Southern Company (SO) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Southern Company is an Atlanta-based energy holding company and is one of the largest producers of electricity in the U.S.

Merry Christmas 2018

On this special day...

7 Stocks Giving The Gift of Dividend Growth

Christmas is a time of giving. Families and loved-ones give gifts to each other. Many people give money to the needy and charities, while others give their time to help those that are not quite as fortunate. It seems that everyone is involved in giving this time of year, even corporations. Dividend growth stocks give a gift that keeps on giving - ever increasing dividends!

Here are several companies sharing their holiday spirit by giving their shareholders a gift of increased cash dividends:

Waste Management, Inc. (WM) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Waste Management Inc. is the largest U.S. trash hauling/disposal concern.

How To Buy Dividend Stocks At The Bottom

Everyone loves a deal and loves getting something at a rock bottom price. Dividend investors are no different. However, as long-term buy-and-hold investors, we aren't known for our ability (or desire) to time the market and call the bottom. That's not to say we can't enjoy the benefits of buying at the bottom. So, how does a long-term buy-and-hold investor accomplish this?

7 Stocks Building Wealth With Dividend Increases

Have you ever wondered just where are all the get-rich-now infomercial millionaires? I know several people who have purchased one or more of these get-rich-now kits, but I don't know of anyone who actually got rich from purchasing the kit. Warren Buffett and Bill Gates didn't build their fortunes with a get-rich-now kit. They worked hard built it steadily over time.

In much the same way, a disciplined approach to investing, such as dividend growth stocks, can be highly effective. Though it may seem boring to many, I find it exciting to see my income growing as the finish line approaches.

Below are several companies building their shareholders' wealth with increased cash dividends:

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 35,000 restaurants in 119 countries.

8 Stocks That Have Paid Dividends Since The 1800s

Over the last several years some companies have chosen to not raise their dividends, while others decided to cut their dividend and a few even decided to stop paying a dividend. In some cases their financials did not warrant the change. As investors in dividend growth stocks, we want to look for companies with a positive dividend culture.

7 Stocks Building Wealth With Dividend Increases

Have you ever wondered just where are all the get-rich-now infomercial millionaires? I know several people who have purchased one or more of these get-rich-now kits, but I don't know of anyone who actually got rich from purchasing the kit. Warren Buffett and Bill Gates didn't build their fortunes with a get-rich-now kit. They worked hard built it steadily over time.

In much the same way, a disciplined approach to investing, such as dividend growth stocks, can be highly effective. Though it may seem boring to many, I find it exciting to see my income growing as the finish line approaches.

Below are several companies building their shareholders' wealth with increased cash dividends:

Emerson Electric Co. (EMR) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Emerson Electric Co. designs and supplies product technology, and delivers engineering services and solutions to a wide range of industrial, commercial and consumer markets around the world.

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 and the monthly D4L-Newsletter. We are constantly looking for ways to provide our subscribers with value.

5 High-Yielding Dividend Aristocrats Not Afraid to Raise Their Dividends

The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats is the most recognized list of dividend stocks. The Dividend Aristocrats index is designed to measure the performance of S&P 500 constituents that have followed a policy of consistently increasing dividends every year for at least 25 consecutive years.

7 Stocks Increasing Dividends For A Rainy Day

Life often deals us difficult circumstances to work through at what seems to be the most inopportune time. During economic downturns, many people lose their jobs at a time when companies aren't hiring. When things like this happen, those with an alternative income, including dividend growth stocks, are in a better position to deal with the circumstances thrust on them.

Below are several companies increasing their dividends and in turn better preparing their shareholders for a financial rainy day:

Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Cisco Systems, Inc. offers a complete line of routers and switching products that connect and manage communications among local and wide area computer networks employing a variety of protocols.

3 Exceptional Dividend Growth Stocks With Quality Financials

Any master architect will tell you the key to a quality structure is its foundation. Solid buildings have firm foundations. The more solid the foundation, the less likely the building will suffer damage from storms, earthquakes, or settling of the earth. In much the same way, the foundation of solid Dividend Growth Stocks are their financials. Here's what to look for when evaluating a dividend stock's financials...

