will often carry a premium that makes them difficult for a value-based investor to purchase. Consider these dividend stocks from near the bottom of the cycle at February 27, 2009 to the end of September 2009 (prices are on a dividend adjusted basis):
Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) $28.16 to $32.57 up 15.66% [Analysis]
Chevron Corp. (CVX) $59.01 to $69.82 up 18.31%
Pepsico, Inc. (PEP) $46.95 to $58.66 up 24.94% [Analysis]
Kimberly-Clark Corp. (KMB) $45.51 to $58.98 up 29.60% [Analysis]
The Coca-Cola Company (KO) $39.76 to $53.70 up 35.06% [Analysis]
CenturyLink, Inc. (CTL) $24.53 to $33.60 up 36.98%
3M Co. (MMM) $44.45 to $73.32 up 64.95% [Analysis]
Are these stocks 15%-65% intrinsically more valuable at the end of September compared to the end of February? I don't think so. We as investors must understand valuation and be prepared to act.III. Have a Plan and Follow It
You need to have an investment plan. More importantly you must have full confidence in your investment plan. Otherwise, you will be a slave to emotion which will lead to very undesirable results in your portfolio.
Long-term buy-and-hold dividend investors look at bear markets as their friends. It is a wonderful time to add quality companies at great prices and increase our average yield.
Full Disclosure: Long LLY, CVX, PEP, KMB, KO, CTL, MMM. See a list of all my income holdings here.(Photo Credit)
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This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net November 9, 2009.
Company Description: Community Trust Bank Corp. owns and operates Community Trust Bank, Inc. of Pikeville, KY, which provides commercial banking services in Kentucky and West Virginia; and a trust company.
Fair Value: I consider four calculations of fair value, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:
CTBI is trading at a discount to 1.), 3.) and 4.) above. The stock is trading at a 6.2% discount to its calculated fair value of $24.99. CTBI earned a Star in this section since it is trading at a fair value.
Dividend Analytical Data: In this section there are three possible Stars and three key metrics, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:
CTBI earned three Stars in this section for 1.), 2.) and 3.) above. A Star was earned since the Free Cash Flow payout ratio was less than 60% and there were no negative Free Cash Flows over the last 10 years, and another Star was earned as a result of its most recent Debt to Total Capital being less than 45%. The stock earned a Star for having an acceptable score in at least two of the four Key Metrics measured. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1950 and has increased its dividend payments for 29 consecutive years.
Dividend Income vs. MMA: Why would you assume the equity risk and invest in a dividend stock if you could earn a better return in a much less risky money market account (MMA)? This section compares the earning ability of this stock with a high yield MMA. Two items are considered in this section, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:
CTBI earned a Star in this section for its NPV MMA Diff. of the $830. This amount is in excess of the $600 target I look for in a stock that has increased dividends as long as CTBI has. The stock's current yield of 5.12% exceeds the 3.9% estimated 20-year average MMA rate.
Other: CTBI is a member of the Broad Dividend Achievers™ Index.
Conclusion: CTBI earned one Star in the Fair Value section, earned three Stars in the Dividend Analytical Data section and earned one Star in the Dividend Income vs. MMA section for a total of five Stars. This quantitatively ranks CTBI as a 5 Star-Strong Buy.
Using my D4L-PreScreen.xls model, I determined the share price would need to increase to $25.85 before CTBI's NPV MMA Differential decreased to the $600 that I like to see for a stock with 29 years of consecutive dividend increases. At that price the stock would yield 4.64%.
Resetting the D4L-PreScreen.xls model and solving for the dividend growth rate needed to generate the target $600 NPV MMA Differential, the calculated rate is 1.5%. This dividend growth rate is less than the 2.6% used in this analysis, thus providing a margin of safety. CTBI has a risk rating of 1.25 which classifies it as a low risk stock.
CTBI is an interesting stock. Its debt position and cash flow are excellent. Though revenue and earnings were down in 2008, free cash flow was up. On a trailing twelve month basis most metrics have improved since 2008. Although the stock is trading below my buy price of $24.99, I will wait for CTBI's next dividend increase (scheduled for December) before deciding to buy or not. For additional information, including the stock's dividend history, please refer to its data page.
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Recently, the following companies announced increased cash dividends:
Intel (INTC) is the world's largest manufacturer of microprocessors, the central processing units of PCs, and also produces other semiconductor products. November 16th, the company raised its quarterly dividend 12.5% to $0.1575/share. Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO commented "With one of the highest dividend yields in the technology industry, the dividend increase is another sign of our confidence in business prospects going forward." The yield based on the new payout is 3.26%.
Lancaster Colony (LANC) manufactures and markets consumer products in two segments: Specialty Foods, and Glassware and Candles. November 16th the company increased its dividend 5.3% to $0.30/share. The payable is payable December 31, 2009 to shareholders of record on December 10, 2009. The ex-dividend date is December 8. LANC is a Dividend Achiever and has increased its dividend for 47 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.41%.
Brown-Forman (BF.A) on November 16 raised its dividend 4.3% to $0.30/share. Stockholders of record on December 7, 2009 will receive the cash dividend on January 4, 2010. This is Brown-Forman's 64th consecutive year of quarterly dividends and the 26th consecutive year it has increased the annual dividend. The yield based on the new payout is 2.23%.
Sysco (SYY) is the largest U.S. marketer and distributor of foodservice products. November 17th the company boosted its dividend to $0.25/share. The dividend is payable on January 22, 2010, to common shareholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2009. The ex-dividend date is December 29, 2009. LANC is a Dividend Achiever and has increased its dividend for 39 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.66%.
Royal Gold (RGLD) is the largest U.S.-based company engaged in the acquisition and management of precious metal royalty interests. November 18th the company increased its quarterly dividend 13% to $0.09/share. The dividend is payable January 15, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 4, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 31, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 0.68%.
PennantPark (PNNT) specializes in direct and mezzanine investments in middle-market companies. November 18th the company raised its quarterly dividend 4.2% to $0.25/share.The dividend is payable on January 4, 2010 to stockholders of record as of December 24, 2009. The ex-dividend date is December 22. The yield based on the new payout is 11.96%.
Harsco (HSC) is a industrial service provider and manufacturer has operations in steel
mill services and access services, as well as construction. November 19th the company boosted it quarterly dividend for the 16th consecutive year to $0.205/share. The dividend is payable February 16, 2010 to Harsco stockholders of record as of January 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is January 13. The dividend yield on the new payout is 2.5%. LANC is a Dividend Achiever and has increased its dividend for 19 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.52%.
NSTAR (NST) was created through the 1999 merger of BEC Energy and Commonwealth Energy System. November 19th the company increased its quarterly dividend 6.7% to $0.40/share.The payable February 1, 2010 to shareholders of record as of January 8, 2010. The ex-dividend date is January 6. The yield based on the new payout is 4.98%.
Laclede Group (LG) distributes natural gas on a retail basis in St. Louis and nearby suburban areas. November 19th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.395/share. The dividend will be payable on January 4, 2010, to shareholders of record on December 11, 2009. The ex-dividend date is December 9, 2009. Yield on the dividend is 5%. The yield based on the new payout is 5.00%.
Bob Evans Farms (BOBE) owned and operated 571 Bob Evans Restaurants & 132 Mimi's Cafes. November 19th the company announced a 12.5% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.18/share. The dividend is payable on Dec. 15 to stockholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 4. The yield based on the new payout is 2.83%.
Nike (NKE) is the world's leading designer and marketer of high-quality athletic
footwear, athletic apparel, and accessories. November 19th, the company increased its quarterly dividend 8% to $0.27/share. The dividend is payable on January 4, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 7, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 1.70%.
When looking for stocks with growing dividends, longevity of consecutive increases is important. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive dividend increases, see this list.
Full Disclosure: Long INTC, SYY. See a list of all my income holdings here.
