Last year I introduced the Stock Ideas list and it has proven to be immensely popular. The list consists of Dividend Aristocrats, US Broad Dividend Achievers and U.S. Dividend Champions. Duplications in the above lists are eliminated and stocks are crossed out when I learn that they have either cut their dividend or fail to raise it. Here are some highlights on this year’s changes:
The 2010 Dividend Stock Ideas List *
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Increases Dividend For 47th Consecutive Year *
Thursday, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) declared a 6.5% increase in its quarterly dividend rate, from $0.46/share to $0.49/share (yield: 3.6%). This follows last week’s 10% increase from the other blue-chip ampersand company Proctor & Gamble (PG). JNJ’s CEO William C. Weldon stated, “Given our strong financial position, confidence in the future of Johnson & Johnson, and in recognition of our solid results in 2008, the Board has voted to increase the dividend for the 47th consecutive year.” JNJ is engaged in the research and development, manufacture and sale of a range of products in the healthcare field. The Company has more than 250 operating companies within three segments: Consumer, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Devices and Diagnostics. (Analysis)
Big Banks, Little Dividends: More Bad News For Large Banks *
Big banks continue to struggle and rely on TARP funds to prop them up. Last week Bank of America (BAC) reported a net loss of $0.48 per share for the fourth quarter, well below the consensus of an $0.08 profit. Merrill Lynch’s preliminary results indicate a fourth quarter loss of $15 billion due to the turmoil in the capital markets. The U.S. government agreed to provide BAC an additional $20 billion to assist in the Merrill acquisition. In addition, the government has agreed to provide BAC protection against certain losses on $118 billion in selected capital markets.


11 Higher-Quality, High-Yield Dividend Stocks *
Read more…