6 Stocks Beating Inflation With Higher Dividends

Investing in dividend growth stocks is not about buying a current high yield, but instead building a high yield-on-cost over time. One of the criticisms I sometimes is, "That low yield isn't even covering inflation." This is a very valid concern, if true. The way many low yielding stocks yields compensate for inflation is by growing their dividend well in excess of the inflation rate.

Below are several companies building an inflation hedge for their shareholders by increasing their cash dividends:

Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Lockheed Martin Corp., the world's largest military weapons manufacturer, is also a significant supplier to NASA and other non-defense government agencies. LMT receives about 93% of its revenues from global defense sales.

Three Keys For Successful Dividend Growth Investing

To ensure a retirement that is free from financial concerns, there are certain things that must be done today. For many people this is not a desirable task. However, building a secure future by investing in quality dividend stocks is neither complicated nor overly burdensome. Below are three simple keys that will help you become a better investor:

7 Stocks Meeting Their Shareholders' Goal With increased Dividends

I have stated many times that my goal is to create an ever growing income stream from dividend growth stocks. Secondarily, it is my desire to beat the S&P 500 over time. With that said, I rarely look at the capital performance of individual stocks. What I do watch is the ability of the stocks I own to sustain their dividend growth.

This week several companies met their shareholders' goal of higher income with increased cash dividends:

Weekly Links: November 17, 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.

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.

Are You Patient Enough To Be Wealthy? These 6 Dividend Stocks Will Help You Wait

For most people fortunate enough to be born in the U.S., or any other industrialized country, they have access to the two main ingredients to achieve financial success: 1. Opportunity and 2. Time. Unfortunately, very few people are able to take advantage of the situation enough to even build a secure retirement. Here are some of the reasons people fail, and what you can do to not fall into that group...

7 These Stocks Paying You Back With Higher Cash Dividends

Payback is the amount of time needed for an investment to earn its cost, undiscounted. Though not very sophisticated, payback can still help you screen for good, solid dividend growth stocks. Once you earn back your investment, some might say you are in a no-lose situation. I wouldn’t go quite that far, but you have found an investment that has provided you a good historical revenue stream, and hopefully it will continue to do so in the future.

Below are several dividend stocks that recently rewarded their shareholders with increased cash dividends:

Weekly Links: November 10, 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.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the largest retailer in the world, operating a chain of over 10,000 discount department stores, wholesale clubs, supermarkets and supercenters.

5 Dividend Stocks With A Quick Payback

Payback is the amount of time needed for an investment to earn its cost, undiscounted. For example, if you buy a dividend stock for $100 that pays a $5 annual dividend, the payback is 20 years (100/5). Though not very sophisticated, payback can still help you screen for good, solid dividend growth stocks.

7 Stocks Sending More Cash To Shareholders With Higher Dividends

Any income investor will tell you that it is important for a company to sustain its dividend. However, as an investor in dividend growth stocks, it is not enough to simply sustain the dividend – we want to own companies that are capable of sustained dividend growth. Needless to say, this is a little more difficult to accomplish, but well-worth the time to find companies that can deliver on this expectation.

Below are several companies growing their dividend and sending more cash to their shareholders:

Weekly Links: November 3, 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.

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.

3 High-Rated Dividend Stocks With Above Target Returns

It doesn't take a genius to determine that most dividend stocks are now trading in excess of their calculated fair value. However, capital appreciation is not the primary reason for investing in dividend stocks. Dividend fundamentals are what drive my purchase decision, and if I could only look at one metric it would be the Net Present Value of the Money Market Differential (NPV MMA Diff.)

7 Stocks Building Deferred Gratification With Increased Dividends

Deferred gratification is a principle where one or more people choose to postpone near-term benefits in order to enhance their chances of greater benefits in the future. In our microwave society marked by the ‘I want it now’ attitude, it is unusual to find someone willing to wait. However, deferred gratification is essential for anyone wanting to build wealth and is a key ingredient in a successful dividend investing strategy.

Below are several stocks building future gratification through with the promise of higher cash dividends:

Weekly Links: October 27, 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.

Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Costco Wholesale Corporation operates over 650 membership warehouses in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, the U.K., Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain, and Australia.

2 Dividend Stocks For Healthy and Wealthy Retirement

Americans are worried that they might not have enough money for retirement. Women who outlive their husbands are at special risk, with 40 percent of widows living almost exclusively on Social Security. There are a lot of worried retirees out there.

According to WebMD excessive worrying can lead to suppression of the immune system, digestive disorders, muscle tension, short-term memory loss, premature coronary artery disease and heart attack. This isn't the way to spend our golden years. Here are some things we can do about it today for a healthy and wealthy retirement tomorrow...

7 Stocks Pumping Up Their Yield With Increased Dividends

There are income investors and Dividend Growth investors. While the distinction is rather simple, it slips past many casual observers. Income investors are investing for maximum current income, while dividend growth investors are looking to maximize income over an extended period of time — usually sacrificing current income for potential greater future earnings. Unlike fixed income investments, a growing dividend means a growing yield on cost.

This week several companies pumped up their shareholders' yield by increasing their cash dividends:

Weekly Links: October 20, 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.

Medtronic Inc. (MDT) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Medtronic Inc. is a global medical device manufacturer with leadership positions in the pacemaker, defibrillator, orthopedic, diabetes management and other medical markets.

4 High-Yielding Utilities With A Growing Dividends

Long considered the domain of “widows and orphans”, utilities have developed a somewhat stodgy reputation. Why are utilities considered good for widows and orphans?

Here a few reasons: 1. They are generally less volatile than the market as a whole (low beta). 2. Their products are something that people continue to need and use no matter what the economy is doing, thus, 3. Their dividends tend to be more stable and secure.

7 Dividend Stocks Building Shareholder Returns With Higher Dividends

Over time, a conservative dividend growth based investment strategy usually does quite well versus the market as a whole. My goal as a dividend growth stocks investor is to build a steadily increasing income and not necessarily to outperform the market via capital gains. But given the choice, I certainty don't mind having both.

Below are several dividend stocks building shareholder returns with higher cash dividends:

Weekly Links: October 13, 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.

Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Wells Fargo & Company (WFC). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Wells Fargo & Company, with March 31 assets of $1.85 trillion, is the fourth largest U.S. bank, by global assets, but has the largest U.S. lending footprint.

10 Dividend Stocks With A 10%+ Dividend Growth Rate

The difference between an income investor and a dividend growth investor is time and the understanding of how compound growth works. If you are 67 years old and need income today, you will likely select a different group of stocks than an enlightened 27 year old that doesn't necessarily need the income today. The 27 year old has the luxury of time to grow a superior yield, while the 67 year old may be forced to assume additional risk to buy a higher current yield.

6 Stocks Raising The Dividend Growth Bar

A stock with a high yield doesn’t mean much if the dividend is cut or eliminated, and the stock price declines significantly. Sometimes it is desirable to accept higher risk for a higher yield. Other times we may be accepting higher risk and are not being adequately compensated for the additional risk. One measure of dividend sustainability is the ability of management to consistently raise their dividends each year.

Below are several companies raising the dividend growth bar one year by increasing cash dividends paid to their shareholders:

Weekly Links: October 6, 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.

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.

3 Styles Of Successful Dividend Investing

There are certainly many ways to categorize the different styles of investing in dividend stocks, including yield, risk, growth, etc. An investment strategy based on any of these could be successful, if implemented within the framework well-crafted plan. Over the years, I have found that most dividend investing styles fall into one of the three major categories listed below:

7 Companies Showing Confidence With Increased Dividends

A person’s character is determined by how they behave when no one else is looking and during difficult times. In much the same way, we can learn a lot about a company’s management when they face adversity. One metric I look at closely during a downturn is cash generation relative to earnings. The ability of a company to grow its dividend throughout the economic cycle is highly dependent on the management’s ability to generate cash in a downturn.

Below are several select companies with a management confident enough to increase their cash dividends:

Weekly Links: September 29, 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.

Building Yield: 6 Consumer Goods Dividend Stocks

Demand for household and personal care products is generally stable and not affected by changes in the economy or other factors. There are certain things people will continue to purchase no matter how bad the economy gets. If you lose your job, you probably won’t stop bathing, washing your clothes, brushing your teeth or stop buying toilet paper. Given the relatively low price of most consumer goods, consumers often prefer to pay a few pennies more for a name brand that they are confident with.

Weekly Links: September 22, 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.