Continue reading The Timely 10: Best Blue Chip Dividend Buys

The Timely 10: Best Blue Chip Dividend Buys originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"Altria (MO) -- our top investment idea for the coming year -- is an extremely simple business; the company provides a specific product, tobacco, to a specific consumer niche, tobacco users," says dividend expert Kelley Wright.

The editor Investment Quality Trends explains, "While distasteful, if not outright abhorrent to much of the population, tobacco is the poster-child of 'sinful' indulgences, which makes Altria Group the poster-child of 'sin' stocks.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: Altria (MO)

Top Picks 2011: Altria (MO) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"The good folks at AT&T (T) have seemingly accomplished what all the kings horse's and all the king's men could not; they have put Humpty Dumpty back together again," says dividend specialist Michael Minney.

The editor Investment Quality Trends explains, "While not a mirror image of the 'old' Ma Bell, the latest incarnation of AT&T is arguably much better.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: AT&T (T)

Top Picks 2011: AT&T (T) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"We believe that high-quality stocks purchased at historically low-price-to-high-yield offers the best potential for downside protection and upside appreciation," says dividend specialist Kelley Wright.

The editor of Investment Quality Trends explains, "Here we look at three blue chip stocks that have earned our top designation for outstanding dividend growth: IBM (IBM), Automated Data Processing (ADP) and Abbott Laboratories (ABT).

Continue reading Blue Chip Trio: IBM, Abbott and Automated Data

Blue Chip Trio: IBM, Abbott and Automated Data originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Blue Chip Buys: The Timely Ten

Blue Chip Buys: The Timely Ten originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Fear is back and it can be seen in the internals. So what is one to do? What we always do: identify quality, establish value, and take advantage of opportunity when it presents itself," suggests Kelley Wright.

The editor of Investment Quality Trends -- an advisory service that assesses blue chip stocks by analyzing their historic dividend yield levels -- adds, "While all ships go out with the tide, value is eventually rewarded. Remember, we are in this for the long haul.

"Our current Timely Ten -- featured below -- is our reasoned expectation based on our methodology and experience for what we believe will perform best over the next five years. Do we believe that all 10 will go up simultaneously or immediately? Of course not.

Continue reading The Timely Ten: Blue Chip Buys from IQ Trends

The Timely Ten: Blue Chip Buys from IQ Trends originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading IQ Trends' Blue Chip Buys: The 'Timely Ten'

IQ Trends' Blue Chip Buys: The 'Timely Ten' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The editor of IQ Trends -- and author of the just-released book Dividends Still Don't Lie -- explains, "To that end we believe that high-quality stocks purchased at historically low-price-to-high-yield offers the best potential for downside protection and upside appreciation.

Continue reading Quality Yields: IQ Trend's Timely Ten

Quality Yields: IQ Trend's Timely Ten originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special report, Top Picks for 2010, the 27th annual survey in which TheStockAdvisors.com asks the nation's leading advisors for their single favorite stock for the new year. See all 80 stocks listed here.

"My definition of safe is to avoid cyclical companies that can be derailed by unexpected economic events or a sudden change in Fed policy," says dividend expert Kelley Wright.

In Investment Quality Trends, he suggests, "Additional requirements are a long history of increased earnings and dividends, broad institutional sponsorship, and ample outstanding shares for trading liquidity. One such company that fits that bill is Altria Group (MO), my top pick for 2010."

Continue reading Top Picks for 2010: Altria (MO)

Top Picks for 2010: Altria (MO) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Financials have staged an impressive rally from extremely oversold levels," says Kelley Wright, editor of the top-rated IQ Trends, which focuses on high quality, blue chip, dividend-paying stocks. Here's his top long-term buys among banks.

