Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Dividend Stock Analysis

This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net October 31, 2011.

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.

Weekly Links: November 6, 2011

Each Sunday I highlight the Carnivals I participated in over the past week, along with any notable articles that I came across. 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. Below are the carnivals that I participated in this week, along with a link to my article:

18 Companies Providing Shareholders More Cash Through Increased 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) has paid a semi-annual dividend. Going in the other direction, Realty Income Corp. (O) and Gas Natural Inc. (EGAS) pay monthly dividends.

18 Dividend Stocks With A Good Yield And Growth Balance

Growth or yield? In a perfect world, income investors would want both from their investments and are not interested in investments that offer neither. This is where the common ground ends, and the debate begins. Without the benefit of a perfect world, we are left with the middle ground which is a balancing act between growth and yield. How much yield are you willing to give up for growth at a certain level, and how much growth will you sacrifice for a higher yield?

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.

Spanning the World For The Best Dividend Stocks

Knowledgeable investors will agree that a well-planned asset allocation should include a defined percentage dedicated to international investments. As an investor in dividend growth stocks, this has been one of the more challenging allocations within my portfolio.