Wednesday, December 31, 2014

HCP, Inc. (HCP) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of HCP, Inc. (HCP). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Health Care Property Investors, Inc. is a California based equity-oriented real estate investment trust that has direct or joint venture investments in health care-related facilities across the U.S.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

What's Your Retirement Vision?

Where there is no vision, the people perish.
-- Proverbs 29:18

Let's look at a couple of definitions from dictionary.com:

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Weekly Links: December 28, 2014

Each Sunday I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week, along with any Carnivals I participated in. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

November 2014 Pocket Change Portfolio Performance

The Pocket Change Portfolio (PCP) was first introduced on September 13, 2008 as a real money dividend income portfolio funded by the "pocket change" earned from my various online endeavors. Each month I report on the portfolio's progress and dividends earned.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Microsoft Corporation (MSFT). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Microsoft, the world's largest software company, develops PC software, including the Windows operating system and the Office application suite.

Continue Reading »


Tags: MSFT, AAPL, ORCL, GOOG,

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Nucor Corporation (NUE) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Nucor Corporation (NUE). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Nucor Corporation is the largest minimill steelmaker in the U.S., Nucor has one of the most diverse product lines of any steelmaker in the Americas.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Stock Dividends - The Gift of Nothing

Have you ever been tempted to wrap up an empty box and give it to your spouse for your anniversary. You could say something mushy like, "this isn't an empty box, it is filled with all my love." I don't know how your spouse would react, mine would see through this ploy as me just trying to be cheap.

Monday, December 22, 2014

7 Stocks Providing Their Shareholders a Growing Income With Higher Cash Dividends

The life-blood of a sound dividend growth strategy is a growing dividend. Often the initial yield of a dividend growth stock is less than other available stocks, but the dividend growth stock comes with an expectation of reasonable increases year after year. This compounding effect will quickly grow the stock's income. It is well worth the investor's time to find companies that can deliver on this expectation.

Below are several companies that are providing their shareholders a growing income with higher cash dividends...

Continue Reading »

Tags: O, MMM, PFE, BA, LLY, GE, ABT,

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Weekly Links: December 21, 2014

Each Sunday I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week, along with any Carnivals I participated in. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

Friday, December 19, 2014

2015 Investing Goals

My goals were originally defined in this December 1, 2007 Investing Goals post and last updated in my 2014 Investing Goals. Like last year, I will exceed my 2014 goal of $30,000 in annualized dividend income. Looking at my long-rang goals, I am on track to reach my 2017 goal of $42,000. The 2027 goal of $110,000 is not as clear. My model now indicates I could surpass it in 2025.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Chevron Corporation (CVX): Is Now The Right Time To Add To Your Position?

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Chevron Corporation (CVX). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Chevron Corporation is a global integrated oil company (formerly ChevronTexaco) has interests in exploration, production, refining and marketing, and petrochemicals.

Continue Reading »

Tags: CVX, BP, XOM, COP,

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Cardinal Health Inc. is one of the leading wholesale distributors of pharmaceuticals, medical/surgical supplies and related products to a broad range of health care customers.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

What's More Powerful Than Compound Interest?

Simple interest is where interest is calculated on the original principal amount and unpaid interest is not added to the principal for future calculations. Compound interest is what occurs when interest previously earned and is unpaid is added to the principle and is considered when calculating future interest - i.e. earning interest on interest. This is an extraordinarily powerful wealth building tool.

Monday, December 15, 2014

8 Stocks Taking Their Dividends Up A Notch

Throughout history there have always been great companies that stand head-and-shoulders above their peers and the competition. They are loved by their shareholders, hated by the competition and known by all. Just as all great companies have something in common, great dividend companies also have something in common. All great dividend companies have at least one characteristic in common – they consistently raise their dividends each year.


Below are several companies stepping up with higher cash dividends...

Continue Reading »


Tags: BMY, VTR, EIX, BMR, GPT, COR, HASI, AXS,

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Weekly Links: December 14, 2014

Each Sunday I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week, along with any Carnivals I participated in. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Dividend Income Progress Update - November 2014

Once again it is time for a goals/progress update. I am pleased to report that annualized dividend income increased in November, extending the streak to 53 consecutive months of increases after June 2010's decline. Since I began publicly tracking annualized dividend income in November 2007, it has increased in 82 of the last 84 months.

My goals were defined in this December 1, 2007 Investing Goals post and last updated in my 2014 Investing Goals post. Below is an updated version of the table found in the original post.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Realty Income Corp (O) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Realty Income Corp. (O). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Realty Income Corporation is an equity real estate investment trust that owns commercial retail real estate properties in the United States.

Continue Reading »

Tags: O, DDR, NNN, MAC,

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Texas Instruments Inc. (TXN) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Texas Instruments Inc. (TXN). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Texas Instruments Inc. is of the world's largest manufacturers of semiconductors, this company also produces scientific calculator products and DLP products for TVs and video projectors.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Dividends vs. Stock Buybacks

With interest rates near zero, there is virtually no value created for shareholders by holding a lot of cash and this has left many companies with a desire to return the cash to shareholders. But how to return the cash has become the great debate. Dividends or stock buybacks, which method of returning cash to shareholders is superior? Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In some cases one is clearly preferable over the other.

Monday, December 8, 2014

8 Stocks Not Missing Their Opportunity To Increase Dividends

In everything we do, we always want to be the best or be associated with the best. You never hear fans yelling, ‘We’re number 2, we’re number 2′, while holding two fingers in the air. The same is true when selecting dividend stocks. One attribute found in the very best dividend stocks is a long history of consecutive dividend increases.

Below are several dividend stocks that did not miss their opportunity increase cash dividends...

Continue Reading »

Tags: CHRW, ECL, DIS, NUE, HI, ERIE, SNV, DFT,

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Weekly Links: December 7, 2014

Each Sunday I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week, along with any Carnivals I participated in. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) Is Facing Fierce Competition

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the largest retailer in the world, Wal-Mart operates a chain of over 10,000 discount department stores, wholesale clubs, supermarkets and supercenters.

Continue Reading »


Tags: WMT, COST, TGT, PSMT,

Thursday, December 4, 2014

D4L Premium Services' Price Will Never Be This Low Again

Since its introduction in July 2009, the D4L Premium Services has seen excellent growth in both features and subscribers. It started with the initial release of the D4L-Dashboard. Then other services were added such as Analytical Reports, D4L-Alerts, D4L-Data, D4L-Forums and the monthly D4L-Newsletter. We are constantly looking for ways to provide our subscribers with value.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Consolidated Edison, Inc. (ED) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (ED). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Consolidated Edison, Inc. is an electric and gas utility holding company serves parts of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

5 Lessons Learned About Investing In Dividend Growth Stocks

On December 11, 2003, I purchased my first dividend stock. Granted my motives were not pure, nor did I have a clue as to what I was doing. Prior to that I had always been an aggressive growth investor. During my investing years, I have learned many things. However, I would rank these 5 lessons as the most important:

Monday, December 1, 2014

5 Dividend Stocks Working Hard During The Holidays

As we officially head into the holiday season, many of us in the U.S. did not have to go into work the last couple of days in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Though not much is happening at the office, there are still many working for me today. Not people, but my Dividend Stocks. It is great to know while I am relaxing with family and watching the big game, those stocks are hard at work providing me an additional income stream.

Several companies this week provided their shareholders a Thanksgiving bonus in the form of higher cash dividends...

Continue Reading »

Tags: MRK, BDX, MKC, HRL, FLO,

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Weekly Links: November 30, 2014

Each Sunday I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week, along with any Carnivals I participated in. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

October 2014 Pocket Change Portfolio Performance

The Pocket Change Portfolio (PCP) was first introduced on September 13, 2008 as a real money dividend income portfolio funded by the "pocket change" earned from my various online endeavors. Each month I report on the portfolio's progress and dividends earned.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY), 4-Star Stock With A High Free Cash Flow Payout

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Occidental Petroleum Corporation is one of the largest oil and gas companies in the U.S., OXY has global exploration and production operations. Its subsidiary, OxyChem, is one of the largest U.S. merchant marketers of chlorine and caustic soda.

Continue Reading »

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving 2014!

Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S. On this day most Americans reflect on all that they have been blessed with and give thanks for it. As an investor in dividend growth stocks, there are many things to be thankful for this year, including a wonderful family, friends and a country that allows me to pursue my dreams.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

General Mills, Inc. (GIS) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of General Mills, Inc. (GIS). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: General Mills, Inc. is a major producer of packaged consumer food products, include cereal, yogurt and Betty Crocker desserts/baking mixes.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

6 High-Yielding Mega-Cap Stocks

There is perceived safety in size. Giant corporations aren't randomly grown. Instead, they are carefully built through superior management and foresight. Often these are more mature companies that also offer stability and predictability, usually at the expense of dynamic growth. These are your mega-cap stocks.

Monday, November 24, 2014

5 Dividend Stocks Paying More Cash

When selecting income investments, the three most important questions to answer are: 1.) Is the investment increasing its dividend each year, 2.) Is the increase likely to continue to do so into the future and 3.) Are you being compensated for the risk you are taking? When you answer yes to all three of the questions, you just might have found an excellent income investment.

Below are several stocks that recently answered yes to the first question by increasing their cash dividends...

Continue Reading »


Tags: INTC, NKE, SYY, SU, GGP,

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Weekly Links: November 23, 2014

Each Sunday I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week, along with any Carnivals I participated in. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Walgreen Co. - A 5-Star Stock Trading At A Discount, But Is It Enough?

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Walgreen Co. (WAG). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Walgreen Co. is the largest U.S. retail drug chain in terms of revenues, this company operates more than 8,000 drug stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Fair Value: In calculating fair value, I consider the NPV MMA Differential Fair Value along with these four calculations of fair value, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description...