"It is increasingly evident that the banking sector is dividing into two distinct camps; the have's and the have not's. The 'have's' are:

Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) and Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) among the big cap area;
SunTrust (NYSE: STI) and BB&T Corp. (NYSE: BBT) in the larger regional banking sector;
Bank of Hawaii (NYSE: BOH) and Southwest Bancorp (NASDAQ: OKSB) in the smaller cap area.

"The impressive rally to date notwithstanding, it still remains to be seen whether another retracement will develop should crude oil, gold and other commodities reverse course.

"A strong rally in these sectors could send the market down again. While Mr. Market can do whatever he pleases, it is highly unusual for stocks to bottom in the summer.

"It would not be imprudent to see what September and October have to offer before anyone begins to talk seriously about the bottom. For investors with an appetite for the financials, however, we would suggest dusting off that old tried and true tactic of dollar cost averaging as a prudent means to establish positions."

Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers the latest market commentary and favorite investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

Blue chip bank buys originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Any further market weakness creates creates another opportunity to acquire some outstanding stocks," suggests Kelley Wright, noted for his focus on blue chip, dividend-paying stocks.

In his Investment Quality Trends newsletter, he looks at the benefits of keeping a long-term focus, the value of dividend districutions to an investor's long-term returns, and his current "timely ten" picks for conservative investor.

"The cash dividend for the Dow is $322.40. One year ago the dividend was $284.06. Amidst all the turmoil in the markets and the economy something must be going right with the Dow 30 companies because the dividend is ever climbing.

"Dividends, as we all know, can only come from the reality of earnings; you can't pay what you don't have. The dividend yield on the Dow is currently 2.66%, which represents an 11% downside to a 3.0% yield and the historically repetitive area of Undervalue.

"Will the Average make it down to that level? No one knows but that isn't the point. At current levels the upside is FAR greater, particularly in many of the stocks in our Undervalued area.

Continue reading For blue chip buyers: 'This too shall pass'

For blue chip buyers: 'This too shall pass' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Investment Quality Trends -- one of the most respected newsletters in the advisory field -- uses a proprietary strategy that assesses historic level of stock price to yield; it's goal is to buy those stocks offering the best potential for downside protection and upside appreciation.

Here, editor Kelley Wright explains his methodology and highlights his current "Timely Ten" stocks that best match his time-tested criteria.

"Investors who wished to hold every stock in that we currently rank in the 'Undervalued and Rising Trend' categories, would need to hold one hundred twenty six stocks as of March; clearly too many positions to be practical.

"Our Timely Ten, therefore, is our reasoned expectation based on our methodology and experience for what we believe will perform best over the next five years.

"Do we believe that all 10 will go up simultaneously or immediately? Of course not. Our four decades of research and experience, however, leads us to believe that these stocks, purchased at current Undervalued levels, are well positioned for appreciation.

Continue reading The Timely Ten: Best stocks for quality and yield

The Timely Ten: Best stocks for quality and yield originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"My favorite conservative idea for 2008 is Sigma-Aldrich (NASDAQ: SIAL), one of the world's largest providers of research chemicals, reagents, chromatography products, and related products," says Kelley Wright, editor of Investment Quality Trends.

"SIAL distributes more than 100,000 chemical products for use primarily in research and development, diagnosis of disease, and as specialty chemicals for manufacturing.

"The company believes it is the leader in the worldwide market for research chemicals, estimated at about $8.75 billion, with annual revenue growth of 3%-4%. The worldwide market for fine chemicals is estimated at $50 billion, with annual growth of 2%-3%. SIAL projects that it ranks among the top ten players in the fragmented fine chemical industry.

"The company's balance sheet is relatively strong, with a total debt-to-capital ratio of 26.6% as of September 30, 2007. This should allow SIAL to make additional acquisitions and further repurchases of its common stock. SIAL has acquired 83 million (adjusted) of its common shares since November 1999.

Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Chemical gains at Sigma-Aldrich (SIAL)

Best Stocks for 2008: Chemical gains at Sigma-Aldrich (SIAL) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"Ambac Financial Group (NYSE: ABK) is my top high-risk speculation for 2008," says Kelley Wright, editor of Investment QualityTrends. "The company is the second largest municipal bond insurer and a major player in other types of financial guarantees and investment management services.

"Ambac primarily insures newly issued bonds, which guarantees payment of principal and interest to the bond insured. Of more concern to Wall Street, however, is the Specialized Finance division, which has significant exposure to the structured, asset-backed and mortgage-backed finance markets in the US and abroad.

"ABK shares have fallen dramatically, down as much as 70% year to date. This decline is due to investor concerns that losses on credit derivatives tied to residential mortgages and related obligations will deplete ABK's capital base to the point where the company will have to raise additional (and most likely dilutive) capital to maintain its top-tier financial strength rating.

Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Home run or crash for Ambac (ABK)

Best Stocks for 2008: Home run or crash for Ambac (ABK) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Commenting on the market's volatility, Kelley Wright says, "Damn the torpedoes and full steam ahead." He explains, "These events are what create value and have provided us with opportunity over the years to acquire outstanding companies at excellent price/yield levels. I suspect this time will be no different. Hang in there; this too shall pass."

In his Investment Quality Trends, Kelley Wright select stocks based on quality and yield. In his latest update, he says, "Whenever liquidity, the lifeblood of any market, is compromised, things can get ugly right damn skippy."

However, he remains optimistic for the long-term. He notes, "Fundamental measures of value are fundamental for a reason; they don't change with the whims of the day. The markets are a self-regulating mechanism that restores order when excess exceeds a sustainable level."

Meanwhile, he notes that he continues to recommend several blue chip equity. He says, "We have been long Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX) in our model portfolio since 2003, when the stock traded in the high teens. We buy more every time it falls into our undervalued category, such as now. With the U.S. dollar under pressure, it makes even more sense."

The advisor also likes Automatic Data Processing (NYSE: ADP). He notes, "ADP is undervalued by our proprietary measures, has an S&P earnings and dividend quality ranking of A-plus, has had at least 10% annual dividend growth for the past 12 years and has a 55% or better return on equity."

In addition, he sees value in Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL). He explains, :The stock also has a quality ranking of A-plus. It has also shown 10% annual dividend growth over the past 12 years. If things turn ugly, this stock should hold up nicely."

Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com features the latest investment ideas and market commentary from the financial newsletter community.

Blue chips with quality and yield originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The third quarter of the year has historically been the roughest on the stock market," notes advisor Kelley Wright, a specialist in dividend paying stocks.

In his IQ Trends newsletter, he notes, "One could argue that a correction and consolidation would be healthy and is long overdue." That being said, he adds, "The opportunity currently exists to acquire high-quality companies with long-term rising dividend trends."

Within this framework, he sees opportunity in two favorite blue chip retailers -- Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE: WMT) and TJX Companies (NYSE: TJX).

He says, "It seems like every summer we hear analysts agonize over weak retail sales from May and June. I've often wondered if any of these folks have heard of the phenomenon known as 'vacation.'"

He continues, "After a long school year with the seemingly never ending number of trips to pick up the dozens of items that the kids absolutely have to have, I know that my wife doesn't want to go anywhere near a store unless it is a medical necessity."

Says Wright, "The calendar cannot be ignored so I suspect that when Uniform Day (as they call it at my kids' school) rolls around in mid-August, parents across the fruited plain will be descending en mass to pick up clothes, shoes and the requisite supplies for another school year. And, he states, "I believe both Wal Mart and TJX Companies will be potential beneficiaries of this impending spending spree."

Wright explains, "Both companies are ranked A+ by S&P for their earnings and dividend quality. In addition, both stock have excellent dividend histories. It is a fortunate circumstance when quality and value intersect with opportunity."

Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com features the latest investment ideas and market commentary from the financial newsletter community.