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Articles From DIV-Net Members
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When discussing investing with various people I come in contact with, the conversation always follows a similar track. Usually, one of these:
Obviously, there are some success stories, and some of them are even believable. Due to the 2008 market downturn, most people are now comfortable admitting losses because they know they are not alone. When you are losing 10% a year while the market is going up 20% a year, its harder to fess-up since you feel you are the only one losing money.Why do so few people succeed at investing?
All the pieces to answer this question were presented above. People want to succeed, but don't know how. So they try to follow someone (or something) that appears to be succeeding. A friend at work, or a talking head on a business show mentions a stock or strategy that is out performing the market, and the investor jumps on board. Unfortunately, he or she is late to the party and the run-up either stalls or reverses. Fearful of a greater loss the investor sells out and moves to the next hot stock or strategy. Eventually, they permanently exit the market or turn their money over to a professional that may, or may not, improve on their performance.A Winning Investment Strategy
People do make money in the market, but it is not by following the talking heads or a tip from a friend. Long-term success in the market is based on a sound fundamental investing strategy that the investor is so confident in, that he or she will follow it in both bull and bear markets. For me, this is a value-based dividend growth strategy. My goal is to generate a higher dividend income than the previous month through the purchase of select dividend growth stocks. Here are some of the things I look for in an investment:I. Long History Of Consecutive Dividend Increases
One indication that a company will continue to increase their dividends in the future, is a long history of consecutive dividend increases. Companies such as Dover Corp. (DOV) [Analysis], Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) [Analysis], Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) [Analysis], Emerson Electric (EMR) [Analysis] and 3M Company (MMM) [Analysis] have all increased their dividends for more than 50 years.II. Strong Free Cash Flow
Just because a company has a history of increasing its dividend each year, does not mean it will continue to do so in the future. We can't know what management is thinking, but we can look at the financial statements for clues of the sustainability of the dividend payment. Dividends are paid with cash, so the first place I look is at the company's ratio of dividends to free cash flow (free cash flow payout). As a general rule, I prefer a number less than 70%. Companies such as United Technologies Corp. (UTX) [Analysis], Nucor Corp. (NUE) [Analysis] and Aflac Inc. (AFL) [Analysis] all have free cash flow payouts of 30% or less.III. Low Debt To Total Capital Invested
The ability to generate enough cash to cover the dividend is only one part of the cash puzzle. One must ask, 'Is the cash already spoken for?' One of the larger uses for cash is in servicing debt. As a measure of debt levels, I prefer a company to limit its debt to total capital to no more than 45%. Many companies, such as Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) [Analysis], Coca Cola Co. (KO) [Analysis], Chevron Corp. (CVX) and Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP) [Analysis], operate at levels below 35% of debt to total capital.IV. Excellent Dividend Fundamentals
Not to over-state the obvious, but the company needs to be a good dividend investment. Put another way its dividend, over time, should significantly out-perform "safer" investments to compensate the investor for the equity risk. Companies such as Abbott Laboratories (ABT) [Analysis], McDonald's Corporation (MCD) [Analysis] and Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) [Analysis] all have excellent key dividend metrics.V. Trading At A Fair Value
Once we find everything we are looking for in a great dividend stock, there is one final question - 'Is the stock trading at a fair value?' Given the emotional nature of the market, a stock can be fairly priced today, over-valued tomorrow and under-valued the next day. You need to know what you are willing to pay for a stock going in. This is the area I will sometimes compromise in by paying a little more for great dividend fundamentals, but I know my limit prior to placing a buy order.
A great football coach once said 'It’s not the will to win that matters – everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters.' Investing success doesn't just happen, we must pursue it and engage it.
Full Disclosure: Long ADP, AFL, CVX, EMR, GPC, JNJ, KO, MMM, NUE, PG, UTX. See a list of all my income holdings here.(Photo Credit)
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This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net November 9, 2009.
Company Description: McDonald's Corporation is the largest fast-food restaurant company in the world. Its restaurants serve a varied, yet limited, value-priced menu in more than 100 countries around the world.
Fair Value: I consider four calculations of fair value, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:
MCD is trading at a discount to 1.), 2.) and 3.) above. The stock is trading at a 13.2% discount to its calculated fair value of $71.11. MCD earned a Star in this section since it is trading at a fair value.
