Weekly Links: December 30, 2018

Each weekend I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week. Though I may not always agree with each of the articles highlighted, they will often provide an interesting argument for their position. We can take some concepts that may or may not align with our vision, then apply them to our framework, and voila, a new idea is born.

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 and the U.S. Products are marketed at work sites and help fill gaps in primary coverage.

What's Your Retirement Vision?

Where there is no vision, the people perish.
-- Proverbs 29:18

Let's look at a couple of definitions from dictionary.com:

Duke Energy (DUK) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Duke Energy (DUK). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Duke Energy Corp. merged with Progress Energy in mid-2012, and is the largest electric power holding company in the U.S., serving more than 7 million customers in six states.

6 Stocks Compounding Your Returns With Increased Dividends

Too often we take a short-term approach, to our long-term detriment. There is a reason we don't see infomercials selling dividend growth investment strategies. For those looking to get rich now, a disciplined approach to investing that focuses on the long-term simply isn't appealing. If I knew in my 20's or 30's what I know now about dividend growth stocks, I would likely be retired now. The compounding power of growing dividends is tremendous.

Below are several companies that are demonstrating the power of compounding dividends by increasing their cash dividends:

Merry Christmas 2017

On this special day...

Weekly Links: December 23, 2017

Each weekend I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week. Though I may not always agree with each of the articles highlighted, they will often provide an interesting argument for their position. We can take some concepts that may or may not align with our vision, then apply them to our framework, and voila, a new idea is born.

Consolidated Edison, Inc. (ED) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (ED). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Consolidated Edison, Inc. is an electric and gas utility holding company serves parts of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The Most Important Financial Statement When Selecting Dividend Growth Stocks

We all know what surprising the street will do to a stock's price. The street focuses on quarterly revenue, EPS, EBIT, EBITDA and margins. The income statement is where you find all the metrics that the street loves. Therefore, the income statement must be the most important financial statement... or is it?

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. is the largest U.S. retail drug chain in terms of revenues, this company operates more than 8,000 drug stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

While Some Stocks Cut Their Dividends, These 7 Stocks Raising Theirs

Most investors are not surprised when a company cuts its dividend. They see the early warning signs well in advance of the actual cut. Here are three signs that a company is heading toward a dividend cut:

1.) An abrupt or permanent shift in a company’s business model as a result of business conditions.
2.) A dividend yield that is higher than average and/or higher than others in the industry.
3.) Diminishing cash available to pay dividends.

Ultimately, the ability of a company to pay its dividend is determined by its cash position – both cash on its balance sheet and its ability to generate cash flow. Below are several companies that are NOT cutting their dividends, but instead raising them:

Weekly Links: December 9, 2017

Each weekend I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week. Though I may not always agree with each of the articles highlighted, they will often provide an interesting argument for their position. We can take some concepts that may or may not align with our vision, then apply them to our framework, and voila, a new idea is born.

Helmerich & Payne Inc. (HP) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Helmerich & Payne Inc. (HP). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Helmerich & Payne, Inc. is the holding company for Helmerich & Payne International Drilling Company, an international drilling contractor.

Stock Dividends - The Gift of Nothing

Have you ever been tempted to wrap up an empty box and give it to your spouse for your anniversary. You could say something mushy like, "this isn't an empty box, it is filled with all my love." I don't know how your spouse would react, mine would see through this ploy as me just trying to be cheap.

Meredith Corp. (MDP) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Meredith Corp. publishes a suite of magazines and websites focused on food, parents and women (e.g., Better Homes and Gardens) and operates 12 local TV stations.

7 Stocks Taking The Next Step With Higher Cash Dividends

Are you looking for companies that can sustain and grow their dividend? In making that determination, a company’s Statement of Earnings is one of the last places you should look. Cash is king for the dividend growth investor and the Statement of Cash Flows is where astute investors begin when they want to understand the viability of a company. To succeed as a dividend investor, you must find companies that can sustain and grow dividends by focusing on their ability to generate cash. You can fake earnings, but you can’t fake cash.

Below are several stocks using real cash to raise their dividends:

Weekly Links: December 9, 2017

Each weekend I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week. Though I may not always agree with each of the articles highlighted, they will often provide an interesting argument for their position. We can take some concepts that may or may not align with our vision, then apply them to our framework, and voila, a new idea is born.

D4L Premium Services' Price Will Never Be This Low Again

Since its introduction in July 2009, the D4L Premium Services has seen excellent growth in both features and subscribers. It started with the initial release of the D4L-Dashboard. Then other services were added such as Analytical Reports, D4L-Alerts, D4L-Data, D4L-Forums and the monthly D4L-Newsletter. We are constantly looking for ways to provide our subscribers with value.

Chevron Corporation (CVX) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Chevron Corporation (CVX). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Chevron Corporation is a global integrated oil company (formerly ChevronTexaco) has interests in exploration, production, refining and marketing, and petrochemicals

What's More Powerful Than Compound Interest?

Simple interest is where interest is calculated on the original principal amount and unpaid interest is not added to the principal for future calculations. Compound interest is what occurs when interest previously earned and is unpaid is added to the principle and is considered when calculating future interest - i.e. earning interest on interest. This is an extraordinarily powerful wealth building tool.

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of International Business Machines Corp. (IBM). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: IBM's global offerings include information technology services, software, computer hardware equipment, fundamental research, and related financing.

7 Stocks Giving Their Shareholders A Raise With Higher Dividends

Dividend stocks are sometimes referred to as defensive stocks since many investors flee to them in an economic downturn. Their dividends, if sustainable, provide a minimum level of positive return. This cushions the downward pressure from the market. Better yet, great dividend companies not only sustain their dividends in a downturn - they actually raise them.

Below are several stocks displaying confidence in the future by increasing their cash dividends:

Weekly Links: December 2, 2017

Each weekend I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week. Though I may not always agree with each of the articles highlighted, they will often provide an interesting argument for their position. We can take some concepts that may or may not align with our vision, then apply them to our framework, and voila, a new idea is born.

Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Automatic Data Processing Inc., one of the world's largest independent computing services companies, provides a broad range of data processing services.

Dividends vs. Stock Buybacks

With interest rates near zero, there is virtually no value created for shareholders by holding a lot of cash and this has left many companies with a desire to return the cash to shareholders. But how to return the cash has become the great debate. Dividends or stock buybacks, which method of returning cash to shareholders is superior? Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In some cases one is clearly preferable over the other.

Apple Inc. (AAPL) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Apple Inc. (AAPL). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Apple Inc. is a prominent provider of hardware including iPhone smartphones, iPad tablets, Mac computers, wearables and iPod digital media players.

7 Confident and Secure Companies Boosting Dividends

Are you confident and secure in your investing process? It appears many people are not, including friends, family and acquaintances who jump in and out of the market. I believe that most investors will lose money in the stock market over their lifetime.

It is not that the market is a bad place to invest your money, but left unchecked the psychology of the market will lead you to do just the opposite of what you should to be doing. We must follow a process we are 100% confident in. Doubt is the gateway to destructive behavior. For me, dividend growth investing is what I am confident and secure in.

Below are several companies confident and secure enough in their business to increase their cash dividends:

Weekly Links: November 25, 2017

Each weekend I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week. Though I may not always agree with each of the articles highlighted, they will often provide an interesting argument for their position. We can take some concepts that may or may not align with our vision, then apply them to our framework, and voila, a new idea is born.

Kimberly-Clark Co. (KMB) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Kimberly-Clark Co. (KMB). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Kimberly Clark Corp. is a global consumer products company producing tissue, personal care and health care brands include Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex, Depend, Kleenex, and Scott.

Happy Thanksgiving 2017!

Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S. On this day most Americans reflect on all that they have been blessed with and give thanks for it. As an investor in dividend growth stocks, there are many things to be thankful for this year, including a wonderful family, friends and a country that allows me to pursue my dreams.

5 Lessons Learned About Investing In Dividend Growth Stocks

On December 11, 2003, I purchased my first dividend stock. Granted my motives were not pure, nor did I have a clue as to what I was doing. Prior to that I had always been an aggressive growth investor. During my investing years, I have learned many things. However, I would rank these 5 lessons as the most important:

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Microsoft Corporation (MSFT). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Microsoft, the world's largest software company, develops PC software, including the Windows operating system and the Office application suite.

7 Stocks Increasing Shareholder Wealth With Higher Dividends

Dividend growth investing is a long-term strategy. A growing dividend is a sign that the company is becoming more valuable. Companies that consistently increase dividends tend to have steadily rising share prices and the best way to benefit from this is to buy and hold the stocks. Diversification and a focus on blue-chip stocks provides insurance for the few companies that don't pan out.

Here are several companies compounding their shareholder's wealth with increased cash dividends:

Weekly Links: November 18, 2017

Each weekend I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week. Though I may not always agree with each of the articles highlighted, they will often provide an interesting argument for their position. We can take some concepts that may or may not align with our vision, then apply them to our framework, and voila, a new idea is born.

Raytheon Company (RTN) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Raytheon Company, the world's fifth largest military contractor, specializes in making high-tech missiles, advanced radar systems and sensors, defense electronics, and missile-defense systems.

4 High Rated, Lower Debt Dividend Stocks With A Reasonable Payout

New income investors naturally focus on yield, but the highest yielding stocks aren't always the best investments. To find the very best dividend growth stocks an investor must identify companies that will not just sustain their dividends, but increase them every year. To find these jewels in the rough, there are two very important things the investor must look for.

Pepsico, Inc. (PEP) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Pepsico, Inc. (PEP). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: PepsiCo, Inc. is a major international producer of branded beverage and snack food products.

7 Stocks Enticing Investors With Higher Dividends

The goals of an income portfolio are much different than those of a capital appreciation portfolio. The good news is an income portfolio consisting of quality dividend growth stocks can not only succeed, but excel during a market downturn. Dividend investors are focused on building a stream of steadily rising income from solid companies. While some panic when their portfolios decline, income investors see a downturn as an incredible buying opportunity as they are look for sustainable growing dividends.

Below are several stocks trying to entice investors with higher cash dividends:

Weekly Links: November 11, 2017

Each weekend I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week. Though I may not always agree with each of the articles highlighted, they will often provide an interesting argument for their position. We can take some concepts that may or may not align with our vision, then apply them to our framework, and voila, a new idea is born.

Phillips 66 (PSX) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Phillips 66 (PSX). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Phillips 66, spun off from ConocoPhillips in 2012, is one of the largest independent refiners and marketers of petroleum products in the U.S.

8 High-Yielding Mega-Cap Stocks

There is perceived safety in size. Giant corporations aren't randomly grown. Instead, they are carefully built through superior management and foresight. Often these are more mature companies that also offer stability and predictability, usually at the expense of dynamic growth. These are your mega-cap stocks.

The Coca-Cola Company (KO) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Coca-Cola Company (KO). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest soft drink company, and also has a sizable fruit juice business.

7 Dividend Stocks Building Shareholder Returns With Higher Dividends

It's human nature for new income investors to focus on yield. Many eventually learn that above average yields often carry an above average risk of a dividend cut, loss of invested capital or both. People involved in extreme sports/hobbies, such as base jumping, hang gliding and shark diving, do things to minimize risk and protect themselves. In much the same way those investing in dividend stocks, can do certain things to increase their chance of success. One method is to focus on stocks the consistently increase their dividends.

Below are several stocks building shareholder returns with higher dividends:

Weekly Links: November 4, 2017

Each weekend I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week. Though I may not always agree with each of the articles highlighted, they will often provide an interesting argument for their position. We can take some concepts that may or may not align with our vision, then apply them to our framework, and voila, a new idea is born.

General Mills, Inc. (GIS) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of General Mills, Inc. (GIS). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: General Mills, Inc. is a major producer of packaged consumer food products company that produces cereal, yogurt and Betty Crocker desserts/baking mixes.

Dividend Investors Should Focus On Stocks, Not The Market

The election may be settled, but investors fears are not. When Trump was first elected, the market plunged on worries of what he would do.  Since then the markets have gone up and down based on what crazy news story came out that day, but the overriding direction has been up over the last year. Is it a stock market, or a yo-yo?

Genuine Parts Company (GPC) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Genuine Parts Company (GPC). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Genuine Parts Co. is a leading wholesale distributor of automotive replacement parts, industrial parts and supplies, and office products.

6 Stocks Raising Dividends and Expectations

I am not a stock trader; I am a dividend and value based long-term buy-and-hold investor. When I add a stock to my dividend portfolio, it is my intention to hold the stock forever. I am not smart enough to time the daily gyrations of the stock market. When stock prices start dropping, our primal instinct of flight kicks in and we want to sell. In many cases that is the time to be buying. However, sometimes selling a stock is the right thing to do. In determining when to sell a dividend stock, I have one hard and fast rule: When an individual stock held as a dividend investment lowers its dividend, immediately sell it.

Below are several companies making the case not to be sold by raising their cash dividends:

Weekly Links: October 28, 2017

Each weekend I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week. Though I may not always agree with each of the articles highlighted, they will often provide an interesting argument for their position. We can take some concepts that may or may not align with our vision, then apply them to our framework, and voila, a new idea is born.

Sysco Corporation (SYY) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Sysco Corporation (SYY). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Sysco Corporation is a large distributor of food and related products, primarily to the foodservice or food-away-from-home industry.

The Secret Ingredient of Dividend Growth Stocks

When people learn that I am an income investor it is not uncommon for them to ask why I invest in stocks instead of  other "safer" alternatives such as bonds, high yield money market accounts [MMA] or certificates of deposits [CD]. I generally start with my short answer of, "Dividend stocks have a secret ingredient that makes them a much more desirable investment."