Back to school bets: WMT, TJX originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) is the top conservative investment for 2007 from Kelley Wright. The editor of Investment Quality Trends notes, "I know this company has been public relations-challenged, but let's consider the fundamentals.

"First, it's not only undervalued, it's trading almost 71% below its historic undervalued dividend yield of 2.20%. In dollar terms, the stock can appreciate $37 to $89 and still represent excellent historic value!

"Second, the stock has earned an A+ ranking by S&P for earnings and dividend quality; S&P doesn't hand out an A+ easily. The stock has also earned our 'G' designation, which denotes a remarkable 10% annual dividend growth over the past 12 years. And, the stock has a P/E of 11 and is trading right at 2 times book value; numbers Benjamin Graham would like.

"CEO Charles Prince is feeling the heat on unlocking shareholder value. Based on recent management restructuring, it appears they will attempt to boost earnings by cutting costs and trying to squeeze value from every corner of this far-flung enterprise. At the end of the day though, I think Prince will have to do more and the Street will reward those efforts."

To see Kelley's favorite speculative idea for 2007, click here.

Top Picks 2007: Kelley Wright banks on Citi for safety originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 01 Jan 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.

Popular, Inc. (NASDAQ: BPOP) is the top speculative play for 2007 from Kelley Wright. The editor of Investment Quality Trends notes, "We aren't big risk takers. That being said, Popular is an interesting undervalued idea.

"First the numbers: an A+ S&P Earnings and Dividend Quality Ranking; our designation for spectacular annual dividend growth of at least 10% for the last 12 years; a P/E of 12; and the stock is trading at less than 2 times book. The stock's historically undervalued yield is 3.10%. Based on the current dividend of $0.64, that equates to a price of $21, and the stock is trading around $17.50.

"The customer base for Popular is the fastest growing demographic in North America: Hispanics. Popular has found a way to market and deliver banking and other financial products to this group, which has traditionally not trusted financial institutions because of their negative experiences with banks in their country of origin.

"We believe this will not go unnoticed by larger, more established banks in the B of A genre. Even without a buyout by another institution, the stock just needs to climb back to its undervalued area to return approximately 18% before the dividend. While 2006 was a disappointing year for BPOP shareholders, we believe 2007 should be a turnaround year and shareholder patience will be rewarded."

To see Kelly's favorite conservative investment for 2007, click here.

Top Picks 2007: IQ Trends banks on a "Popular" pick originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 23 Dec 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With the top risk-adjusted performance rating among all newsletters for the past 15 years, Investment Quality Trends uses a proprietary dividend-based strategy to isolate value among conservative, blue chip stocks. As part of its service, editor Kelley Wright maintains a "Timely Ten" portfolio, representing his current favorite blue chips.

Just added to "Timely Ten" is Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT). Says IQ Trends, "The company has been everyone's favorite target for scorn. But having divested its European properties and focusing on gaining their banking charter, WMT is positioning itself to make some hay."

"Not unnoticed by us," he continues, "is that the Holidays are quickly approaching and Wal-Mart will definitely pull in their share of revenues. When they get the Feds to grant them their banking charter this company will create incredible earnings."

More background on the Timely Ten: Says Kelley, "Whether you are looking to build a portfolio from scratch, are partially invested and looking to add new positions, or fully invested and in need of some affirmation and hand holding, The Timely Ten presents our top ten recommendations.

To earn its place on the Timely Ten list a stock must meet strict criteria including an unvalued ranking, an S&P dividend & earnings quality rating of A- or better, a P/E ratio of 15 or less, a payout ratio of 50% or less and debt of 50% or less.

Also, to be included, notes Kelley, the stock must have "an exemplary long-term dividend growth record, and technical characteristics on the daily and weekly charts that suggests the potential for imminent capital appreciation."

Steven Halpern is editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, a guide to financial newsletters.

Wal-Mart earns spot on 'Timely Ten' list of top stock newsletter originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.