chuck carlson posts
FeedPosted Nov 4th 2009 11:40AM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: Newsletters, AFLAC Inc (AFL), Colgate-Palmolive (CL), Stocks to Buy
"One way to build an inflation hedge into your investment cash flows is to focus on stocks that are likely to boost their dividends on a regular basis," explains dividend specialist Chuck Carlson.
In his The DRIP Investor, which focuses on blue chip companies offering dividend reinvestment programs, he notes, "Since dividends are paid with cold cash, they can't be faked. Either you pay the dividend or you don't. They can't be some figment of accounting magic." Here, he looks at three favorite blue chips with strong dividend records.
Continue reading Dividend growth trio: Aflac, Medtronic and Colgate-Palmolive
Posted Sep 2nd 2009 5:00PM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: Coca-Cola (KO), Exxon Mobil (XOM), Colgate-Palmolive (CL), Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE), Procter and Gamble (PG), Lilly (Eli) (LLY)
"While companies have been cutting dividends at an historic pace over the last 24 months, the fact is that there are still quality companies with long histories of paying dividends that represent good long-term investments," says Chuck Carlson, a specialist in companies offering dividend reinvestment plans.
In his top-notch The DRIP Investor he says, "The seven stocks featured here have each been paying a dividend for over 100 years, have raised their dividend annually for at least the last quarter century and offer direct-purchase plans.
Continue reading Seven dividend elites: 100 years of dividends
Posted Jul 16th 2009 1:00PM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: International markets, India, China, Newsletters, Stocks to Buy, China Mobile Limited (CHL)
"Inflationary fears and the desire to generate higher returns in non-dollar assets should boost BRIC stocks (Brazil, Russia, India and China)," says Chuck Carlson in his The DRIP Investor.
"Despite the run-up this year, BRIC stock markets are still reasonably valued. Russia, India, and Brazil all trade at price/earnings ratios similar to the U.S.
"And while China's stock market does trade at a premium to the U.S., China's economic growth will swamp that of the U.S. this year and for the foreseeable future.
Continue reading 'Compelling case' for China and India
Posted Apr 29th 2009 12:30PM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: International markets, Newsletters, Johnson and Johnson (JNJ), DJIA, Stocks to Buy
"Health-care stocks have been volatile of late, as the prospects for significant healthcare reform are impacting the group," notes Chuck Carlson.
In The DRIP Investor, he explains, "Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has not been immune to the weakness. And while these shares could remain under pressure in the short run, the company's prospects are significantly brighter than the typical health-care stock."
"First, Johnson & Johnson's diversified business portfolio, which includes pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and consumer products, should help to smooth out results and cushion declines in any one area.
Continue reading Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): 'A buy for any portfolio'
Posted Mar 23rd 2009 3:50PM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: Newsletters, Staples Inc (SPLS), Stocks to Buy
"I've always liked Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS); the company has traditionally put up good numbers, and the stock price has been rewarding for investors over the years," says Chuck Carlson, noting, "Staples is the world's largest office products company. With $27 billion in sales, Staples serves customers in 27 countries."
The editor of the blue chip advisory, The DRIP Investor, adds, "The stock has gotten hammered by a variety of issues." Here's his review. It is down 40% from its 52-week high
"Yes, the environment for retailers is lousy. Yes, it's tough to see any near-term improvement. And, yes, debt is evil right now. But the stock is already discounting to a large degree those negatives. The stock's current price level is attractive enough to warrant some nibbling.
Continue reading Staples: Rewards for patient investors
Posted Mar 6th 2009 3:20PM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: General Motors (GM), Exxon Mobil (XOM), Newsletters, Citigroup Inc. (C), American Express (AXP), Bank of America (BAC), Chevron Corp (CVX), DJIA, Stocks to Buy
"What can get this market going again?" asks Chuck Carlson. In The DRIP Investor he says, "It's helpful to understand what stocks within the Dow need to do well for the index to do well."
"Not surprisingly, IBM (NYSE: IBM), the highest-priced stock in the Dow, carries the greatest weighting at more than 9% of the index. Obviously, with such a heavy weighting in the index, IBM will need to be a decent performer for the Dow to do well going forward.
"And when you total up the exposure of IBM with the other tech stocks in the Dow - Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), and Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ) - the total tech weighting in the Dow is 16%. Thus, tech stocks matter to the Dow, so it is diffcult to see the Dow sustaining a move upward without a nice rebound in the tech sector.
Continue reading What will move the Dow? A look inside the average
Posted Jan 5th 2009 5:30PM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: Newsletters, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY), Stocks to Buy, Best Stocks for 2009
This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.
"My selection for 2009 is Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY)," says Chuck Carlson, the leading advisor in the area of dividend reinvestment plans.
In his The DRIP Investor, he explains, "This pharmaceutical company has a lot to offer investors, including a high yield, a rising profit stream, and a speculative kicker in the way of takeover appeal." Here's his review.
"Bristol-Myers Squibb has a number of popular brands, including Plavix, the company's leading cardiovascular product; HIV treatments Reyataz and Sustiva; and oncology product Erbitux. Its stable of products has helped drive decent sales growth.
"Bristol-Myers Squibb has done a nice job of ?rming up its balance sheet. The company's cash coffers were boosted by the sale of its ConvaTec medical-device and wound-care business for $4.1 billion.
"At the end of the third quarter, the ?rm had more than $7 billion in cash and securities, a 'signi?cant majority' of which was invested in Treasury Bills and Treasury-backed securities.
Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: Bristol-Myers (BMY)
Posted Oct 9th 2008 4:59PM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: Wal-Mart (WMT), Newsletters, Stocks to Buy
"'Easy hold' stocks have strong finances, consistent sales and earnings and moderate volatility; one such stock is Wal-Mart Stores (NYSE: WMT)," says Chuck Carlson in The DRIP Investor.
"Easy hold stocks are 'easy holds' for good reason -- their price action generally does not force you to make too many decisions about selling. And one that has held up quite well of late is Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer.
"The firm's discount focus has been especially popular with consumers in recent months in light of the sluggish economy and job markets. The firm has beaten earnings estimates in each of the last four quarters. Record profits of $3.50 per share are expected for the current fiscal year ending January 2009.
"Long term, I expect Wal-Mart to provide the sort of steady sales and profit growth that will keep its stock trending higher.
"While I would not expect Wal-Mart to keep pace during the next big upward move in the market, I think the consistency of returns the stock will show over the next several years should be rewarding for investors looking for acceptable returns at moderate risk levels.
"Wal-Mart also offers a direct-purchase plan whereby any investor may buy shares directly, the first share and every share. Minimum initial investment is $250. However, Wal-Mart will waive the minimum if an investor agrees to automatic monthly investment via electronic debit of a bank account of at least $25."
Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a daily look at the latest market commentary and favorite stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.
Posted Sep 12th 2008 2:46PM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: PepsiCo (PEP), Newsletters, Stocks to Buy
This post is one of six articles on beverage-related stocks. Here are five other investment ideas to sip on.
"PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) is feeling the heat from high commodity prices as well as penny-pinching consumers," says Chuck Carlson, the advisory industry's top authority on dividend reinvestment plans.
The editor of The DRIP Investor suggests, "The stock has pulled back more than 18% from its 52-week high. Investors should take advantage of the current price lull to do buying in these shares."
"The decline follows weakness in a variety of consumer-related stocks. However, while near-term price action will likely be limited, the stock's long-term prospects remain sound.
"The firm has strong market positions in its soft-drink, sport-drink, and snack-food businesses. Record pro? ts are expected this year and next. A rising dividend stream enhances appeal.
"PepsiCo is one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, with 2007 revenue of more than $39 billion. It has 18 brands that generate $1 billion or more in annual revenue.
