I. International Funds in 401(k) Plan
Many 401(k) plans offers an international equity fund. These Funds usually seek an investment return that approximates as closely as practicable, before expenses, the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index. The Fund will typically attempt to invest in the securities comprising the Index in the same proportions as they are represented in the Index.II. International Exchange Traded Funds (ETF)
There are several ETFs with a large international exposure. These have a higher than average level of volatility. Below are couple funds with significant international exposure:- WisdomTree Emerging Markets Income (DEM) | Yield: 4.7%
- EV Tax Adv Global Dividend Inc (ETG) | Yield: 6.7%
III. Individual International Dividend Stocks
You may also look to identify good non-U.S. dividend individual stocks that with an ADR trading on a U.S. stock exchange. One place to identify these stocks is the International Dividend Achievers™ list.To become eligible for inclusion, a company must be incorporated outside of the United States. The companies must be have an American Depository Receipt or common stock trading on NYSE, NASDAQ or AMEX. Companies must have paid increasing regular annual dividends for five or more consecutive years. What I found is that most companies outside the U.S. follow a different dividend model. Here are some of the differences:
- Many foreign companies pay dividends based on a percent of earnings. This produces a very erratic cash stream.
- Many foreign companies only pay dividends annually. I need more feedback than this. I would hate to wait a full year before learning a company plans to slash its dividend.
- Most foreign companies pay dividends in their local currency. Most Canadian companies pay quarterly consistent dividends, similar to companies in the U.S. However, they pay the dividends in Canadian dollars, so the currency risk is with the U.S. investor. There is probably much less fluctuation between the U.S. and Canadian dollars than most other currencies.
IV. U.S. Based Stocks With Significant International Exposure
One way to gain international expose without any of the problems listed above, is to hold blue-chip, U.S. based corporations with large foreign operations. These multinationals pay quarterly dividends and generally assume the currency risk. Below are several large companies with significant revenue outside the U.S.:Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) is a major consumer products company markets oral, personal and household care and pet nutrition products in more than 200 countries and territories. Yield: 2.1%
McDonald's Corporation (MCD) is the largest fast-food restaurant company in the world, with about 35,000 restaurants in 119 countries. Yield: 2.4%
Microsoft (MSFT) develops, licenses, markets, and supports software, services, and devices worldwide. Yield: 1.0%
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is a leader in the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer products industries. Yield: 2.6%
Conclusion
In the past, I had concluded that income investing and international securities didn't mix very well for all the reasons listed above. In the past, my plan was to focus on U.S. equities for my dividend income portfolio and use my 401(k) to ensure an adequate international allocation.
As I find funds with international holdings that pay a stable/growing dividend, I will include them in one of my income portfolios. Also, I may add a few more international stocks, but will limit my holdings due to the instability of their dividends.
I am always looking for ways to improve my portfolio, without significantly increasing the risk.
Full Disclosure: Long MCD, MSFT, JNJ.
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Tags: DEM, ETG, CL, MCD, MSFT, JNJ,