Dividend Analytical Data: In this section there are three possible Stars and three key metrics, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:
MCD earned one Star in this section for 3.) above. The stock earned a Star for having an acceptable score in at least two of the four Key Metrics measured. Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15% means that dividends grew on average in excess of 15% for each consecutive 4 year period over the last 10 years (1999-2002, 2000-2003, 2001-2004, etc.) I consider this a key metric since dividends will double every 5 years if they grow by 15%. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1976 and has increased its dividend payments for 33 consecutive years.
Dividend Income vs. MMA: Why would you assume the equity risk and invest in a dividend stock if you could earn a better return in a much less risky money market account (MMA)? This section compares the earning ability of this stock with a high yield MMA. Two items are considered in this section, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:
MCD earned a Star in this section for its NPV MMA Diff. of the $18,427. This amount is in excess of the $500 target I look for in a stock that has increased dividends as long as MCD has. If MCD grows its dividend at 16.9% per year, it will take 2 years to equal a MMA yielding an estimated 20-year average rate of 3.9%. MCD earned a check for the Key Metric 'Years to >MMA' since its 2 years is less than the 5 year target.
Other: MCD is a member of the S&P 500, a Dividend Aristocrat and a member of the Broad Dividend Achievers™ Index.
Conclusion: MCD earned one Star in the Fair Value section, earned one Star in the Dividend Analytical Data section and earned one Star in the Dividend Income vs. MMA section for a total of three Stars. This quantitatively ranks MCD as a 3 Star-Hold.
Using my D4L-PreScreen.xls model, I determined the share price would need to increase to $209.72 before MCD's NPV MMA Differential decreased to the $500 that I like to see for a stock with 33 years of consecutive dividend increases. At that price the stock would yield 0.98%.
Resetting the D4L-PreScreen.xls model and solving for the dividend growth rate needed to generate the target $500 NPV MMA Differential, the calculated rate is 5.5%. This dividend growth rate is significantly less than the 16.9% used in this analysis, thus providing a margin of safety. MCD has a risk rating of 1.50 which classifies it as a low risk stock.
MCD is a stock that I have liked for many years. It has shown strong dividend growth over the last 10 years. However, its debt level and free cash flow payout have crept up to levels above what I am comfortable with. Although the stock is trading well below my buy price of $71.11, I will wait for MCD's dividend fundamentals to improve before adding to my position. For additional information, including the stock's dividend history, please refer to its data page.
Disclaimer: Material presented here is for informational purposes only. The above quantitative stock analysis, including the Star rating, is mechanically calculated and is based on historical information. The analysis assumes the stock will perform in the future as it has in the past. This is generally never true. Before buying or selling any stock you should do your own research and reach your own conclusion. See my Disclaimer for more information.
Full Disclosure: At the time of this writing, I was long in MCD (2.8% of my Income Portfolio). What are your thoughts on MCD?
