Mid-Year 2012 Top And Bottom Performing Dividend Stocks

Investing in dividend growth stocks is a long-term proposition. One of the beauties of following a dividend growth strategy is that you don't have to watch your portfolio or the market on a daily basis. For the most part, daily, monthly and yearly movements are just noise in the system.

3M Company (MMM) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of 3M Company (MMM). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: MMM is trading at a premium to all four valuations above. The stock is trading at a 34.0% premium to its calculated fair value of $65.39. MMM did not earn any Stars in this section.

Weekly Links: July 29, 2012

Each Sunday 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. Below are the carnivals that I participated in this week, along with a link to my article:

2012-Q2 Performance Review

After each quarter-end, I review my asset allocation and year-to-date total returns by category. The attached PDF contains my actual asset allocation as of 2012-Q2. Below is a high-level summary of the information contained in the PDF:

This Major Oil Producer Just Increased Its Dividend 40%

Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) engages in refining, transporting, and marketing petroleum products primarily in the United States. July 25th the company increased its quarterly dividend 40% to $0.35 per share. The dividend is payable Sept. 10, 2012 to shareholders of record as of the close of business Aug. 16, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.1%.

Brady Corp (BRC) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Brady Corp (BRC). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Brady Corp. operates as an international manufacturer and marketer of identification solutions and specialty products which identify and protect premises, products and people.

This Dividend Stock Sparkles Like Gold

When the price of gold increases, Newmont Mining Corp.'s (NEM) shareholders prosper. NEM engages in the acquisition, exploration, and production of gold and copper properties.

July 15th the company increased its quarterly dividend 17% to $0.35 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable on September 28, 2012, to holders of record at the close of business on September 6, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.0%.

A Simple Approach To Earn More Than 4% In Dividends

Eventually, someone else will have to manage your portfolio. Will this hand-tuned marvel you've spent a lifetime constructing collapse under a spouse or child's oversight? Now might be a good time to design a plan for your portfolio for the day when you are no longer available to call the shots.

United Technologies Corp. (UTX) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of United Technologies Corp. (UTX). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: United Technologies Corp. is an aerospace-industrial conglomerate's portfolio includes Pratt & Whitney jet engines, Sikorsky helicopters, Otis elevators, and Carrier air conditioners, among other products.

Weekly Links: July 22, 2012

Each Sunday 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. Below are the carnivals that I participated in this week, along with a link to my article:

Stanley Black & Decker Powering Up Its Dividend Yield To Over 3%

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (SWK) provides power and hand tools, mechanical access solutions, and electronic security and monitoring systems primarily in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Canada. July 18th the company increased its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.49 per share. This marks the 45th consecutive annual dividend increase for the company. The dividend is payable September 18, 2012 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 7, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.1%.

Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (APD) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (APD). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Air Products and Chemicals Inc. is a major producer of industrial gases and electronics and specialty chemicals also has interests in environmental and energy-related businesses.

5 Basic Materials Stocks With Growing 3%+ Dividends

When it comes to selecting a company to invest in, I like those that make a tangible product. Through patents, trademarks and other barriers, these companies can sometimes develop a formidable economic moat. Often times, the widest moats are found in the Basic Materials Sector.

AFLAC Incorporated (AFL) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of AFLAC Incorporated (AFL). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Aflac Incorporated provides supplemental health and life insurance in Japan (80% of earnings) and the U.S. Products are marketed at work sites and help fill gaps in primary coverage.

Weekly Links: July 15, 2012

Each Sunday 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.

June 2012 Pocket Change Portfolio Performance

The Pocket Change Portfolio (PCP) was first introduced on September 13, 2008 as a real money dividend income portfolio funded by the "pocket change" earned from my various online endeavors. Each month I report on the portfolio's progress and dividends earned.

This BDC Raised Its Monthly Dividend 5%, Now Yields 7.4%

Solar Senior Capital Ltd. (SUNS) is a business development company primarily investing in senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche, and second lien debt instruments. July 9th the company increased its monthly dividend 5% to $0.105 per share. The dividend is payable August 2, 2012 to stockholders of record on July 19, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 7.4%.

Mercury General Corp. (MCY) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Mercury General Corp. (MCY). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Mercury General Corp. is an insurance holding company, operating primarily in California, writes a full line of automobile coverage for all classifications of risk.

What To Do When A Stock Fails To Raise Its Dividend

I hate to sell a dividend growth stock. When I buy a stock, my intention is to hold it forever and enjoy its ever-growing dividend income. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way. Sometimes a things change and the stock no longer fits my criteria for inclusion in my income portfolio.

It could be a company that cuts its dividend or in some cases freezes its dividend (fails to raise its dividend at the appointed time).  Let's take a look at a two-step process designed to help us determine if we should sell a stock after a dividend freeze.

McDonald's Corporation (MCD) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of McDonald's Corporation (MCD). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: McDonald's Corporation is the largest fast-food restaurant company in the world, with about 33,500 restaurants in 119 countries.

Weekly Links: July 8, 2012

Each Sunday 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. Below are the carnivals that I participated in this week, along with a link to my article:

Dividend Income Progress Update - June 2012

Once again it is time for a goals/progress update. I am pleased to report that annualized dividend income increased in June, extending the streak to 24 consecutive months of increases after June 2010's decline. Since I began publicly tracking annualized dividend income in November 2007, it has increased in 53 of the last 55 months.

My goals were defined in this December 1, 2007 Investing Goals post and last updated in my 2012 Investing Goals post. Below is an updated version of the table found in the original post.

ConocoPhillips Co. (COP) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of ConocoPhillips Co. (COP). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: ConocoPhillips Co. is one of the largest independent oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) companies in the world, COP spun off its downstream assets in May 2012.

A Diversified Approach To International Dividends

Any investor that understands the merits of asset allocation also understands the importance of including an international allocation in their portfolio. The concept is that in "normal" times there is always a market somewhere in the world rallying. To meet my set international allocation, I have focused on the following areas within my portfolio:

Colgate-Palmolive (CL) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Colgate-Palmolive (CL). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Colgate-Palmolive Company (Colgate) is a major consumer products company markets oral, personal and household care and pet nutrition products in more than 200 countries and territories.

Weekly Links: July 1, 2012

Each Sunday 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. Below are the carnivals that I participated in this week, along with a link to my article: