Dividend Stocks
Stocks that provide dividends are an excellent way to build long-term wealth. Not only do dividends provide investors with regular income, but dividend stocks can also help investors weather market volatility. How? Whether the markets are going up, down, or sideways, dividends provide investors with a steady income stream.
Having said that, while dividends are usually paid out quarterly, at the discretion of the company’s board of directors, they can be raised, cut, or eliminated.
Not all dividend stocks are created equal. As a result, there are a number of factors investors need to consider when looking at dividend stocks.
Dividend yield is one of the most important factors to consider when investing in dividend stocks. It might be tempting to just invest in a stock with the highest dividend yield, but there is a risk/reward trade off when it comes to dividend-yielding stocks—the higher the yield, the greater the risk.
Stocks that provide an annual dividend of 10% or more tend to be very risky. Because they are risky, there is a greater chance the dividend could be cut—or worse, the share price could plummet. This means investors lose out on dividend growth and capital appreciation.
History is another important factor to consider. Look for stable companies that have a long history (five, 10, or even 25+ years) of both paying an annual dividend and increasing that dividend annually. Those stocks that offer annual dividend growth as part of their corporate culture are more likely to continue that trend.
The best way to determine whether or not a company can continue to provide an annual dividend and raise its yield is to look at the company’s free cash flow. Free cash flow is the amount of free cash, or money left over after it pays for operations and necessary capital expenditures. The more money a company has in the bank, the greater the chances are that it can sustain or increase its high dividend yield.
Genuine Parts Company: 64 Years of Dividend Increases and Still Going Strong
A Dividend Stock Investors Can Count on If you are an income investor, you probably won’t find the automotive industry all that attractive at the moment. The reason is simple: auto sales are cyclical. When things are good, automakers can.
USA Compression Partners LP: Can Investors Count on This 17.3% Yield?
Looking for Oversized Dividends? Read This As a risk-averse income investor, I tend to stick with large-cap, blue-chip stocks in turbulent times like this. However, every once in a while, you come across a smaller stock with a yield so.
173-Year-Old “Forever Asset” Keeps Beating the Market
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.’s Dividend Has Grown 685% in 10 Years I hope our readers understand this basic tenet of my team’s investment philosophy: We seek out companies with long histories of paying dividends, not just for years or.
Why I’m Banking on Annaly Capital Management, Inc.’s 12% Yield
Annaly Capital Management, Inc. Could Be Due for a Big Rebound The COVID-19 pandemic has hammered units of Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NYSE:NLY). But that could create an opportunity for investors. In June, the mortgage real estate investment trust (mREIT).
This Number Shows Why STAG Industrial Is a Top Monthly Dividend Stock
Earn Pandemic-Proof Monthly Dividends? Most people have never heard of STAG Industrial Inc (NYSE:STAG). But if you want to earn monthly dividends, this company offers one of the most reliable payouts in today’s market. Headquartered in Boston, STAG Industrial is.
Hess Midstream Operations LP: A 10% Yield That Keeps on Growing?
A High-Yield Stock You Likely Haven’t Considered This has got to be the most interesting high-yield stock I’ve seen in a long time. It comes from a beaten-down industry, and many of its peers have slashed their payouts to investors..
Mondelez International Inc: “Oreo” Maker Delivers Healthy Dividends
Looking for Growing Dividends? Read This If you want to get on a healthy diet, “Oreo” cookies and “Cadbury Dairy Milk” chocolates are probably not the best choices. However, if you want to earn a healthy stream of dividends, the.
Got $5,000? 3 High-Yield Dividend Stocks Paying Up to 12.4%
These High-Yield Dividend Stocks Deliver Reliable Income If someone handed you a $5,000 bonus, what would you do with it? Sadly, I suspect many would blow such a windfall on a vacation, new furniture, or dinners out. For others, the.
Prospect Capital Corporation: Monthly Dividend Stock Yields 14%
Another High-Yield Stock to Think About Whether it’s good times or bad, monthly dividend stocks are always highly sought after. The reason is simple: since most of our bills have to be paid every month, it would make a passive.
The Dividend Stock Defying COVID-19
American Tower Corporation Still Thriving Despite Lockdown Wall Street has fretted this summer over a pandemic, widespread protests, and the upcoming presidential election. But you wouldn’t know it by reading through American Tower Corporation’s (NYSE:AMT) recent financial results. The partnership’s.