Recent Posts From DIV-Net Members

Weekend Reading Links - March 31, 2019

For your weekend reading pleasure, the articles listed below contain some of the best dividend and value investing insights found on the web. They were written by various members of the Dividend Investing and Value Network over the past week:


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2 Recent Buys – XGRO, RNX

A quick update on a couple of purchases in our portfolios.


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3 Higher Yielding, Lower Risk Stocks To Perk Up Your Dividend Income

As a society we have grown accustom to wanting it all, including our investments. Specifically, many income investors want both high yield and low risk. A dividend stock with a high yield doesn’t mean much if the dividend is cut or eliminated, and the stock price declines significantly.  So can an investor find both higher yields and lower risks?


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Dividend Growth Investor Newsletter – March 2019 Edition

The March 2019 edition of the Dividend Growth Investor newsletter comes out this Sunday, March 24. This will be the ninth edition of the dividend investment newsletter that I started last year.

It will list ten dividend growth stocks I plan to purchase on Monday, March 25. Each company is analyzed in detail, following my format for evaluating companies. The goal for the analysis is to evaluate the dividend for safety, while also checking on the fundamentals that will allow that dividend to grow over time. The companies listed are attractively valued, and will be bought by my personal portfolio. I use commission-free broker Robinhood, in order to keep investment costs low.

We have 37 companies in our portfolio right now. The new edition that comes out on Sunday may increase the number of portfolio holdings, depending on the availability of quality ideas at a good price when I run my screens on Friday. I find most of the companies in the portfolio to be good values today.

Long-term readers know that I am a long-term investor who buys stocks and holds them for years. Each investment is made with the intention to hold it for years. Given that I am investing real money in these companies, I am extra careful in what I purchase for long-term dividend income. After nine months of operating, we have already had 16 dividend increases so far. I believe we are on the right track to hit the portfolios stated long-term dividend goals of generating $1,000 in monthly dividend income.

The newsletter is much more than a list of top ten dividend stocks however. This newsletter focuses on a real portfolio, that I am building from scratch. The newsletter shows how I make portfolio selections, and how to build a portfolio from scratch and monitor its progress along the way.

I am showing the process I used to build my own personal dividend portfolio for the past decade. I am using the principles of screening, monitoring, valuation, company analysis to get to a list of companies to buy each month, and to build that portfolio along the way. While we discuss how to build a dividend portfolio by making regular investments, I believe this newsletter can be helpful to retired investors, not just those in accumulation phase.

You can get a 7 day risk free trial by signing up for the newsletter. I am pricing it at $65/year or $6/month only until the end of the month. I believe that for less than 20 cents/day, you can learn from my investing experience, and obtain a list of ten attractively valued dividend stocks for further research. This is a great value.

You can subscribe using this Paypal form:




Once you subscribe, I will add you to my exclusive email list, and you will be able to receive premium information about the dividend growth investor portfolio. If you subscribe today however, your price will never increase. I guarantee it.


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Three Recent Dividend Increases In Focus

A long streak of dividend increases is a signal of a quality company which is probably a good idea for further research. As part of my monitoring process, I review the list of dividend increases every week. I usually focus on companies with an established track record of dividend increases that is at least ten years long. The next step involves reviewing the dividend growth history relative to the latest increase, in order to evaluate the robustness of dividend increases. This step is performed alongside a review of trends in fundamentals, such as earnings per share and dividend payout ratios, in order to estimate the likelihood of future dividend growth. The last step involves taking a stab at valuation. After all, even the best company in the world is not worth investing in at the wrong price.

This process is in addition to my screening process. The monitoring, idea generation and investment processes are part mechanical, part qualitative. I do not believe that successful investment can be summarized neatly to a simple formula, because investing is part art, part science. Anyone who claims to follow “the science of investing” is probably an expensive advisor who will charge you thousands of dollars to set up a portfolio of high fee funds for you, and then charge you high management fees forever. Astute dividend investors know to keep costs low by avoiding expensive middlemen in their investment activities. This lets you keep more money working hard for you. But I am getting sidelined from my main point here.

Over the past week, there were three companies that raised dividends to shareholders. The companies have a ten year track record of increasing annual dividends.

The companies include:

Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL) manufactures and sells consumer products worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Oral, Personal and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition.

