Merry Christmas 2020

On this special day...

Harvest the Fruit

The mango is native to Southern and Southeast Asia, but also grows in Central and South America, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Mango trees will settle into a cropping pattern by the third year after planting and reach peak production in six to eight years. Seedling trees take a year longer to come into production. The tree is long-lived with some specimens known to be over 300 years old and still producing fruit.

Dividend Increase: Companies Creating Real Wealth With Higher Cash Dividends

A stock dividend, also known as a "scrip dividend", is a dividend payment made with stock instead of cash. Sometimes when companies are tight on cash, they will declare and pay a stock dividend in lieu of a cash dividend. Most shareholders feel like they are getting something. But are they really? In short, a stock dividend is nothing more than a glorified stock split. At the end of the process, the shareholder has more shares that are worth less. Like a stock split, you can not create value by issuing paper and getting nothing in exchange.

Below are several select companies that recently decided to create real value for their shareholders by raising their cash dividends:

Kellogg Company (K) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Kellogg Company is a leading producer of ready-to-eat cereal also sells snack and convenience foods such as cookies, crackers, potato chips, cereal bars, fruit snacks and frozen waffles.

4 Dividend Stocks With A 20% Yield In 20 Years

I know very little about hockey, but I have always loved this quote:

I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been."
- Wayne Gretzky

It can be applied to so many things in life, including investing in Dividend Growth Stocks. Just as Gretzky has a vision as to where the puck is going, investors need to have a similar vision, and not get caught up on short-sighted distractions.

Dividend Increases: Stocks Using Real Cash To Pay Higher Dividends

You can’t spend earnings! At first glance, this seems like an odd statement, possibly even incorrect. However, it is not only correct, but an important axiom for all types of investors. Through fraud and manipulation financial statements can be made to look quite impressive, but the cash that arrives in your brokerage account is real.

An increasing cash dividend keeps pressure on management to ensure the company is well run. If there are too many missteps, eventually the dividend will slip. Here are several stocks where management recently met the challenge by raising their cash dividends:

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.

Turbo Charge Your Portfolio With Reinvested Dividends

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. Looking at 101 years of data in the U.S. and U.K., they found that a market-oriented portfolio with dividends reinvested would have generated nearly 85 times the wealth of the same portfolio relying solely on capital gains.

Dividend Increases: These Stocks Are Turbo-Charging Returns With Increasing Dividends

"Turbo Charge Your Portfolio With Reinvested Dividends"
Dividend Increases: These Stocks Are Turbo-Charging Returns With Increasing Dividends

It is a well-documented fact 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.

Here are several companies looking to increase their long-term returns by raising 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.

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.

6 Rainy Day Dividend Stocks

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 time. During the 2007-2008 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.

Dividend Increases: Stocks Pumping Up 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 dividend growth investor also expects substantial and consistent growth.

Below are several companies not only sustaining their dividends, but growing them:

Happy Thanksgiving 2020!

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 the ability to pursue my dreams.

Hey, You Invest Like a Girl!

What an insult! No testosterone laden man would put up with a jab like that. Several studies have shown that women:

Dividend Increases: Dividend Stocks Working Hard During The Holidays

As we officially head into the holiday season, many of us in the U.S. will get a few days off this week in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Though not much is happening at the office, there are still many working for me today. Not people, but my Dividend Stocks. It is great to know while I am relaxing with family and watching the big game, those stocks are hard at work providing me an additional income stream.

Several companies this week provided their shareholders an early Thanksgiving bonus in the form of higher 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.

When A Stock Fails To Raise Its Dividend: Is It Time To Sell?

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 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.

Dividend Increases: Stocks Providing Positive Feedback With Higher Dividends

It seems that every investing article ends with the same conclusion - you should be buying dividend stocks. Beyond the simple concepts, some of the writers are making really bad recommendations and cross-breeding dividend investing with their preferred form of investing. Dividend growth investing is not about exit points, momentum swings, relative strength, sector rotation; instead it is about studying fundamentals, selecting superior stocks and building a portfolio with a long-term horizon. When we buy a dividend stock, we hope to hold it forever.

This week several companies provided their shareholders positive feedback with increased cash dividends:

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

My Top 3 Investing Mistakes

There are only few things in life that I consider myself an expert in, but when it comes to making investing mistakes I have earned several PhDs. We all have regrets when it comes to investing. If there were a place to go to get a do-over, we would all go there. However, there are some mistakes I never made because I saw others live the mistake before I made it. Here are three mistakes I have made, that maybe someone else can learn from...

Dividend Increases: 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:

Caterpillar, Inc. (CAT) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Caterpillar Inc. is the world's largest producer of earthmoving equipment, and a major manufacturer of mining equipment, electric power generators and engines used in petroleum markets.

4 Big-Name Dividend Stocks Crushing The S&P 500

Most every investor has a benchmark they are trying to beat. For many investors, that benchmark is the S&P 500. It is easily followed and can be directly invested in via many different index funds such as SPDR S&P 500 (SPY) and Vanguard 500 Index Inv (VFINX).

Dividend Increases: 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:

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 Wit and Wisdom of Warren Buffett

As mentioned in previous articles, I love inspirational (and other) quotes. I see quotes as a portal to someone’s inner self. They reveal much about the person both good and bad. Read enough of a person’s quotes and you will get to know the person. Let’s spend some time getting to know Warren Buffett through his quotes.

Dividend Increases: 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:

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.

5 Higher-Yielding, Low Debt Stocks With A Tiny Payout Ratio

All income investors love a stock with a good yield. The smart ones look for dividends that are sustainable and likely to grow. The question is, 'In an uncertain world, how do you determine which dividends are sustainable and likely to grow?'

Of coarse, there is no way to know with exact certainty which dividends are sustainable, but there are tell-tale signs that often foretell the future. Let's look at a couple of them.

Dividend Increases: 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:

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.

6 Stocks With a Sustainable Dividend

To succeed as a dividend growth investor you must identify and purchase stocks with sustainable dividend growth. Put another way, targeted companies must be both capable and willing to grow their dividends. Obviously, we can not look into the future and see who will and will not perform. However, there are critical bits of information that we can evaluate today that often foreshadow the company's future behavior. Here are some of the more relevant ones:

Dividend Increases: Stocks That Are Meeting Their Shareholders' Goal Of 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:

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.

Charlie Munger's 10 Rules for Investment Success

Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's friend and partner, is quite an investor in his own right. Munger is vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and served as chairman of Wesco Financial Corporation from 1984 through 2011. He is also the chairman of the Daily Journal Corporation, based in Los Angeles, California, and a director of Costco Wholesale Corporation. Munger's 10 Rules for Investment Success are detailed in his book Poor Charlie's Almanac. Here they are:

Dividend Increases: These Stocks Are 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.

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 Higher Yielders With A Low Free Cash Flow Payout

All dividend growth stocks are not created equal. Good companies maintain their dividends during a downturn (like the one we experienced in 2008); while great companies continue to increase their dividends during a downturn. To find these great companies, you will need to focus on more than just yield. You need to consider the stock's Free Cash Flow Payout.

Posting Schedule

I am taking some time off this week to visit family. As such, there will be NO articles published this week. I will begin posting again on Wednesday September 30, 2020. I will have limited access to the internet during this time and may not be able to respond quickly to any inquiries.

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.

3 Dividend Stocks For A Confident And Secure Future

Are you confident and secure in your investing process? It is my firm belief 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. The great investors know this. Consider Warren Buffett's famous quote, 'We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful'.

3 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.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Johnson & Johnson is a leader in the pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer products industries.

4 Low P/E Value-Stocks, Yielding 2% Or Higher

Before the internet and even before computers, critical financial information was printed daily in newspapers. Though many newspapers still print this information, most people find it easier (and faster) to get information on their stocks from financial websites. So back when financial information was a tedious and manual process what was considered relevant enough to warrant inclusion?

4 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:

Pfizer Inc. (PFE) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Pfizer Inc. ranks as one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, offering a wide range of drugs across a broad therapeutic spectrum.

High-Yield, High-Return Investments To Increase Income While Waiting On Dividend Growth

We have all heard it... Stodgy, for old people, yawn, boring! These have all been used to describe investing in dividend growth stocks. Nevertheless, I am a firm believer in dividend growth stocks for building a bullet-proof retirement portfolio. Study after study has shown that most of the historical stock market returns have come from reinvested dividends.

5 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:

Realty Income Corp (O) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: Realty Income Corporation is an equity real estate investment trust that owns, develops and manages retail real estate, primarily single tenant buildings throughout most of the U.S. The trust is also among a handful of REITS that pay monthly dividends.