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Wynn Resorts (WYNN) is involved in the design, development, financing and construction of gaming projects in Las Vegas and Macau. November 9th the company declared a special cash dividend of $4.00/share. This dividend will be payable on December 3, 2009, to stockholders of record on November 19, 2009. The stock will begin to trade ex-dividend on November 17, 2009. The company's Board of Directors also approved the commencement of a regular cash dividend program, beginning in 2010. This regular cash dividend will be $0.20 per share of common stock for the first quarter of 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.22%. Baxter (BAX) is a global medical products and services company. November 10th the company increased its quarterly dividend 12% to $0.29/share. The dividend is payable on January 5, 2010, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 10, 2009. The ex-dividend date is December 8. The yield based on the new payout is 2.02%. ADP (ADP) provides a broad range of data processing services. November 10th the company increased its quarterly dividend 3% to $0.34/share. The dividend is payable on January 1, 2010 to shareholders of record at December 11, 2009. The ex-dividend date is December 9. ADP is a Dividend Aristocrat and has increased its dividend for 34 years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.15%. Tennant (TNC) designs, manufactures, and markets cleaning solutions. November 10th the company raised its quarterly dividend 8% to $0.14/share. The dividend is payable on December 15, 2009, to shareholders of record November 30, 2009. The ex-dividend date is November 26. The yield based on the new payout is 1.90%. Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF) is a mining company produces iron ore pellets and supplies metallurgical coal to the steelmaking industry primarily in North America. November 10th the company boosted its quarterly dividend more than 100% to $0.0875/share. The dividend is payable on Dec. 1, 2009, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Nov. 20, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 0.90%. DeVry (DV) offers career-oriented degree programs, preparatory coursework for the CPA and CFA exams, and medical, veterinary, and nursing education. November 11th the company increased its dividend 25% to $0.20/share. Payable semi-annually, the next dividend payment of $0.10/share will be made on Jan. 7, 2010, to common stockholders of record as of Dec. 11, 2009. DV also announced that its board of directors authorized a third share repurchase program of $50 million to commence upon completion of the existing $50 million program. The yield based on the new payout is 0.37%. Span-America Medical (SPAN) manufactures and distributes a variety of polyurethane foam products for the medical and custom products markets. November 11th the company raised its quarterly dividend 11% to $0.10/share. The dividend is payable December 4, 2009, to shareholders of record on November 20, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 2.47%. MDU Resources (MDU) is involved in electric and natural gas distribution, natural gas storage, gathering and transmission, construction materials and mining, and oil and natural gas production. November 12th the company increased the quarterly dividend to $0.1575/share. The dividends are payable January 1, 2010 to stockholders of record December 10, 2009. The ex-dividend date is December 4, 2009. MDU is a Dividend Achiever and has increased its dividend for 18 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.87%. AmerisourceBergen (ABC) is a distributor of pharmaceutical products and related health care services. November 12 the company raised it's quarterly dividend 33% to $0.08/share. The dividend will be payable December 7, 2009, to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 23, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 1.33%. The first step for a stock to become a perfect dividend stock is to raise its dividends each and every year. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive dividend increases, see this list.
Recently, the following companies announced increased cash dividends:
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Articles From DIV-Net Members
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Not much of a chance if you let the Wall Street players define the rules. However, you might just slay the giant if you define the rules. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Jason Zweig noted that:From the point of view of an investor, all this frantic trading is just noise. In 1976, the great financial analyst Benjamin Graham declared that "the stock market resembles a huge laundry in which institutions take in large blocks of each other's washing ... without rhyme or reason." Mr. Graham died that year, but today he would laugh at the speed of the spin cycle. He would then ignore the momentary vibrations in a company's stock price and go right back to analyzing the value of its business.
Contrary to what many are now saying, buy-and-hold and investing in quality blue chip stocks is not dead. Consider the following stocks:
As an investor, you are free to choose your own time horizon. If other people want to try earning a few fractions of a penny a few thousand times a day, you should wish them well -- and refuse to join them.
Abbott Laboratories (ABT) is engaged in the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of a diversified line of healthcare products including: drugs, nutritional products, diabetes monitoring devices and diagnostics. The company has a strong new product pipeline, with possible significant launches in both the medical device and pharmaceutical areas. ABT has increased its dividend for the last 37 years and the stock is currently yielding 3.10%. See the most recent Analysis.
Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) primarily makes backup power equipment for telecom and Internet providers and users, climate control components, and electric motors. The company has a strong competitive position in several major product categories. EMR has increased its dividend for the last 52 years and the stock is currently yielding 3.20%. See the most recent Analysis.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) engages in the manufacture and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide. The company enjoys competitive advantages and has products that are largely immune from economic cycles. JNJ has increased its dividend for the last 47 years and the stock is currently yielding 3.20%. See the most recent Analysis.
3M Co. (MMM) is a diversified technology company with a presence in various businesses, including industrial & transportation, healthcare, display & graphics, consumer & office, safety, security & protection services, and electro and communications. The company has a leading position in many of the markets it serves and a strong balance sheet with a relatively little debt. MMM has increased its dividend for the last 51 years and the stock is currently yielding 2.71%. See the most recent Analysis.
PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) is a global snack and beverage company. The Company manufactures, markets and sells a range of salty, convenient, sweet and grain-based snacks, carbonated and non-carbonated beverages and foods. The company enjoys relatively stable end markets, strong cash flows, leading global market positions and trend-setting product innovations. PEP has increased its dividend for the last 37 years and the stock is currently yielding 2.87%. See the most recent Analysis.
SYSCO Corporation (SYY), through its subsidiaries, engages in the marketing and distribution of a range of food and related products primarily for foodservice industry in the United States and Canada. The company operates in a relatively stable industry, in which it has the largest market share. SYY has increased its dividend for the last 39 years and the stock is currently yielding 3.57%. See the most recent Analysis.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) is the largest retailer in North America. The company operates retail stores in various formats worldwide. It operates through three segments: Wal-Mart Stores, Sam's Club, and International. The company enjoys dominant market share positions, price leadership and strong cash flows. WMT has increased its dividend for the last 35 years and the stock is currently yielding 2.13%. See the most recent Analysis.
If your goal is to build an ever-increasing revenue stream from income investments, the above seven dividend stocks will give your income a boost over time. The key is to wait for the right entry point and let time take care of the rest.
Full Disclosure: Long ABT, EMR, JNJ, MMM, PEP, SYY, WMT. See a list of all my income holdings here.(Photo Credit)
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This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net November 2, 2009.
Company Description: Johnson & Johnson engages in the manufacture and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide.
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Recently, the following companies announced increased cash dividends:
Middlesex Water (MSEX) provides regulated water utility service in parts of New Jersey and Delaware; and also operates waste water systems. October 30th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.18/share. The dividend is payable December 1, 2009 to shareholders of record as of November 13, 2009. The ex-dividend date is November 11, 2009. MSEX is a Dividend Champion and has increased its dividend for 36 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 4.62%.
Aaron's (AAN) rents and sells residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and household appliances, and also manufactures furniture for rental and subsequent sale. November 4th the company raised its quarterly dividend 5.9% to $0.018/share. The dividend is payable January 4, 2010 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 1, 2009. The ex-dividend date is November 27. The yield based on the new payout is 0.27%.
Microchip (MCHP) supplies microcontrollers and analog and other semiconductor
products for a wide variety of high-volume embedded control applications. November 4th the company increased its quarter dividend to $0.34/share. The yield based on the new payout is 5.56%.
Universal Corp. (UVV) is the world's largest independent leaf tobacco dealer. November 5th the company raised its quarterly dividend 2.2% to $0.47/share. The dividend is payable February 9, 2010, to common shareholders of record at the close of business on January 11, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.33%.
Great companies that make excellent income investments raise their dividends each and every year. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive dividend increases, see this list.
Full Disclosure: No position in the aforementioned stocks. See a list of all my income holdings here.
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Articles From DIV-Net Members
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Understand Your Goal
What is your portfolio trying to accomplish? As odd is it may seem, many investors never define this and their overall goal. Are you buying stocks like First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc (FR) with a 22% yield, Capstead Mortgage Corporation (CMO) with a 17% yield, Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NLY) with a 16% yield or Apollo Investment Corp. (AINV) with a 12% yield? If your goal is short-term income these might work, and then again they might not.
Before buying buying any stock you should write down your investing goal and determine if purchasing that stock will bring you closer to your goal or take you further away. My goal is to generate an ever-increasing income stream from dividends. Thus, I will sacrifice some current income in favor of future growth and income stability.Understand and Measure the Risk
No stock is 100% safe. Each stock has its own set of risks that need to be considered. The stocks listed above are considered high risk. In exchange for above average current income, you may encounter above average dividend cuts and/or loss of capital.