Colgate increased its quarterly dividend by 2.40% to 43 cents/share. This increase marked the 56th consecutive year of annual dividend increases for this dividend king. The latest increase is slower than the ten year average of 7.80%. The slowdown in dividend growth is not a surprise to observant analysts however. Colgate Palmolive has been unable to materially grow earnings per share since at least 2012. Between 2008 and 2018, earnings per share went from $1.83 to $2.75. A big help came from the repurchase of almost 20% of shares outstanding since 2007. The company is expected to generate $2.83/share in 2019.

Right now the stock is overvalued at 23.70 times forward earnings and yields 2.55%. Due to the high valuation, and the lack of earnings growth for over 6 years, I view the stock as a hold. The dividend is adequately covered for now at a forward payout ratio of 60.80%, but without growth in earnings, future dividend increases will be nominal until they hit a wall.

Oracle Corporation (ORCL) develops, manufactures, markets, sells, hosts, and supports application, platform, and infrastructure solutions for information technology (IT) environments worldwide. The company provides services in three primary layers of the cloud: Software as a Service, Platform as a Service, and Infrastructure as a Service.

Oracle raised its quarterly dividend by 26.30% to 24 cents/share. 2019 is the tenth year of rising annual dividends for Oracle, despite the fact that the Board of Directors doesn’t raise the dividend every single year. Since initiating dividends in 2009 at 5 cents/share, dividend growth has been phenomenal to the new quarterly distribution of 24 cents/share. Earnings per share increased from $1.06/share in 2008 to an adjusted $3.12/share in 2018. Oracle is expected to generate $3.41/share in 2019.

Right now, the stock looks attractively valued at 15.50 times forward earnings and offers a dividend yield of 1.80%. I should probably add it to my list for further research.

W.P.Carey (WPC) is a real estate investment trust, which invests in high-quality single-tenant industrial, warehouse, office and retail properties subject to long-term leases with built-in rent escalators. Its portfolio is located primarily in the U.S. and Northern and Western Europe.

Last week, the REIT boosted its quarterly dividend to $1.032/share, which was a 0.2 cents/share increase over the previous quarterly payment. The new dividend will be 2.20% higher than the distributions paid this time last year. At this rate, the forward dividend growth will be 1%/year, which is very slow. The compensating factor is the higher yield. The recent run-up in the share price however means that the current yield is lower at 5.35%. It pays to be opportunistic in acquiring slower growth companies – for example in December W.P. Carey was yielding close to 6.50% at one point. An extra percentage of return could sure help in the long run. Of course, an extra percentage of growth would be helpful as well to existing holders. Between 2008 and 2018, W.P. Carey has managed to boost AFFO/share from $3.09 to $5.39/share. W.P. Carey expects to generate AFFO in the range of $4.95 to $5.15 per diluted share in 2019. This guidance for a reduction in AFFO/share is a possible reason for the really slow dividend increase, especially when the AFFO payout ratio is at 83% at the low end of the range.

The REIT is selling for 15.60 times forward AFFO and yields 5.35%. The stock price has really shot up this year, but this is probably because it simplified the business to be more of a REIT and less of a REIT investment manager, which is pushing FFO multiples to be more in line with the likes of Realty Income and National Retail Propertoes. But REITs have been on fire, as the FED has indicated that future interest rate hikes will be more difficult to come by. Check my analysis of W.P. Carey for more information about the REIT.

Relevant Articles:

How to read my weekly dividend increase reports
How to value dividend stocks
What is Dividend Growth Investing?
Three Characteristics of Successful Dividend Investors
Five Things to Look For in a Real Estate Investment Trust


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MultiAsset ETFs – VGRO vs XGRO vs ZGRO

The Canadian ETF space has been undergoing some intense competition over the past few months. The big problem for retail investors has been to mix and match various ETFs to find a good balanced diversified multi-asset portfolio. How much weightage do you give stocks & bonds, how much per geographical region, hedge currencies or not….the choices are endless and overwhelming. Also, this came with the problem of rebalancing regularly and making the appropriate purchases on a regular basis.


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8 Dividend Growth Stocks With Very Little Debt

The goal of dividend investing is to find and buy dividend growth stocks that will continue to raise their dividends. To pay and raise its dividend a company must generate sufficient free cash flow. However, it is not enough to just generate the cash, it has to be available for dividend payments. Many companies generate significant free cash flow, but often that cash is already spoken for in the form of debt obligations.


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Weekend Reading Links - March 17, 2019

For your weekend reading pleasure, the articles listed below contain some of the best dividend and value investing insights found on the web. They were written by various members of the Dividend Investing and Value Network over the past week:


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Five Dividend Stocks Rewarding Patient Shareholders With A Raise

As a dividend growth investor, I look for solid companies to invest my hard earned money in. I look for companies that can grow earnings, and afford to raise dividends regularly. A long dividend streak is the indicator of quality, that places companies on my list for further research. A long dividend streak is not an accident, but the result of a long period of a solid company generating excess cashflows. A byproduct of this solid competitive advantage ultimately results in companies showering their investors with more cash dividends every single year. In my research I look at trends in earnings per share, dividends per share, dividend payout ratios and valuation. I try to evaluate qualitative as well as quantitative factors at play as well.

This is why I review the list of dividend increases every single week. This is a helpful monitoring tool for the companies I own, and for the companies I am interested in owning.

In the past week, there were several companies that raised dividends to shareholders. These companies have at least a ten year streak of annual dividend increases. The companies include:

General Dynamics Corporation (GD) operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. It operates in five segments: Aerospace, Combat Systems, Information Technology, Mission Systems, and Marine Systems.

The company raised the quarterly dividend by 9.70% to $1.02/share. This marked the 28th year of consecutive annual dividend increases for this dividend champion. General Dynamics has managed to boost the dividend at an annualized rate of 10.50%/year over the past decade.

Between 2008 and 2018 the company managed to boost its earnings from $6.18/share to $11.18/share. General Dynamics is expected to earn $11.71/share in 2019.

The stock is attractively valued at 14.20 times forward earnings and yields 2.45%.

Horace Mann Educators Corporation (HMN) operates as a multiline insurance company in the United States. The Company operates through four segments: Property and Casualty, Retirement, Life, and Corporate and Other. The company’s quarterly dividend was increased by 1% to 28.75 cents/share. This marked the tenth consecutive year of annual dividend increases for this newly minted dividend achiever. The ten-year dividend growth is 12%/year. The company has been unable to grow earnings per share by much over the past decade, and most of the dividend growth was achieved through expanding the dividend payout ratio.

Between 2008 and 2018 the company’s earnings went from $1.81/share to $0.44/share. The earnings for 2018 are lower due to high catastrophe losses. Horace Mann Educators Corporation is expected to earn $2.32/share in 2019.

The stock seems fairly valued at 16.20 times forward earnings and spots a dividend yield of 3.10%. Given the slow rate of earnings growth over the past decade, the recent slow dividend hike, I am not interested in the stock at this time.

Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) operates off-price retail apparel and home fashion stores under the Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS brands in the United States. It primarily offers apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions.

The board of directors for Ross Stores hiked its quarterly dividend by 13.30% to 25.50 cents/share. This marked the twenty-fifth consecutive annual dividend increase for this newly minted dividend champion. The recent dividend hike is slower than the ten year average of 25.20%/year.

Between 2009 and 2019, Ross Stores managed to boost its earnings from $0.58/share to $4.26/share. Ross Stores is expected to generate $4.52/share in fiscal year 2020. This is a 6% growth in earnings from 2019’s numbers, which is slow for a growth company with lofty expectations baked into the price. I find it richly valued at 19.70 times forward earnings and a dividend yield of 1.15%. Ross Stores may be worth another look on dips below $85/share.

Northrim BanCorp, Inc. (NRIM) operates as the bank holding company for Northrim Bank that provides commercial banking products and services to businesses and professionals in Alaska. The company operates in two segments, Community Banking and Home Mortgage Lending. The board of directors raised the quarterly dividend by 11.10% to 30 cents/share.

This was the tenth consecutive year of increasing dividend payments for Northrim BanCorp. The company has a ten year dividend growth rate of 4.40%/year.

The bank earned $2.86/share in 2018, which was higher than the peak earnings of $1.81 per share achieved in 2007. The company expects to earn $2.83/share in 2019. The stock seems cheap at 13 times forward earnings and offers a dividend yield of 3.20%.

