7 Stocks That Prove Dividends Matter

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Dividends can be an equalizing factor when comparing stocks. For example, you can be looking at one stock that is up 5% and another that is up 7% over a period of time. However, the stock that is up 5% pays a dividend while the one that pays 7% does not. That dividend factors into the stock’s total return. Therefore although the former would appear to offer a better return, the stock that pays a dividend may actually provide a higher total return.

Dividends are a portion of a company’s profit reflected as a percentage. However, this percentage changes with the company’s stock price. For that reason, a common mistake investors make is to chase a yield. But a company that pays a 4% dividend yield may be a far better investment than a company with an 8% yield. Here’s why.

The most important attribute of a dividend is its reliability. Getting a solid dividend one year has very little meaning if the company has to suspend, or cut, its dividend the next year. Investors want to own stocks in companies that have a solid history of paying a regular dividend. Another important consideration is a company’s ability to increase its dividend. This means that the company is increasing the amount of the dividend regardless of stock price. Companies that do this over a specific period of time have achieved a special status. Dividend Aristocrats are companies that have increased their dividend every year for at least the last 25 years. Dividend Kings have increased their dividends every year for at least the last 50 years.

In this presentation, we highlight seven companies that offer a nice dividend and the opportunity for decent growth.

Click on Continue to view the “7 Stocks That Prove Dividends Matter”.

#1 - Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW)

Sherwin-Williams (SHW)

Years of Consecutive Dividend Growth: 41 Years (Dividend Aristocrat)

Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW) has been giving shareholders solid growth to go along with its super reliable dividend for the last five years. However, the company’s stock has really taken off since its $11 billion purchase of Valspar in 2017.

However, every company is likely to feel some pain from the current mitigation efforts spawned by the coronavirus. Sherwin-Williams reported disappointing fourth-quarter earnings and will likely continue to show weaker numbers in subsequent quarters.

Still, the company has a couple of catalysts that make the company an attractive option as the country works through the coronavirus pandemic. First, interest rates that are at lows not seen since the financial crisis are a motivating factor for current homeowners to make home improvements. And one of the easiest and most cost-effective home improvements that can be made is adding a fresh coat of paint.

Plus, prior to the social distancing guidelines have forced Americans indoors, the housing market was beginning to show the strength that investors were counting on since the Fed first lowered interest rates in 2019.

And to go along with that growth, Sherwin-Williams has a highly reliable dividend that they have increased every year since 1979. And, the company pays out just over 19% of its earnings as dividends.

About Sherwin-Williams

The Sherwin-Williams Company engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coating, and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. It operates through three segments: Paint Stores Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coatings Group. Read More

Current Price: $302.13
Consensus Rating: Moderate Buy
Ratings Breakdown: 13 Buy Ratings, 6 Hold Ratings, 1 Sell Ratings.
Consensus Price Target: $336.89 (11.5% Upside)

#2 - McCormick & Co. (NYSE:MKC)

McCormick & Co. (MKC)

Years of Consecutive Dividend Growth: 34 Years (Dividend Aristocrat)

McCormick (NYSE:MKC) illustrates the larger supply chain issues that our nation will be working through in the wake of the coronavirus. The company has three factories in China, including one in Wuhan the epicenter of the pandemic.

Fortunately, the company is back in business in China. And that is corresponding to an increase in sales in North America as consumers have stocked up before taking shelter in their homes. On the other hand, the company’s restaurant business has basically ground to a halt.

Before pulling their 2020 guidance because of the novel coronavirus, the company had predicted sales growth of 2% to 4%. And analysts feel McCormick may be able to do even better. They are forecasting 6% annual growth for the next five years.

Even if McCormick’s growth comes in at the low end of that estimate, McCormick’s dividend is well supported. The company has had over 30 consecutive years of dividend growth with the most recent hike being in November. The company’s quarterly dividend now sits at 62 cents per share.

“We remain committed to our long history of returning cash to shareholders and I am incredibly proud to announce another dividend increase,” said CEO Lawrence Kurzius via a press release.

Stock #4 has had 52 years of consecutive dividend growth...

About McCormick & Company, Incorporated

McCormick & Company, Incorporated manufactures, markets, and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the food industry. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Flavor Solutions. The Consumer segment offers spices, herbs, and seasonings, as well as condiments and sauces, and desserts. Read More

Current Price: $75.53
Consensus Rating: Hold
Ratings Breakdown: 2 Buy Ratings, 5 Hold Ratings, 2 Sell Ratings.
Consensus Price Target: $77.88 (3.1% Upside)

#3 - Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT)

Abbott Laboratories (ABT)

Years of Consecutive Dividend Growth: 48 Years (Dividend Aristocrat)

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) has been rewarding shareholders for years. In fact, ABT stock has often been a signature part of a dividend investor’s portfolio. Abbott has increased its dividend every year for 48 consecutive years. Most recently, the company raised its quarterly dividend, which now sits at 36 cents per share, in December.