Gauging the relative risk of one stock compared to another is important when deciding which stock to buy or how much to weight a stock within your portfolio. I prefer lower risk stocks such as Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) [Analysis], Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) [Analysis]and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) [Analysis].A Disciplined Approach
For me and my income portfolio, I have have chosen to follow a conservative and disciplined approach. This means I will seek out dividend stocks with a proven track record and good future prospects. These stocks will have a long history (10 or more years) of consecutive dividend increases, low debt, low free cash flow payout and excellent other dividend metrics. In addition, I will follow time proven valuation techniques to select an entry point that will provide a good value.Stay The Coarse
There is always a temptation to stray from a disciplined approach of selecting good dividend stocks. Often I receive questions like, 'AT&T Inc. (T) is making a fortune off the iPhone, why aren't you buying it?' or 'Kraft Foods Inc. (K) is a great consumer staple, why aren't you buying it?' The short answer is that neither currently can pass the entry exam to gain access to my income portfolio.
It is easy to become caught up with the current hot stock that everyone loves. The key to success is to buy before everyone else falls in love with it. Selecting good dividend growth stocks is not difficult, being disciplined enough to do it is difficult for many investors.
Full Disclosure: Long JNJ, PG, WMT. See a list of all my income holdings here.
(Photo Credit)
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This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net October 26, 2009.
Company Description: Courier Corporation publishes, prints and sells books. Founded in 1824, Courier has two lines of business: full-service book manufacturing and specialty publishing.
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What separates income investors from dividend investors is
Recently, the following companies announced increased cash dividends:
SouthWest Water (SWWC) provides a range of services, including water production, treatment and distribution; wastewater collection and treatment; and utility billing and collection. October 23rd the company doubled its dividend to $0.05/share. The dividend is payable on November 20, 2009, to stockholders of record on November 4, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 3.51%.
Torchmark (TMK) a financial services company that derives most of its earnings from life and health insurance operations. October 23rd the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.15/share The dividend will be paid on February 1, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.40%.
Inergy (NRGY) markets, sells and distributes propane to retail and wholesale customers. October 26th the company increased its quarterly cash distribution to $0.675/unit. The distribution will be paid on November 13, 2009, to unitholders of record as of November 6, 2009. The ex-dividend date is November 4, 2009. This represents the 32nd consecutive quarterly increase. The yield based on the new payout is 8.81%.
Bank of Marin Bancorp (BMRC) offers banking products and services via eight branches in Marin County, three in Sonoma County & a loan production office in San Francisco. October 26th the company raised its quarterly cash dividend of $0.15/share. The cash dividend is payable on November 13, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 2, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 1.79%.
Inergy Holdings, L.P. (NRGP) assets include incentive distribution rights in Inergy, LP, which operates a retail and wholesale propane supply, marketing and distribution business. October 26th the company boosted its distribution 9% to $0.85/unit. The distribution will be paid on November 13, 2009, to unitholders of record as of November 6, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 7.00%.
American Financial Group (AFG) provides specialty and multi-line property and casualty insurance, and sells tax-deferred annuities. October 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 6% to $0.1375/share. The yield based on the new payout is 2.08%.
Questar (STR) is engaged in gas and oil exploration, energy marketing, gas gathering, transportation and storage, and retail gas distribution. October 27th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.13/share. The dividend is payable Dec. 14, 2009, to shareholders of record on Nov. 20, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 1.30%.
Brandywine Realty (BDN) is a real estate investment trust owns, manages or has ownership interests in office and industrial properties aggregating some 38 million square feet. October 28th the company bumped its quarterly $0.15/share. The yield based on the new payout is 6.10%.
Strayer Education (STRA) offers academic programs via traditional classroom and online courses. October 29th the company boosted its annual dividend 67% to $3.00. The yield based on the new payout is 1.43%.
APCapital (ACAP) provides medical professional liability insurance in the U.S. October 29th the company increased its quarterly dividend 9% to $0.09/share. The dividend is payable on December 31, 2009 to shareholders of record on December 11, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 1.22%.
It is impossible to say with perfect assurance what company will become the next great dividend stock. However, I can say with a high degree of confidence that the next great one raised its dividend this year. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive dividend increases, see this list.
Full Disclosure: No position in the aforementioned stocks. See a list of all my income holdings here.
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