Taubman Centers, Inc. (TCO) operates as a real estate investment trust. Its engaged in the ownership, leasing, acquisition, disposition, development, expansion, and management of regional shopping centers.

Last week, this REIT hiked its quarterly dividends by 3.10% to 65.75 cents/share. This marked the tenth year of consecutive annual dividend increases for this newly minted dividend achiever. Taubman Centers has a ten year dividend growth rate of 4.70%/year.

Taubman Centers managed to grow FFO/share between 2008 and 2018, from $1.51 to $3.71. This REIT seems fairly valued at 13.80 times FFO and offers a dividend yield of 5.10%.

Relevant Articles:


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4 Secrets To Finding The Best Dividend Stocks

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Dividend growth stocks come in all shapes and sizes. Some are high-yield and low-growth, while others are high-growth and low-yield. There is an endless spectrum of stocks in between those two extremes.


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Weekend Reading Links - March 10, 2019

For your weekend reading pleasure, the articles listed below contain some of the best dividend and value investing insights found on the web. They were written by various members of the Dividend Investing and Value Network over the past week:


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Busy Week For Dividend Increases

As part of my monitoring process, I review the list of dividend increases every single week. I narrow the list down by focusing on the companies with at least a ten year history of annual dividend increases. I then try to review the trends in earnings, and dividends, in order to determine the likelihood of future dividend growth. The next step is to look at valuation, and take into consideration the growth profile of the enterprise, before coming up with a conclusion on the price.

The past week was busy for dividend investors, given the high number of dividend increases to sift through. After narrowing the list down, I came up with the following thirteen companies that raised dividend last week. The companies include:

The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International.
TJX plans to increase the regular quarterly dividend on its common stock to be declared in April 2019 and payable in June 2019 to $0.23 per share. This represents an 18% increase in the current per share dividend and marks the 23rd consecutive year that the Company has raised the dividend. Over the past decade, the Company’s dividend has grown at a compound annual rate of 21.60%.
The Company also announced today its plan to repurchase approximately $1.75 to $2.25 billion of TJX stock during the fiscal year ending February 1, 2020. Between 2009 and 2019, TJX Companies managed to grow earnings from $0.50/share to $2.43/share.

The company is expected to earn $2.61/share in 2019. The stock is close to fully valued at 19.90 times forward earnings. TJX Companies yields 1.80% today. Check my analysis of TJX Companies for more information about the enterprise.

British American Tobacco p.l.c. (BTI) provides cigarettes and other tobacco products worldwide. It manufactures vapour and tobacco heating products; oral tobacco and nicotine products, such as snus and moist snuff; cigars; and e-cigarettes.

British American Tobacco raised its dividend per share by 4.0% to 203.0p, payable in four quarterly dividend payments of 50.75p per share. The company is an international dividend achiever, which has managed to reward shareholders with a dividend increase every year since 1997.

I found the following statement to be illuminating, from the press release:

We recognize that the proposed potential regulatory changes in the US have created some investor uncertainty. We have a long experience of managing regulatory developments, a track record of delivering strong growth while investing for the future and an established multi-category approach. I am confident that my successor, Jack Bowles, will continue to deliver a similar level of sustainable long-term returns as we accelerate our Transforming Tobacco agenda. Looking into 2019 we are confident of another year of high single figure adjusted constant currency earnings growth and this confidence is reflected in our Board’s proposal to increase the dividend by 4%

Earnings per share increased from 1.23 pounds/share in 2009 to 2.63 pounds/share in 2018. The company is expected to earn 3.14 pounds/share in 2019.

I recently initiated a position in the stock. I find BTI to be attractively valued at 9.10 times forward earnings. The stock yields 7.10%. You can check my analysis of British American Tobacco here.

Eaton Corporation plc (ETN) operates as a power management company worldwide. Eaton (ETN) declared $0.71/share quarterly dividend, 8% increase from prior dividend of $0.66. The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.71 per ordinary share, an increase of 8 percent over its last quarterly dividend. The company is expected to earn $5.87/share in 2019. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 8% to 71 cents/share. This marked the tenth consecutive annual dividend increase for this newly minted dividend contender. Over the past decade, the company has managed to grow the dividend at an annual rate of 10.20%.

