Merry Christmas 2019

On this special day...

7 Stocks Delivering More Cash With Higher Dividends

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. So, what are your retirement plans? Quality low-risk dividend growth stocks make an excellent addition to our retirement portfolio, and the good news is, you don’t have to wait until you retire to figure out what income it will generate.

Below are several companies delivering More cash to their shareholders by raising their dividends:

AT&T Inc. (T) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: AT&T Inc. (formerly SBC Communications) provides telephone and broadband service and holds full ownership of AT&T Mobility.

All Investments Carry Risk

What is your financial goal? If it is to accumulate wealth for a comfortable retirement, then there is no risk-free path. Throughout time every angle has been tried and failed. However, some approaches carry less risk than others. Let's consider some of the popular paths...

7 Stocks Sending More Cash To Shareholders With Increased Dividends

If your goal is to accumulate wealth for a comfortable retirement, then there is no risk-free path. Throughout time every angle has been tried and failed. What appears to be a safe investment in a federally insured CD or money market, may not even be covering inflation. Growth stocks don't always grow. The astute conservative investor turns to solid dividend paying stocks with a track record of growing their dividends each year.

Below are several companies that have recently elected to send more cash to their shareholders in the form of increased dividends:

3M Co. (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: 3M Co. provides enhanced product functionality in electronics, health care, industrial, consumer, office, telecommunications, safety & security and other markets via coatings, sealants, adhesives and other chemical additives.

Warren Buffett's Two Investing Rules For Dividend Investors

We all like things presented in their simplest terms. Headlines like "Two simple steps to lose that unwanted weight" always grabs our attention, even if it is just to smile and say I wish it were true. I enjoy reading inspiring quotes. They often put life's issues in their simplest terms and in doses that are easy to swallow.

7 Stocks Building Value With Higher Dividends

Most good things are worth waiting for. If you are to establish a long-term relationship with a stock, it better be a quality stock. Time is a powerful force, with it we can overcome poor choices, poor timing and bad decisions. Without it, we immediately are forced to pay for our indiscretions. When it comes to building retirement income, I look for stocks that have consistently increased their dividends for many consecutive years.

Below are several stocks building future gratification with higher cash dividends:

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.

Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Verizon Communications Inc. is the largest U.S. wireless carrier, Verizon also offers wireline and broadband services primarily in the northeastern U.S.

Dividend Stocks vs. Dividend ETFs

In 1993, State Street Global Advisors launched the first exchange-traded fund (ETF). Now there are literally hundreds of ETFs out there covering sectors, countries, popular indexes and various strategies, including income investing. A frequent question that I get is 'Why do you invest in individual dividend stocks instead of income-based ETFs?' On the surface this seems like a reasonable question since most ETFs are indexed, tax efficient, easily traded, passive and have low expense ratios. However, as we look beyond the ETFs luster, there are several significant reasons why many income investors prefer owning individual stocks...

Happy Thanksgiving 2019!

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.

Managing Risk With Dividend Stocks

When you purchase individual stocks, risk is inherit. Sometimes bad things sometimes happen to good stocks such as the Chicago Tylenol murders of 1982. This shook Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ) , but eventually it prevailed. Sometimes it is difficult when a strong leader leaves a company and creates a void that just can't be filled. Consider the performance of General Electric's (GE) after Jack Welch retired and Microsoft's (MSFT) after Bill Gates began relinquishing his responsibilities. So how do you guard against these situations and disasters similar to what BP (BP) and what their shareholders faced?

7 Stocks Building A Comfortable Retirement With Higher Dividends

Forget about those 'Make 534% On Every Trade' ads that you see on many financial websites. Real wealth is built with sweat equity and a sound financial plan. A long-term buy-and-hold investing approach focusing on quality dividend growth stocks has provided the means for many investors to enjoy a comfortable retirement. If you start early enough, you will go beyond a comfortable retirement into the realm of building long-term wealth.

Below are several companies that are helping their shareholders build a comfortable retirement with higher dividends:

United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: United Parcel Service, Inc. is the world's largest express delivery company, UPS has established itself as a facilitator of e-commerce.

If Only I Had Known About These Dividend Stocks...

At one time or another, we all have thought, 'If only knew this when I was younger.' I purchased my first dividend stock for income in 2003. Like many newly converted income investors, I was chasing yield. I quickly built a portfolio consisting of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) and high yield, high risk stocks. My portfolio’s yield was consistently in the low to mid-teens. Eventually, after some unnecessary losses, I learned there was a better way to invest in dividend stocks. Here is what I learned...

7 Stocks Raising The Bar With Higher Dividends

Have you ever noticed those that most vehemently attack a buy-and-hold strategy really don’t understand how the strategy works? They confuse a buy-and-hold strategy with day-trading with a longer duration. A true implementation of buy-and-hold includes a focus on blue-chip stocks with a sustainable advantage, along with a reasonable asset allocation framework. One sign of a blue-chip stock is a long string of dividend increases.

Below are several companies that have recently raised the bar by increasing their cash dividends:

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.

