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Tue. May. 26, 2009 Dividends4Life classics, commentary

News of the U.S.’s Demise May Be Premature

Quick, who is the world’s largest exporter? China? Japan? Would you be shocked to learn it is the U.S.? Contrary to the “Made in China” stamps on clothing labels in Wal-Mart (WMT) and on the bottom of McDonald’s (MCD) Happy Meal toys, the U.S. still leads the world in exports. To be a successful investor, we must keep things in perspective.

More on this topic (What's this?)

Thinking the Unthinkable: What if China Devalues the Renminbi? (naked capitalism, 2/18/10)

Jim Chanos Is Wrong About Investing in China (Investment U, 3/3/10)

WHAT CHINESE MALLS TELL US ABOUT THE ECONOMIC REALITY (THE PRAGMATIC CAPITALIST, 2/22/10)

Read more on Investing in China at Wikinvest

4 Comments BA, CAT, MCD, NUE, WMT

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Tue. Apr. 14, 2009 Dividends4Life classics, commentary

Nucor Corp. (NUE): Forging A Different Path

In a recent article looking at early warning signs of a dividend cut, two companies concerned me over their potential for a future dividend cut: Nucor Corp. (NUE) and Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). The economic downturn lowered demand for the companies products which has resulted in sharply lower earnings. It is interesting to contrast their responses to the slowdown. In short, the actions taken couldn’t have been more different.

More on this topic (What's this?)

NUCOR & YRCW: ECONOMY GETTING WORSE (THE PRAGMATIC CAPITALIST, 4/23/09)

WHISTLING PAST THE GRAVEYARD (THE PRAGMATIC CAPITALIST, 3/17/09)

Nucor (NYSE: NUE) & The Golden Dividend Ratio (Investment U, 1/19/09)

Read more on Nucor, Caterpillar at Wikinvest

4 Comments CAT, NUE ________________________________________________________________________________________

Wed. Mar. 25, 2009 Dividends4Life process

Early Warning Signs of a Dividend Cut

It seems each week another dividend Aristocrat, Achiever or Champion cuts its dividend after increasing it for 10 or more years. In most cases the companies’ investors were not surprised because they saw the early warning signs that indicated a dividend cut was imminent. Here are three signs that a company is heading toward a dividend cut:
Read more…

More on this topic (What's this?)

Ten Dividend Kings raising dividends for over 50 years (Dividend Growth Investor, 2/17/10)

Should you sell after a dividend freeze? (Dividend Growth Investor, 4/14/09)

The Dividend Stock Recovery: Get Ready for a High-Yield Bonanza (Investment U, 2/22/10)

Stock Screen For Improving Dividends

Standard & Poor’s has speculated that the dollar amount of S&P 500 dividend payments will drop 10% in the fourth quarter, the biggest drop since 1958. However, more than half of companies will pay more in 2008 vs. 2007. This oddity is driven by the banks, which have historically paid some of the highest dividends. As any dividend investor can tell you, the banks have led the way in dividend cuts. In September and October, 16 financial companies cut their dividend payments by $14.6 billion.

More on this topic (What's this?)

Ten Dividend Kings raising dividends for over 50 years (Dividend Growth Investor, 2/17/10)

Twelve Dividend Stocks Increasing Dividends (Dividend Growth Investor, 2/1/10)

The Dividend Stock Recovery: Get Ready for a High-Yield Bonanza (Investment U, 2/22/10)

Read more on S&P 500 (SPX), Dividends at Wikinvest

No Comments BDK, CAT, DRI, GRMN, INTC, PFE ________________________________________________________________________________________

Tue. Oct. 21, 2008 Dividends4Life analysis

Buying Stocks On The Rebound: Four To Consider

The current financial downturn has caused consternation for many investors. However, it does have a good side – it has provided access to stocks that have been overvalued for some time. Below are several stocks that I previously rated weak or avoid (0-3 Stars), but are now in the buy zone based on their current share price (as of 10/20/2008 close):

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Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT): Q4 Earnings Preview 2009 (Stock Wizard, 1/21/10)

Caterpillar Stock in Trouble After Sour Earnings (CAT) (Stock Trading To Go, 1/27/09)

What’s Behind This Move In Caterpillar (CAT) (The Wild Investor, 1/11/10)

Stock Analysis: Caterpillar Inc. (CAT)

Linked here is a PDF copy of my detailed analysis of Caterpillar Inc. (CAT). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s largest producer of earthmoving equipment, is also a big maker of electric power generators and engines used in petroleum markets.

Read more…

More on this topic (What's this?)

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT): Q4 Earnings Preview 2009 (Stock Wizard, 1/21/10)

What’s Behind This Move In Caterpillar (CAT) (The Wild Investor, 1/11/10)

Stock Chart Monday CAAS, BAC, CAT, SLB (The Wild Investor, 3/1/10)