Popular story links this month

PepsiCo, Inc. manufactures, markets, and sells various snacks, carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, and foods worldwide.

PepsiCo is a major component of the S&P 500, Dow Industrials and the Dividend Aristocrats Indexes. PepsiCo has been consistently increasing its dividends for 36 consecutive years.

IBM is a major component of the S&P 500, Dow Industrials and the Dividend Achievers Indexes. IBM has been consistently increasing its dividends for 13 consecutive years. From the end of 1998 up until December 2008 this dividend growth stock has delivered a zero annual average total return to its shareholders.

Learn how to determine maintenance capital expenditure to get a more accurate FCF value.
JNJ, WMT and ATW used as examples.

The Clorox Company manufactures and markets a range of consumer products. The company is also member of the S&P Dividend Aristocrats index. This diversified maker of household cleaning, grocery and specialty food products is also a top manufacturer of natural personal care products.

Several companies expressed their confidence in their future business prospects, by raising their dividends. One of them was Realty Income (O), which engages in the acquisition and ownership of commercial retail real estate properties in the United States.

Eli Lilly and Company engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of pharmaceutical products in the United States, Puerto Rico, and internationally. The company offers neuroscience products, endocrine products, oncology products, and cardiovascular agents for the treatment of various diseases. The company is member of the S&P Dividend Aristocrats index.

The dividend aristocrats whose ability to pay a dividend with such regularity, while other companies have had to either cut or eliminate their dividend payments, speaks volumes about their business model. In addition to that, the diversification and careful management of these companies’ resources has provided shareholders with long-term sustainable results.

By purchasing international stocks one essentially receives income in a different currency, which is a decent hedge against a possible devaluation of the US dollar. Another benefit of shopping for quality dividend stocks abroad is the huge potential for economic growth and development that both established and emerging economies posses.

Garmin is a well-run, financially strong company with a leading position in a long term growth market - GPS. But is the company's 21% earnings yield really a bargain?

Have you ever wondered what separates David Dreman, Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger, etc.from the rest of the world? The answer is simple but the force behind it can make the difference between a great investor and an average investor. I am talking about investor psychology, also known as Behavior Finance.

When it comes to selecting dividend stocks, one of the most important items to look for is consistency in raising dividends. Sure it is easy to increase dividends when the economy is booming and business is good, but to be consistent a company has to increase dividends during the tough times.

How did Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger advance “Decision Framing” in both practical and Behavioral Finance? Clues exist in the Munger speech on the "Psychology of Human Misjudgement."

GT Solar is a solar equipment manufacturer with some exciting upside but in an unpredictable market.

SYSCO Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the marketing and distribution of a range of food and related products primarily for food service industry in the United States and Canada. Linked here is a detailed analysis and commentary.

Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets consumer products worldwide. It operates in two segments, Oral, Personal, and Home Care; and Pet Nutrition. The company is a Dividend Achiever and a Champion. Colgate-Palmolive has paid uninterrupted dividends on its common stock since 1895 and increased payments to common shareholders every year for 46 years.