Between 2008 and 2018, Eaton managed to grow its earnings per share from $3.25 to $4.91.
Eaton expects earnings per share for 2019 to be between $5.70 and $6.00. The stock is attractively valued at 14.10 times forward earnings and offers a dividend yield of 3.50%.

Best Buy Co., Inc. (BBY) operates as a retailer of technology products, services, and solutions in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company operates in two segments, Domestic and International. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 11.10% to 50 cents/share. This marked the 16th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever . Over the past decade, the company has managed to grow the dividend at an annual rate of 13%. Between 2008 and 2019, the company managed to grow earnings from $3.12/share to $5.20/share. This was achieved by share buybacks, as the number of shares was reduced from 452 million in 2008 to 281 million in 2019.

The company is expecting to earn between $5.45 - $5.65/share in 2020. The stock looks cheap at 12.40 times forward earnings. Best Buy yields 2.90%. It is funny how everyone was expecting the obliteration of Best Buy in 2012 – 2013 by the likes of Amazon. However, someone who invested at the time of maximum pessimism would have done pretty well for themselves. This just goes to show that conventional wisdom is not always right, and should always be questioned.

Silgan Holdings Inc. (SLGN), manufactures and sells rigid packaging for consumer goods products worldwide. It operates through three segments: Metal Containers, Closures, and Plastic Containers. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 10% to 11 cents/share. This marked the 16th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Over the past decade, the company has managed to grow the dividend at an annual rate of 8.90%. Between 2009 and 2018, Silgan Holdings managed to boost earnings per share from $1.03 to $2.01.The company is expected to earn $2.16/share in 2019. The stock looks attractively valued at 13.20 times forward earnings and offers a dividend yield of 1.50%.

Albemarle Corporation (ALB) develops, manufactures, and markets engineered specialty chemicals worldwide. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 9.70% to 36.75 cents/share. This marked the 25th consecutive annual dividend increase for this newly minted dividend champion . Over the past decade, the company has managed to grow its dividend at an annual rate of 10.70%. Between 2008 and 2018, Albermarle has managed to boost its earnings from $2.09/share to $6.34/share.

The company is expected to earn $6.22/share in 2019. The stock yields 1.60% and seems attractively valued at 14.60 times forward earnings.

Home Depot, Inc. (HD) is a home improvement retailer, which engages in the sale of building materials and home improvement products. The company raised its quarterly dividend by a massive 32% to cents/share. This marked the tenth year of dividend increases for this newly minted dividend achiever. Previously, Home Depot had a 20 year track record of annual dividend increases, before it kept dividends unchanged in 2008. Over the past decade, the company has managed to grow the dividend at an annual rate of 16.40%. This strong dividend growth was supported by rapid growth in earnings per share. Home Depot managed to boost earnings from $1.34/share in 2009 to $9.73/share in 2019. The company is expected to earn $10.22/share in 2019. Home Depot is selling for 18.30 times forward earnings and yields 2.90%. In comparison, Lowe’s (LOW) sells for 17.20 times forward earnings, but yields 1.85%. Both companies may turn out to be decent additions to a dividend growth portfolio going forward, particularly if we get another decline in share prices in 2019. Both companies are touted as Amazon proof today, which would be interesting to see playing forward over the next decade. I do want to be a little cautious, as we are looking at earnings per share after a 10 year expansion. Earnings will be challenged during the next recession.

McGrath RentCorp, (MGRC) is a business to business rental company, that rents and sells relocatable modular buildings, portable storage containers, electronic test equipment, and liquid and solid containment tanks and boxes in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Mobile Modular, TRS-RenTelco, Adler Tanks, and Enviroplex. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 10.30% to 37.50 cents/share. This marked the 27th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend champion. Over the past decade, the company has managed to hike dividends at an annual rate of 5.10%. Between 2008 and 2018, earnings went from $1.72/share to $3.23/share. The company is expected to earn $3.25/share in 2019. The stock is selling at 18.40 times forward earnings and offers a dividend yield of 2.50%.

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (SWX), purchases, distributes, and transports natural gas in Arizona, Nevada, and California. The company operates through Natural Gas Operations and Construction Services segments. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 4.80% to 54.50 cents/share. This marked the 13th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Over the past decade, the company has managed to grow the dividend at an annual rate of 8.70%.
Between 2008 and 2018, it managed to boost earnings from $1.39/share to $3.68/share in 2018. The company is expected to earn $3.97 /share in 2019. It is interesting to note that between 1989 and 2009 earnings per share largely went nowhere. The stock is selling for more than 20 times forward earnings, which is high. The yield is 2.60%, which seems low for a utility. It may be an interesting look below $72 - $74/share.

Texas Pacific Land Trust (TPL) holds title to tracts of land in the state of Texas. The company operates through two segments, Land and Resource Management, and Water Service and Operations. The company raised its annual dividend by 66.70% to $1.75/share. This marked the 16th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Over the past decade, the company has managed to grow the dividend at an annual rate of 19.30%. Between 2008 and 2018, earnings per share skyrocketed from $1.06 to $26.92. The stock seems overvalued at 27.90 times earnings and yields 0.20%. TPL has done very well for its shareholders over the past decade. TPL has also done well for shareholders with a really long-term orientation in the past, due to its consistent share buybacks and dividends. While I do not know if the next decade will generate much in returns, it is possible that the next 40 years could be profitable. This is a stock where it has historically paid to buy a share, and forget about it.

Old Republic International Corporation (ORI) engages in the insurance underwriting and related services business primarily in the United States and Canada. The company operates through three segments: General Insurance Group, Title Insurance Group, and the Republic Financial Indemnity Group Run-off Business. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 2.60% to 20 cents/share. This marked the 39th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend champion. Over the past decade, the company has managed to grow the dividend at an annual rate of 1.50%. The slow growth is understandable, given the lack of earnings growth since the end of 2005. The company is expected to earn $1.87/share in 2019. While it looks cheap at 11.20 times forward earnings and has a dividend yield of 3.80%, I do not like the lack of EPS growth for such a long time.

Sempra Energy (SRE) invests in, develops, and operates energy infrastructure, as well as provides electric and gas services in the United States and internationally. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 8.10% to 96.75 cents/share. This marked the 17th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Over the past decade, the company has managed to grow the dividend at an annual rate of 10.20%. Between 2008 and 2018, earnings per share went from $4.44 to $3.41. The company is expected to earn $6/share in 2019. The stock is overvalued at 20.30 times forward earnings and offers a dividend yield of 3.20%.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) provides wireless, cable and wireline broadband, TV, voice, and hosted and managed services in the United States. It operates through three segments: U.S. Cellular, Wireline, and Cable. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 3.10% to 16 cents/share. This marked the 46th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend champion. Over the past decade, the company has managed to grow the dividend at an annual rate of 4.50%. Between 2008 and 2018, the company managed to grow its earnings from 74 cents/share to $1.17/share.

The company is expected to earn $1.09/share in 2019. The stock is overvalued at 29.50 times forward earnings and yields 2%. Given the high valuation, slow dividend growth and lack of earnings growth, I am not interested in buying the stock today.

Relevant Articles:



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Recent Buy – BND

A quick update on a recent purchase in my portfolio.
Over the course of past few months, I’ve been thinking a lot about protecting assets from the ongoing (and increasing) instability in the equity markets. I have a sizable position in defensive positions with a lot of gold equities exposure, but that comes with a lot of volatility. I wanted to provide some more inertia in my portfolio here.


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What Determines A Dividend Stock's Yield

If income investing were as simple as picking the stock with the highest yield, everyone would be an expert. Most assume (rightfully so) that yield is heavily influenced by risk, but much more goes into determining yield. Below are several important factors that influence a stock's yield, along with some illustrative examples:


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Thirteen Dividend Growth Stocks For Further Research

Reviewing the dividend growth universe for dividend increases is part of my monitoring process. For my review, I narrow my focus to the companies with a ten year streak of annual dividend increases. I do this in order to look at companies with a sufficiently long streak of dividend growth.

The next step involves reviewing trends in earnings and dividends. I want to see earnings per share which are growing. Rising EPS can fuel future dividend growth. I also want to see dividend increases which are of decent size, and not done merely to maintain the streak of annual dividend increases.
A steep deceleration in the dividend growth rate relative to the ten year average tells me that management is not very optimistic on their business. If this is coupled with a high payout ratio and stagnant earnings per share, I can tell that the dividend streak is nearing its end.

Last but not least, I also want a decent valuation behind an investment. If I overpay dearly for an investment today, this means that the expectations for the first few years after I make the investment are already baked in the price. As a result, I want to void overpaying for an investment. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done.

