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.
NiSource Hints at Coming Dividend Hike
Strong Construction Season Brightens Outlook New York, NY — NiSource Inc. (NYSE:NI) expects between four to six percent annual growth in its dividend payout following a strong start to the construction season and as the company returns to profitability in.
General Growth Properties Inc Raises Dividend 11%
New York, NY — Real estate investment trusts (REITs) can be solid picks for income investors and one of them just hiked its dividend again. On August 1, the board of directors of General Growth Properties Inc (NYSE:GGP) declared a.
Coty’s Annual Dividend Up 10%
Merger with P&G Beauty Segment Helping New York, NY — Coty Inc (NYSE:COTY) announced today its board of directors has approved a 10% increase in the company’s annual dividend to $0.275 from $0.25 per share on its Class A and.
Penske Hikes Quarterly Dividend by 4%
Business Diversification Helping Automotive Group New York, NY — Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:PAG), an international transportation services company, has approved an increase in the cash dividend to $0.28 per share for the second quarter of 2016 from $0.27 per.
MBT Financial Raises Dividend by 33%
Loans, Interest Income Fuels Growth New York, NY — MBT Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:MBTF), the parent company of Monroe Bank & Trust, said it will pay a dividend of $0.04 per share, representing a 33.3% jump when compared to the dividend.
Cheesecake Factory Inc Announces 20% Dividend Hike
If you love cheesecake, you can collect some handsome dividends by putting your money where you mouth is, without putting on any weight. On Wednesday, July 27, Cheesecake Factory Inc (NASDAQ:CAKE) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.24 per share..
CBOE Increases Dividend by 9%
Market Volatility Helps Options Exchange New York, NY — CBOE Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ:CBOE) increased its quarterly dividend payout by nine percent to $0.25 per share for the third quarter as its revenue rose on higher trading in financial markets amid.
Papa John’s Boosts Dividend by 20%
Pizza Chain Forecast to Perform Well New York, NY — Papa John’s Int’l, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZA) announced today that the board of directors has approved a 14% increase in the quarterly dividend. The hike will result in a quarterly dividend rate.
CBS Corp. Announces 20% Dividend Hike, $6 Billion Buyback
Board Approves $6 Billion Buyback New York, NY — CBS Corporation (NYSE:CBS) said it will raise its quarterly dividend by 20% and boost its stock buyback. The company said it would increase its dividend to $0.18 from $0.15 per share..
Potash Corp Slashes Dividend 60%
Weak Demand Hits Fertilizer Maker New York, NY — Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc (TSE:POT) slashed its dividend by 60% to $0.60 a share as the fertilizer maker continues to struggle with weak demand. The Saskatoon-based company reduced its 2016.
