In order to be flexible in this market and not limit myself only to higher yielding stocks with disappointing dividend growth prospects, I am considering lowering my entry yield criteria to 2.50%, down from the 3% which was in effect since the end of 2008. As long as the selected companies for purchase have long histories of consistent dividend raises in addition to having good prospects for future dividend growth, my yield on cost would keep on increasing over time.
The screening criteria applied toward the S&P Dividend Aristocrat index was:
1) Current yield of at least 2.50%
2) Dividend payout ratio no higher than 60%
3) Price/Earnings Ratio of not more than 20
4) 25 years or more of consecutive dividend increases
These investment ideas are only the beginning blocks of a sustainable dividend portfolio. Investors should strive to maintain a dividend portfolio consisting of at least 30 individual securities representative of as many sectors as possible. The process of building a dividend portfolio is long, as it takes time to find enough qualified candidates for further research. As a result investors should consistently apply their screening method under all market conditions, in order to take advantage of market opportunities, and include enough of the best rising dividend stars available.
Full Disclosure: Long all stocks mentioned above except LLY and VFC
This article was included in the Carnival of Personal Finance #253 (Demotivational Version)
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