The companies that raised dividends over the past week include:

The Coca-Cola Company (KO) is a beverage company, manufactures and distributes various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides water, enhanced water, and sports drinks; juices; juice, dairy, and plant based beverages; teas and coffees; and energy drinks. It also offers concentrates, syrups, beverage bases, source waters, and powders/minerals, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores.

The company raised its quarterly dividend by 2.60% to 40 cents/share. This marked the 57th year of consecutive annual dividend increases for this dividend king. Coca-Cola has managed to boost its dividends at an annual rate of 7.50%. Between 2009 and 2018, earnings per share went up slightly from $1.47 to $1.50. Analysts expect the company to earn $2.10/share in 2019.

Coca-Cola is overvalued at 21.40 times forward earnings. The stock yields 3.60%. Given the lack of earnings growth since 2012, I believe that Coca-Cola is at risk of losing its status of a dividend king. While I will hold on to my shares for as long as the dividend is maintained, I will not be buying Coca-Cola stock anytime soon. I will also be allocating my dividend income elsewhere. Check my analysis of Coca-Cola for more information about the company.

NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power to retail and wholesale customers in North America.

The company raised its quarterly dividend by 12.60% to $1.25/share. This marked the 25th consecutive annual dividend increase for this newly minted dividend champion. The latest increase was higher than the ten year average of 9.60%/year. The company managed to grow its earnings from $3.97/share in 2009 to an adjusted earnings of $7.70/share in 2018.

Analysts expect the company to earn $8.40/share in 2019. Unfortunately, this utility is overvalued at 22.40 times forward earnings. NextEra Energy may be worth a second look on dips below 20 times earnings. NextEra Energy yields 2.70%.

Cohen & Steers, Inc. (CNS) is a publicly owned asset management holding company. Through its subsidiaries, the firm provides its services to institutional investors, including pension funds, endowments, and foundations. It manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, multi-asset, and commodity portfolios through its subsidiaries.

Cohen & Steers managed to increases its quarterly dividend by 9.10% to 36 cents/share. This marked the tenth consecutive year of annual dividend increases for Cohen & Steers. The ten year dividend growth rate is 5.20%. Between 2008 and 2018, the company managed to grow its earnings from 43 cents/share to $2.40/share in 2018.

Analysts expect the company to earn $2.19/share in 2019.The stock sells at 18.50 times forward earnings and yields 3.50%.

Essex Property Trust, Inc. (ESS), an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily residential properties in selected West Coast markets. Essex currently has ownership interests in 245 apartment communities with an additional 6 properties in various stages of active development.

The REIT announced a 4.80% increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.95/share. This increase was slightly lower than the ten year dividend growth rate of 6.30%. This increase marked the 25th year of annual dividend increases for this newly minted dividend champion. The REIT managed to grow FFO/share from $6.14 in 2008 to $12.76 in 2018.

The REIT sells for 21.90 times FFO and yields 2.80%. I find it overvalued today, but may consider it on dips.

Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) engages primarily in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the United States. It operates through Regulated Electric Utility, Regulated Natural Gas Utility, and All Other segments.

The company raised its quarterly dividend by 6.60% to 40.50 cents/share. This marked the 16th year of consecutive dividend increases for Xcel Energy. Over the past decade, it has managed to grow its dividends at a rate of 4.80%/year.
Between 2009 and 2018, the company managed to boost its earnings from $1.48/share to $2.47/share.
Analysts expect the company to earn $2.61/share in 2019.

The stock is overvalued at 21 times forward earnings and offers a dividend yield of 3%.

Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) designs, manufactures, and markets integrated circuits (ICs), algorithms, software, and subsystems that leverage analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies.

The company increased the quarterly dividend to shareholders by 12.50% to 54 cents/share. The increase was higher than the ten year average of 9.40%/year. It also marked the 17th year of annual dividend increases for this dividend achiever. Analysts expect the company to earn $5.47/share in 2019.

The stock seems close to fully valued at 19.70 times forward earnings and offers a dividend yield of 2%.

Genuine Parts Company (GPC) distributes automotive replacement and industrial parts, electrical and electronic materials, and business products in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australasia, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland.