"Its international business generated around 40% of sales and 29% of operating profits in 2007. The international side has been a major growth engine, with PepsiCo International showing 27% revenue growth in the first quarter. Thus, these shares have lost some of their defensive appeal during the recent market downturn.
"Despite higher raw-material costs, PepsiCo should post record pro?ts in 2008 of at least $3.72 per share, up from $3.38 in 2007.
"The stock currently trades at 17 times expected 2008 results. That is not necessarily bargain basement but is a fair valuation for a company that consistently produces solid revenue and earnings growth.
"The consensus earnings estimate for 2009 is $4.12 per share, but that number could prove conservative should the firm catch a break on commodity prices, which are due for a pullback.
"PepsiCo's steady earnings growth has fueled consistent dividend increases. It recently boosted its dividend 13% to an annual rate of $1.70 per share. It was the 36th annual dividend increase for the company.
"The stock's current yield is 2.6% .I don't see a lot of downside in the stock, perhaps to the $60 level. We view these shares as capable of returning to the $70s over the next 12 months. Investors should take advantage of the current price lull to do buying in these shares.
"DRIP investors take note that PepsiCo offers a direct-purchase plan whereby any investor may buy shares directly, the first share and every share. The plan has a $10 one-time enrollment fee but no ongoing purchase fees."
Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a daily look at the latest market commentary and favorite stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.
Posted Aug 15th 2008 5:44PM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: Microsoft (MSFT), Intel (INTC), Exxon Mobil (XOM), Newsletters, Walt Disney (DIS), Costco Wholesale (COST), Staples Inc (SPLS), Lockheed Martin (LMT), Personal finance, Stocks to Buy
"I've always been a big fan of putting into the market on a regular basis regardless of what is happening in the overall market," explains Chuck Carlson, long considered one of the advisory industry's leading experts on dividend reinvestment plans.
Here, the editor of The DRIP Investor offers a 10-stock "autopilot" portfolio that is diversified among 10 high quality dividend-paying stocks and requiring a monthly investment of under $500.
Carlson says, "If I've learned anything in the more than a quarter of a century of following the markets, it is this fact - buying stocks when you know you should (i.e. during sharp down moves) is really difficult. Our heads says we should; after all, substantial market downturns create the best values.
"But our emotions usually take control, thus making it very difficult to pull the trigger and put money into the market when stocks are falling.
"That's why I've always been a big fan of 401(k) plans. With these investment vehicles, investment programs are put on 'autopilot,' with dollars being put into the market on a regular basis (usually each paycheck) regardless of what is happening in the overall market.
"Fortunately, investors can duplicate the autopilot feature of 401(k) plans with their DRIP investments by taking advantage of automatic monthly investment features provided by most DRIPs.
Continue reading 'Autopilot' portfolio: 10 stocks for long-term investors
Posted Jul 22nd 2008 12:42PM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: International markets, Newsletters, QUALCOMM Inc (QCOM), Stocks to Buy
"Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) is my favorite stock for gains over the next 12 months," says Chuck Carlson. Here's his bullish assessment from The DRIP Investor newsletter.
"Yes, the market is declining. And, yes, it is often scary to buy during such market periods. Nevertheless, there's an adage that 'the best time to invest was yesterday; the next best time is today'.
"Indeed, countless studies have shown that the best thing any investor can do is invest early and often. That is the best way to maximize the power of time, and time will have the greatest bearing on your investment results.
"Thus, investors need to be willing to buy even when it is difficult to do so, or should I so especially when it is difficult to do so. The reason is that we usually are reluctant to buy stocks during market declines. Yet, if you think about it, declining markets should be precisely the time we buy since stocks are cheaper.
"The stock has demonstrated impressive price performance throughout the market volatility in recent months, rising to its highest level in a year above $50 before pulling back.
Continue reading Qualcomm (QCOM): Time to buy
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