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Fri. Apr. 30, 2010

How Often Should A Stock Pay And Raise Dividends? *

In the U.S. and Canada, most companies pay dividends quarterly. In other parts of the world, it is not uncommon for companies to pay an annual or a semi-annual dividend. That is not to say that North American companies sometimes choose not to pay quarterly dividends. For many years McDonald’s (MCD) paid an annual dividend. Since 2000, Walt Disney Co. (DIS) has paid an annual dividend and Ruby Tuesday, Inc. (RT) pays a semi-annual dividend. Going in the other direction, Realty Income Corp. (O) and Alpine Total Dynamic Dividend Fund (AOD) pay monthly dividends.


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Wed. Sep. 23, 2009

High Yield, High Risk Dividend Stocks *

It is not unusual after I publish a list of stocks to get a comment or two asking why those stocks and not these stocks. Often the real thrust of the question is why buy those low yield stocks when you can buy these high yield stocks.  The answer involves risk and its management.


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Wed. May. 6, 2009

Are ETFs and CEFs Good Income Investments? *

Dividend investing is not about buying high-yield stocks to generate a high income. Instead, dividend investing is all about finding solid dividend stocks that are reasonably priced and are expected to continue raising their dividends in the future. Most of the time their current yields aren’t eye-popping, but the growing divdends over time will more than compensate for the current yield.  So, are Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Closed Ended Funds (CEFs) a good fit for this strategy?


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Wed. Apr. 15, 2009

International Income Investing *

Any investor that understands the merits of asset allocation also understands the importance of including an international allocation in their portfolio. The concept is that in “normal” times there is always a market somewhere in the world rallying. To meet my set international allocation, I have focused on the following four areas of my overall portfolio:
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Sat. Feb. 7, 2009

Progress Update – January 2009 *

Once again it is time for a goals/progress update. I am pleased to say that my annualized dividend income increased for the month, keeping alive the string of 14 consecutive months of increases dating back to December 2007 when I began tracking it. As noted in December, 2009 will be a challenge to keep the string going. January saw Pfsier (PFE) cutting its dividend. With each cut and subsequent sale, my dividend portfolio becomes stronger. In January, I continued to lower my exposure to funds that appear headed to toward a dividend cut.


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Tue. Nov. 18, 2008

Measuring Dividend Stocks Investment Risk Profile *

As part of defining your investing process, don’t forget to spend some time understanding risk. Seasoned investors will tell you that you should know your risk profile before starting to invest. There are several tools available on the web to help you gauge your risk profile. Here are a few:
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Thu. Nov. 13, 2008

Searching the World For The Best Dividend Stocks *

Most people would agree that an asset allocation should include a defined percentage dedicated to international investments. As a dividend investor, this has been one of the more difficult allocations within my portfolio. I have identified several difficulties in locating, acquiring and owning international stocks:
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