Weekly Links: August 7, 2016

Each Sunday I highlight any notable articles that I came across over the past week. Though I may not always agree with each of the articles highlighted, they will often provide an interesting argument for their position. We can take some concepts that may or may not align with our vision, then apply them to our framework, and voila, a new idea is born.

July 2016 Progress Report

Once again it is time for a goals/progress update. I am pleased to report that annualized dividend income increased last month, extending the streak to 46 consecutive months of increases. As noted in the June 19, 2015 post, in July 2015 I changed to reporting on total dividend income instead of just income from my Dividend Growth Portfolio.

Since I began tracking my total income progress, annualized dividend income has increased in 46 of the last 46 months.

CVS Health Corporation (CVS) Dividend Stock Analysis

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

Company Description: CVS Health Corporation is the largest pharmacy health care provider in the U.S.

6 Higher Yielding Basic Materials Stocks With Growing Dividends

The Basic Materials Sector includes companies involved with the discovery, development and processing of raw materials. This includes companies engaged in the mining and refining of metals, chemical production and forestry products.

3M Co. (MMM) Dividend Stock Analysis

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of 3M Company (MMM). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: 3M Co. provides enhanced product functionality in electronics, health care, industrial, consumer, office, telecommunications, safety & security and other markets via coatings, sealants, adhesives and other chemical additives.

12 Stocks Focusing On Their Shareholders With Increased Cash Dividends

In one form or another, I get the this question, “What do you think of the market? Where’s it headed?” Normally, I politely respond as expected, but occasionally I will startle the person with a reply like, “I don’t know. For me it really doesn’t matter much.” My investing goals are not defined by movements in the market. Instead of looking at the market and its direction, investors in dividend growth stocks should focus on quality, price and ultimate value of individual stocks.

Below are several companies focusing on their shareholders by raising cash dividends: