* Next Week on the D4L Channel...

It's a chemical and it is sticky! He has invaded the world via our workplace and he is slowly finding his way into our homes. And he has a friend that is shocking and electrifying. He too wants in your workplace and in your home, but he doesn't quite travel as well as his sticky friend. Will they succeed in finding a spot in my dividend portfolio? Stay tuned...

* Dividend Stocks In the News: August 30, 2008

It is well-documented that a significant portion of the historical equity returns are a result of reinvested dividends. In Triumph of the Optimists: 101 Years of Global Investment Returns (2002), the authors looked at equity returns from capital gains and dividends from 1900 to 2000. They determined that performance in any given year was driven by capital appreciation, but long-term returns were largely the result of reinvested dividends.

* Weekly Links: Carnivals & Articles - August 29, 2008

Each Friday I highlight the Carnivals I participated in over the past week, along with any notable articles that I came across. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

* Are You Creating Your Greatest Missed Opportunity?

Each month the Wealth, Money & Life Network chooses a topic for that month's theme. Since our members are a diverse group, the selected topic is usually broad, allowing each of us an opportunity to address it from our perspective. This month, Missed Opportunities was selected as our topic.

When most people hear the phrase "missed opportunities" they tend to reflect on past events and what could have been. By nature I am forward looking, so "missed opportunities" for me is the present and the future.

At some point in the future will we look back on our actions today and refer to them as our greatest missed opportunity? There is a lot of fear today. Fuel prices have soared driving up the prices of everything that is transported. The economy is slowing and some fear that they may lose their jobs. Many are posturing themselves in a defensive stance, moving money out of equities into cash and bonds. With that, consider the following stocks (data as of mid-day 8/27/08):

AFLAC Inc (AFL): Its average P/E and dividend yield between 1998 and 2007 was 18.8 and 0.95%, respectively. It is currently trading with a P/E of 14.8 and a dividend yield of 1.79%.

BB&T Corporation (BBT): Its average P/E and dividend yield between 1998 and 2007 was 15.8 and 3.30%, respectively. It is currently trading with a P/E of 9.1 and a dividend yield of 6.66%.

Consolidated Edison, Inc. (ED): Its average P/E and dividend yield between 1998 and 2007 was 14.5 and 5.47%, respectively. It is currently trading with a P/E of 10.0 and a dividend yield of 5.69%.

General Electric (GE): Its average P/E and dividend yield between 1998 and 2007 was 25.4 and 2.24%, respectively. It is currently trading with a P/E of 13.2 and a dividend yield of 4.39%.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): Its average P/E and dividend yield between 1998 and 2007 was 23.9 and 1.77%, respectively. It is currently trading with a P/E of 17.1 and a dividend yield of 2.60%.

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW): Its average P/E and dividend yield between 1998 and 2007 was 22.0 and 0.37%, respectively. It is currently trading with a P/E of 14.0 and a dividend yield of 1.38%.

Sysco Corp (SYY): Its average P/E and dividend yield between 1998 and 2007 was 26.4 and 1.48%, respectively. It is currently trading with a P/E of 17.4 and a dividend yield of 2.79%.

By most measures, many blue-chip stocks are trading at a historical discount. Are you going to buy now or pay full-price or a premium price later? Unlike the perpetual going-out-of-business sale at the local furniture store, this sale will end suddenly and without warning.

Tags: [AFL] [BBT] [ED] [GE] [JNJ] [LOW] [SYY]

* Stock Analysis: Target Corp (TGT)

Linked here is a PDF copy of my detailed analysis of Target Corp. (TGT). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

* Investing Carnival #9

It is with great pleasure that I present to you the ninth edition of Investing Carnival supported by the members of The Dividend Investing and Value Network (The DIV-Net).

* Stock Analysis: Walgreen Co (WAG)

This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net August 18, 2008.

Linked here is a PDF copy of my detailed analysis of Walgreen Co (WAG). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

* Coming Up on the D4L Channel

It is going to be an action-fill week! Monday, with our backs to the wall, we go eye-to-eye with your neighborhood pill peddler. Tuesday, the D4L Channel is throwing party. Many are coming and bringing gifts for you, the viewers. Sometimes we miss the mark, but this Wednesday I guarantee you we will hit the bullseye.

* Dividend Stocks In the News: August 23, 2008

You can't spend earnings. At first glance, this probably seems like an odd statement, possibly even incorrect. However, it is not only correct, but an important investing axiom for any type of investor. Let me explain. Earnings are that which is derived from the exchange of a product, service or other, less associated expenses. Ultimately, it is our desire that earnings are converted to something that can be spent, such as cash. Cash flow is what ultimately drives the value of any financial asset.

