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.
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc. Hikes Dividend 11.1%
New York, NY — For the fourth consecutive quarter, Bassett Furniture Industries Inc. (NASDAQ:BSET) has elected to raise its dividend to shareholders. On Thursday, the home furnishings manufacturer declared a payout of $0.10 per share, to be paid on August.
Antero Midstream Partners LP Announces Sixth Consecutive Distribution Hike
New York, NY — For the sixth consecutive quarter, Antero Midstream Partners LP (NYSE:AM) has elected to slightly raise its distribution. On Thursday, the partnership declared a payout of $0.25 per unit, to be paid on August 24 to stockholders.
Occidental Petroleum Corporation Hikes Dividend
Business is volatile in the oil patch, but one energy producer is pumping out consistent returns for shareholders. On Thursday, Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) announced that its board of directors has authorized an increase in the company’s dividend from an.
Lakeland Financial Corporation Announces 14% Dividend Hike
Low interest rates have made it difficult for financial institutions, but one bank is finding ways to reward shareholders. On Wednesday, Lakeland Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:LKFN), the parent company of Lake City Bank, announced that its board of directors approved a.
J M Smucker Co Announces 12% Dividend Hike
Isn’t it great that the company making your strawberry jam can also provide you with an increasing stream of income? On Wednesday, J M Smucker Co (NYSE:SJM) announced that its board of directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.75.
Select Income REIT Hikes Distribution
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) aren’t known for their fast dividend growth, but one company seems to be proving the skeptics wrong. On Monday, Select Income REIT (NASDAQ:SIR) announced a quarterly cash distribution of $0.51 per common share. This represents.
Cummins Inc. Bumps Quarterly Dividend 5.1%
New York, NY — For the seventh year in a row, Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) has elected to slightly raise its quarterly dividend. On Tuesday, the Columbus-based engine maker declared a payout of $1.025 per share, to be paid on September.
Healthcare Services Group, Inc. Reports Earnings, Hikes Dividend
Housekeeping may not be the sexiest business in the world, but it has been a profitable formula for investors. On Tuesday, Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HCSG) stock announced a quarterly dividend of $0.18375 per common share, representing a 0.7% increase.
Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. Announces Distribution Cut
Energy partnerships could be great picks for income investors. Unfortunately, not all of them are going through sunshine and rainbows these days. For example, one of them just announced a distribution cut. On Monday, July 11, Plains All American Pipeline,.
Moody’s: Canadian Banks Could Be Forced to Cut Dividends
Low oil prices could force Canada’s big banks to slash their dividends, according to the latest report by Moody’s. On Monday, the investment ratings agency published a report analyzing the impact of a downturn in the oil and gas sector.