Genuine Parts Company boosted its quarterly dividend by 5.90% to 76.25 cents/share. This marked the 63rd year of dividend increases for this dividend king. Over the past decade, it has managed to grow its dividend at a rate of 6.30%/year. Genuine Parts Company has managed to grow earnings from $2.92/share in 2008 to $5.50/share in 2018. Analysts expect the company to earn $5.93/share in 2019.

The stock is fully valued at 19.90 times earnings and offers a dividend yield of 2.80%.

National Health Investors, Inc. (NHI) is a real estate investment trust specializing in sale-leaseback, joint-venture, mortgage and mezzanine financing of need-driven and discretionary senior housing and medical investments. NHI's portfolio consists of independent, assisted and memory care communities, entrance-fee retirement communities, skilled nursing facilities, medical office buildings and specialty hospitals.

The company raised its quarterly dividend by 5% to $1.05/share. This marked the 17th year of consecutive annual dividend increases for this dividend achiever. The latest increases was slower than the ten year average of 6.30%/year. NHI has managed to grow FFO from $2.35/share in 2008 to $5.46/share in 2018.

The REIT seems attractively valued at 14.70 times FFO and offers a dividend yield of 5.20%.

Walmart Inc. (WMT) engages in the retail and wholesale operations in various formats worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club.

The company raised its quarterly dividend by 1.90% to 53 cents/share. Wal-Mart’s dividend growth has slowed down significantly over the past five years. The ten year dividend growth rate is 8.30%/year. Between 2009 and 2019, Wal-Mart has managed to boost earnings per share from $3.39 to $4.91. Analysts expect the company to earn $4.76/share in 2019.

I find Wal-Mart to be overvalued at 20.80 times forward earnings. The stock yields 2.10%. Given the lack of earnings growth over the past five years, and the slowdown in dividend growth, I am going to take a pass on the stock.

Waste Management, Inc. (WM), through its subsidiaries, provides waste management environmental services to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in North America.

The company increased its quarterly dividend by 10.20% to 51.25 cents/share. This marked the 16th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Over the past decade, it has managed to boost distributions by 5.60%/year. Between 2009 and 2018, Waste Management has managed to boost earnings per share from $2.01 to $4.45.

Analysts expect the company to earn $4.38/share in 2019. Waste Management may be worth a second look on dips below $88/share. The investor appetite for companies with resilient recession proof earnings streams is making the stock overvalued today at 22.20 times forward earnings. The stock yields 2.10%.

Moody's Corporation (MCO) provides credit ratings; and credit, capital markets, and economic related research, data, and analytical tools worldwide. It operates through two segments, Moody's Investors Service and Moody's Analytics.

The company raised its quarterly dividend by 13.60% to 50 cents/share. This marked the tenth year of annual dividend increases for Moody’s. In the past decade, Moody’s has managed to grow its dividend at an annual rate of 16%/year. Moody’s grew earnings from $1.87/share in 2008 to $6.74/share in 2018.

Analysts expect the company to earn $7.95/share in 2019. Moody’s could be worth a second look on dips below $135/share.

United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) provides letter and package delivery, specialized transportation, logistics, and financial services. It operates through three segments: U.S. Domestic Package, International Package, and Supply Chain & Freight.

UPS boosted its quarterly dividend by 5.50% to 96 cents/share. This marked the tenth year of annual dividend increases for this newly minted dividend achiever. Over the past decade, UPS has managed to increase its dividends at an annual rate of 7.30%/year. Between 2009 and 2018, UPS managed to grow earnings from $2.14/share to $5.51/share.

Analysts expect the company to earn $7.56/share in 2019. UPS is attractively valued at 14.70 times forward earnings and offers a yield of 3.50%.

Digital Realty (DLR) is a leading global provider of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. 

The REITs Board of Directors approved a 7% increase in the quarterly common stock cash dividend to $1.08 per share. This marked the 14th consecutive year of growing the dividend. The ten year annual dividend growth is 12.30%/year. Digital Realty Trust has managed to grow its FFO/share between 2008 and 2018 from $2.59 to $6.46. Digital Realty expects to hit FFO/share in the $6.60 - $6.70 range in 2019.

Right now the REIT seems richly valued at 18.10 times FFO and offers an yield of 3.70%. It may be an interesting idea if it yields 4% or more.

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