* Weekly Links: Carnivals & Articles - August 22, 2008

Each Friday I highlight the Carnivals I participated in over the past week, along with any notable articles that I came across. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

* My Bottom 5 Stocks

Earlier this week we looked at my top 5 high fliers for 2008. Unfortunately, for every up, there is a down and that is certainly true for my portfolio. As before, we will look at results through July 31, 2008. Here they are my cellar dwellers with comments:

* Stock Analysis: Chevron Corporation (CVX)

Linked here is a PDF copy of my detailed analysis of Chevron Corporation (CVX) (alt.1, alt.2). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

* My Top 5 Stocks

Now that more than half the year is behind us, I thought it would be interesting to look at my top 5 performers through July 31, 2008. As dismal as the stock market has been this year, there are still some bright spots. One bright spot is that my top five performers have all achieved double-digit positive total returns since I owned them and positive returns in 2008. Here they are with comments:

* Stock Analysis: Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (APD)

This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net August 11, 2008.

Linked here is a PDF copy of my detailed analysis of Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (APD) (alt.1, alt.2). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

* Competition Week on the D4L Channel

A lot of medals are being won in Beijing, but that is not the only place where competition is happening. Next week on the D4L Channel, we're going to give out the gold and the coal. We have five gold medals and five lumps of coal. On Tuesday we go for the gold in the portfolio press. Then on Thursday's the laggards duke it out in the consolation round. Which stocks get the gold and which stocks get the coal? Only one way to find out, stay tuned...

* Updated Dividend Stock Pre-Screen Model

Last Updated: August 22, 2009

In January 2008 I released my Dividend Stock Pre-Screen Model. Since then I've modified the model several times to add additional functionality, correct bugs and update annual information such as the default MMA Yield. The updated model is linked on the Excel Models page as D4L-PreScreen.xls.

* Weekly Links: Carnivals & Articles - August 15, 2008

Welcome to the August 15th version of my Weekly Links where I highlight the Carnivals I participated in over the past week, along with any notable articles that I came across. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

* Dividend Stocks In the News: August 14, 2008

In a down-market when many people are rushing to buy gold, I already have mine. No, not that kind, but something much better! A growing stream of dividend income from solid companies. While everyone else is panicked about their portfolio's decline, I see a downturn as an incredible buying opportunity. Below are several select companies that recently announced dividend increases:

* Stock Analysis: Family Dollar Stores Inc. (FDO)

Linked here is a PDF copy of my detailed analysis of Family Dollar Stores Inc. (FDO) (alt.1, alt.2). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

* Stock Analysis: Stanley Works (SWK)

This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net August 4, 2008.

Linked here is a PDF copy of my detailed analysis of Stanley Works (SWK) (alt.1, alt.2). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

* Wealth, Money & Life Carnival - August 2008 Edition

Welcome to the August 2008 edition of the Wealth, Money and Life carnival! Dividends4Life is proud to be your host this month.

* Tomorrow on the D4L Channel...

It's massive; it is still growing and there is no stopping it now. From it's humble beginnings just a few months ago, it has now enticed and lured hundreds with its excitement and carnival-like atmosphere. Are you one of them? Time's running out.

* The MMA Rate Mystery Solved

Of all the Excel models, investing concepts, cash flow theories presented on Dividends4Life, none have been as misunderstood or caused more confusion than the money market account (MMA) rate. I have received many comments and emails inquiring about the rate. Most went something like "4.61%, are you out of your mind? Would you tell me where you found a MMA paying 4.61%?"

* Weekly Links: Carnivals & Articles - August 8, 2008

Each Friday I highlight the Carnivals I participated in over the past week, along with any notable articles that I came across. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

* Dividend Stocks In the News: August 7, 2008

It is very easy for a CEO to get on a conference call and talk about confidence in the future while communicating glowing projections, but do they really believe what they are saying? Are there any actions that would make you believe what they are saying? Senior management purchasing company stock is a strong indicator of confidence in the future. Another indicator is sticking with a dividend plan, including regular increases. Below are several select companies that recently announced dividend increases:

* Stock Analysis: M&T Bank Corporation (MTB)

Linked here is a PDF copy of my detailed analysis of M&T Bank Corporation (MTB) (alt.1, alt.2). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

* There is Value to be Found in the P/B Ratio

These are the days that value and dividend investors long for. There have been times in the past where I struggled to find stocks worthy of purchasing. Now, the challenge is to pick the best available stocks that will maximize my chances of future success.

* Stock Analysis: Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB)

This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net July 28, 2008.

Linked here is a PDF copy of my detailed analysis of Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) (alt.1, alt.2). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

* This Week on the D4L Channel...

Monday, we begin the week with a classic horror flick. They want you, more specifically, they want your bodily fluids and they are prepared to collect it. They have devices designed for each of your major orifices to collect the fluid and they are not afraid to do it.

* Progress Update - July 2008

Once again it is the first Saturday of the month, so it is time for a goals/progress update. Like June, July left me glad that I am a dividend investor. Annualized dividend income has increased every month since I began tracking it in November 2007. It is good that I am running well ahead of my 2008 goal because I am beginning to sense a few dividend cuts coming down the pipe. At this point, it would take a major melt-down for me not to meet my goal. Now onto the numbers.

* Weekly Links: Carnivals & Articles - August 1, 2008

Each Friday I highlight the Carnivals I participated in over the past week, along with any notable articles that I came across. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.