12 Dividend Stocks and 3 ETFs To Balance Your Asset Allocation

If you want to lower the risk of your income portfolio and position yourself to increase returns, you can not ignore asset allocation. Many dividend investors loaded up on banks and other high-yield financials, only to see their portfolios collapse along with the financial markets in 2008-2009. So what can you do to protect your portfolio from stock and sector specific declines? Here are some of the steps I take to help protect my portfolio:

7 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:

Amgen, Inc. (AMGN) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Amgen Inc. is one of the world's leading biotech companies with major treatments for anemia, neutropenia, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, cancer and osteoporosis.

3 Communications Services Stocks With Increasing Dividends

Morningstar defines the Communications Services sector as "Companies that provide communication services using fixed-line networks or those that provide wireless access and services. This sector also includes companies that provide internet services such as access, navigation and internet related software and services."

While Some Stocks Cut Their Dividends, These 7 Stocks Are 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.

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Illinois Tool Works Inc. is a diversified manufacturer that operates a portfolio of 60 business units that serve industrial and consumer markets globally.

4 Stocks With Room To Grow Their Dividend

Dividend sustainability is paramount for the high-yield investor. Having a stock cut its dividend could potentially crush their income. A high-yield investor is less concerned about dividend growth than maintaining the current high-yield. Most traditional dividend growth stocks pay a moderate to low yield, thus sustainability is not enough - the investor in Dividend Growth Stocks also expects substantial and consistent growth.

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:

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.

6 Dividend Stocks Ignoring The 4% Rule

William P. Bengen is an author and a certified financial planner. In 1994 he published a study concluding that if retirees withdrew 4% (the 4% rule) of their nest egg in the first year, and then increased the dollar amount by the inflation rate every year, their savings would easily last 30 years.

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:

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.

6 Stocks That Have Paid Dividends For Over 100 Years

The key to successfully selecting dividend growth stocks is the ability to identify companies that will not only maintain but grow their dividend. Often it can be boiled down to a simple question: "How committed is the company to paying its dividend?"

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:

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.

Love People, Use Dividend Stocks

As humans we are often driven by our emotions and relationships. Over time we tend grow fond of people we have a relationship with. Sometimes we grow to love them like a brother or sister; sometimes even more. In much the same way we can easily grow to love certain stocks, but this is not necessarily a good thing.

5 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:

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.

We Were Dividends, Before Dividends Were Cool

For a while it seemed that every investing article ended with the same conclusion - you should be buying dividend stocks. They are all quoting studies citing the performance edge that dividends have enjoyed over the long-term and the value of a semi-fixed return generated from periodic dividend payments. However, you should beware of some of the information provided. Beyond the simple concepts, some of the writers are making really bad recommendations and cross-breeding dividend investing with their preferred form of investing.

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:

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Grainger Inc. is the largest global distributor of industrial and commercial supplies, such as hand tools, electric motors, light bulbs and janitorial items.

5 Dividend Stocks Delivering The Secret To Success

We all want to learn the secret to success. Many get-rich-now infomercials have preyed on this desire while making the sellers wealthy at the expense of the buyers. I have good news for you, there really is a secret to success, and what is even better news is that the secret is not hard to discover. It has been right there in front of you all this time. Your parents likely taught it to you in the form of a fable. Let's explore this secret to success a little more...

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:

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.

6 Low-Risk, High-Yielding Dividend Stocks

If your goal is to accumulate wealth for a comfortable retirement, then there is no risk-free path. Yield and risk tend to follow each other. As risk increases, the investor demands more yield to compensate for that risk. 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.

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:

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 Dividend Stocks For A Rainy Day

A pessimist might say life is a series of bad things happening... then we die. I certainty wouldn't go that far, but life often deals us unfortunate circumstances to work through at what seems to be the most inopportune times. During this most recent economic downturn, many people lost their jobs at a time when companies weren'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.

4 Dividend Stocks Raising Their Dividends And Yields

At some point in the future will we look back at our actions today and refer to them as our greatest missed opportunity? A successful dividend growth strategy takes time. Unfortunately, many income investors don't have the luxury of time on their side and must focus on high-yield investments to meet current expenses. These high-yield investments are often accompanied by high-risk. For those with time, a solid long-term strategy focusing on quality stocks that grow their dividends will treat them well in their retirement years.

Below are several companies that did not miss this opportunity to increase their cash dividends:

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.

5 Dividend Growth Stocks With Strong Capital Appreciation

When we think of dividend stocks, yield is almost certainty what first comes to most peoples mind. The more sophisticated income investor will also consider dividend growth, and weigh the merits of taking a lower current yield in exchange for higher future income from a stronger dividend growth rate. However, there is something else that is often just an afterthought... capital appreciation.

7 Companies Showing Confidence With Increased Dividends

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 with management and board confident enough to increase their cash dividends:

Abbott Laboratories (ABT) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Abbott Laboratories (ABT). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: This diversified health care products company is now focused on nutritionals, diagnostics, generic drugs, and medical devices, following the spinoff of its R&D-based prescription pharmaceuticals business at the beginning of 2013.