Continue Reading »


Tags: WAG, CVS, RAD, WMT,

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Becton, Dickinson and Co. (BDX) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Becton, Dickinson and Co. (BDX). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Becton, Dickinson and Co. provides a wide range of medical devices and diagnostic products used in hospitals, doctors' offices, research labs and other settings.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Dividend Investors Should Focus On Stocks, Not The Market

The election may be settled, but investors fears are not. When Obama was first elected, the market plunged on worries of the looming Fiscal Cliff and European concerns. Budget negotiations began on Capitol Hill, optimism returned and the market responded. More recently, Obama's popularity plunged, then the Republicans regained control of the Senate. Is it a stock market, or a yo-yo?

Monday, November 17, 2014

4 Stocks Growing Future Yield With Increased Dividends

In the southern U.S. where I live, there has been some controversy over harvesting forests of hardwoods and reseeding them with pines. Growing hardwoods is very similar to investing in dividend stocks. What you plant or invest in today will not yield much for years to come. That is not to say progress is not seen. It is just slow and deliberate. To grow hardwoods it takes great foresight and commitment to the process. The small investments we make in quality dividend stocks each month won’t yield large payments in the near-term. It will take time for the payments to grow and compound, but they will.

Below are several companies planting the seeds for future yield by increasing their cash dividends...

Continue Reading »


Tags: CBL, PRU, ADP, STNG

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Weekly Links: November 16, 2014

Each Sunday I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week, along with any Carnivals I participated in. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Dividend Income Progress Update - October 2014

Once again it is time for a goals/progress update. I am pleased to report that annualized dividend income increased in October, extending the streak to 52 consecutive months of increases after June 2010's decline. Since I began publicly tracking annualized dividend income in November 2007, it has increased in 81 of the last 83 months.

My goals were defined in this December 1, 2007 Investing Goals post and last updated in my 2014 Investing Goals post. Below is an updated version of the table found in the original post.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Exxon Mobil Corporation, Currently Undervalued And A Strong Buy

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Exxon Mobil Corp., formed through the merger of Exxon and Mobil in late 1999, is the world's largest publicly owned integrated oil company.

Fair Value: In calculating fair value, I consider the NPV MMA Differential Fair Value, along with these four calculations of fair value; see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description...

Continue Reading »


Tags: XOM, BP, CVX, COP,

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Waste Management, Inc. (WM) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Waste Management, Inc. (WM). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Waste Management Inc. is the largest U.S. trash hauling/disposal concern.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

The Secret Ingredient of Dividend Growth Stocks

When people learn that I am an income investor it is not uncommon for them to ask why I invest in stocks instead of  other "safer" alternatives such as bonds, high yield money market accounts [MMA] or certificates of deposits [CD]. I generally start with my short answer of, "Dividend stocks have a secret ingredient that makes them a much more desirable investment."

Monday, November 10, 2014

Stocks Providing Positive Feedback With Increased Dividends

It seems that every so many years, the market turns down and someone declares the death of buy-and-hold. Some even go as far to say that Warren Buffett has lost his touch. With time on their side, the buy-and-hold investors and Mr. Buffett always seem to make a spectacular rebound. As long-term dividend investors, our focus should be on acquiring fundamentally sound dividend growth stocks at a reasonable valuation and maintaining our asset allocation.

This week, several companies provided their shareholders positive feedback with increased cash dividends...

Continue Reading »

Tags: VVC, SEP, ROK, ATO, AFSI, OZM, CLNY, AGU, MCY, HON,

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Weekly Links: November 9, 2014

Each Sunday I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week, along with any Carnivals I participated in. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Abbvie Inc. (ABBV) Trading At A Deep Discount, But With Risks

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Abbvie Inc. (ABBV). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Abbvie Inc. is a global research-based pharmaceuticals business that emerged as a separate entity following its spin-off from Abbott Laboratories at the start of 2013. AbbVie's key drug is Humira for rheumatoid arthritis.

Continue Reading »

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Monsanto Co. (MON) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Monsanto Co. (MON). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Monsanto Co. is a global provider of agricultural products and integrated solutions for farmers.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Dividend Growth Stocks With A Defined-Benefit Pension


This year I turned 52. It seems that with each birthday, I think about and plan for retirement a little more. I have long since resolved that social security will not provide for my needs in retirement (nor was it ever intended to). I am one of an ever-shrinking group that is still covered by a defined benefit pension plan, though it was recently frozen and closed to new employees. So, how should a pension fund figure into my retirement?

Monday, November 3, 2014

8 Stocks Heating Up Their Yields With Higher Dividends

Dividends from a quality, well-diversified portfolio are much more predictable than capital gains and best of all, they are passive. You don't have to do anything, they just show up in your brokerage account each quarter. Inflation? Not to worry, the good companies routinely raise their dividends well in excess of the inflation rate.

This week as the weather turns cold, the dividend increases heat up with several companies raising their cash dividends...

Continue Reading »


Tags: MCHP, STAG, EDE, AFL, APL, ACMP, DPM, FNF,

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Weekly Links: November 2, 2014

Each Sunday I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week, along with any Carnivals I participated in. For those readers not familiar with carnivals, it's where personal finance bloggers submit their best articles of the week with one blog serving as the host. The entries are separated into various categories such as Investing, Credit, Debt, Budgeting, Frugality, Wealth Building, Money Management, Financial Planning, Insurance, Taxes, The Economy, Real Estate, et. al.