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.
British Insurer Aviva Plc Aims to Increase Payout Ratio to 50%
Investors have soured on European stocks after the recent U.K. Brexit referendum, but one company is doing its best to impress investors. On Wednesday, Aviva Plc (NYSE:AV) announced plans to raise its dividend payout ratio to 50% by the end.
Emera Board Approves 10% Dividend Hike
Utility companies can be great picks for income investors and a recent dividend hike from a company based in Eastern Canada just proved that point again. On Friday, Emera Inc (TSE:EMA) announced that its board of directors has approved a.
Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (EPD) Raises Quarterly Dividend 5.3%
The energy industry is deep in the doldrums, but one company is still providing exciting returns to income investors. On Thursday, July 7, Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) announced an increase in its quarterly payout to $0.40 per common unit,.
Greenbrier Companies Inc Reports Third-Quarter Results, Hikes Dividends
The railroad transportation industry has had its boom, but more recently, it’s been facing some headwinds. However, one railroad car manufacturer just raised its payout to income investors. In its earnings release on July 6, Greenbrier Companies Inc (NYSE:GBX) announced.
PayChex, Inc. (PAYX) Increases Dividend, Announces Buyback
In an industry considered by most to be dull and boring, one company is producing exciting returns. On Thursday, payroll software company Paychex, Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYX) announced a $0.04 increase in the company’s quarterly dividend to $0.46 per share. The move.
Genesis Energy, L.P. Announces Distribution Hike
While many oil patch firms are still deep in the doldrums, one energy partnership is increasing its already-impressive payout to income investors. On Thursday, July 7, Genesis Energy, L.P. (NYSE:GEL) announced a quarterly distribution of $0.69 per common unit for.
PNC Financial Services Inc Announces 8% Dividend Hike
The financial crisis hammered bank stocks, but one company is still finding ways to reward shareholders. On Thursday, July 7, PNC Financial Services Group Inc (NYSE:PNC) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.55 per share. This represents an eight percent.
Kickstarter Pays First Dividend to Shareholders
Kickstarter Breaks Unwritten Rule of Tech In an industry known for innovation, one company is going for the tried and true. In March, Kickstarter did something almost unheard of in the tech world: it paid a dividend to shareholders. According.
H&R Block Shares Soar on Dividend Hike, Earnings
H&R Block Hikes Dividend 10% While few of us like to think about the IRS, there is one tax story you might like. On Thursday, shares of H & R Block Inc (NYSE:HRB) soared seven percent after reporting better-than-expected earnings..
Sun Life Financial Inc Hikes Dividend 12.6%
Insurers Sitting on Mountains of Cash Going to hospitals is never fun, but at least it doesn’t have to break the bank. Insurance companies like Sun Life Financial Inc (NYSE:SLF) help us weather those storms, but they obviously don’t do.