Right now, Abbott stock is on fire based on its role in providing rapid testing for the novel coronavirus. On March 27, the company received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its rapid point-of-care COVID-19 test. COVID-19 is the underlying disease that causes the coronavirus.

This was the second such authorization that Abbott received in the month of March. Considering the key role that testing will play in getting the U.S. economy (if not the global economy) back to any semblance of normal, Abbott should be a solid growth stock for the remainder of 2020.

Fortunately, the need for testing should decline. However, the company has much more in its pipeline than its recent contributions to combat the novel coronavirus. The company’s portfolio also includes Similac infant formulas, Glucerna diabetes management products, and i-Stat diagnostic devices.

About Abbott Laboratories

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Ménière's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Read More

Current Price: $106.57
Consensus Rating: Moderate Buy
Ratings Breakdown: 6 Buy Ratings, 3 Hold Ratings, 0 Sell Ratings.
Consensus Price Target: $121.50 (14.0% Upside)

#4 - Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE:SWK)

Stanley Black & Decker (SWK)

Years of Consecutive Dividend Growth: 52 Years (Dividend King)

For one of the most venerable of dividend stocks, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE:SWK) has been behaving like a growing start-up. In the last five years the company purchased Newell Tools, a division of Newell Brands (NWL) giving them the Lenox and Irwin brands. Stanley Black & Decker followed that up by negotiating the purchase of the Craftsman tool brand from Sears Holdings (SHLDQ).

And as if that wasn’t enough, the company announced its acquisition of IES Attachments and Nelson Fastener Systems. But Stanley isn’t finished yet. In January, the company announced its intention to buy Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing, a supplier of Boeing.

So far, all these acquisitions have not helped the bottom line. However, the fact that Stanley is consolidating industries in a downturn will lead to cost cuts. And that creates an opportunity for the company to turn future revenue into bigger profits.

Unfortunately, the coronavirus did not allow investors to see what the company could do with a better trade environment. But the company has paid a dividend for 143 consecutive years and has increased its dividend for 52 years. If you’re willing to wait the stock out, you should be set up for a nice reward.

About Stanley Black & Decker

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc provides hand tools, power tools, outdoor products, and related accessories in the United States, Canada, Other Americas, Europe, and Asia. Its Tools & Outdoor segment offers professional grade corded and cordless electric power tools and equipment, including drills, impact wrenches and drivers, grinders, saws, routers, and sanders; pneumatic tools and fasteners, such as nail guns, nails, staplers and staples, and concrete and masonry anchors; corded and cordless electric power tools; hand-held vacuums, paint tools, and cleaning appliances; leveling and layout tools, planes, hammers, demolition tools, clamps, vises, knives, saws, chisels, and industrial and automotive tools; drill, screwdriver, router bits, abrasives, saw blades, and threading products; tool boxes, sawhorses, medical cabinets, and engineered storage solutions; and electric and gas-powered lawn and garden products. Read More

Current Price: $88.52
Consensus Rating: Hold
Ratings Breakdown: 4 Buy Ratings, 4 Hold Ratings, 2 Sell Ratings.
Consensus Price Target: $98.11 (10.8% Upside)

#5 - Walmart (NYSE:WMT)

Walmart (WMT)

Years of Consecutive Dividend Growth: 45 Years (Dividend Aristocrat)

It’s a lot of work to keep pace with Amazon (AMZN). But Walmart (NYSE:WMT) has not only managed to hang with Amazon, they are thriving. Walmart has not only built out their e-commerce business and is embracing the omnichannel model that allows consumers to get what they want when they want it.

Before the coronavirus outbreak, the “new retail” model was becoming essential. Now it will be absolutely critical. Consumers are going to return, but it won’t be the same. Whenever our nation goes through a crisis like this, the world we go back to is changed in a fundamental way. As many consumers realize that they really can get much of what they need without visiting the stores, retailers who don’t allow them to do that will certainly get left behind.

Walmart is already ahead of that curve. And with 45 years of consecutive dividend growth they can provide shareholders with one thing Amazon can’t, a regular dividend payment no matter which way the market goes.

About Walmart

Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, other units, and eCommerce worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, PhonePe and other sites; and mobile commerce applications. Read More

Current Price: $60.11
Consensus Rating: Moderate Buy
Ratings Breakdown: 25 Buy Ratings, 4 Hold Ratings, 0 Sell Ratings.
Consensus Price Target: $61.75 (2.7% Upside)

#6 - 3M (NYSE:MMM)

3M (MMM)

Years of Consecutive Dividend Growth: 61 Years (Dividend King)

3M (NYSE:MMM) shows why it’s important to understand why dividends matter to a stock’s total return. As the market was on its record bull run, some dividend stocks started to deliver eye-popping returns. Unfortunately, the recent market crash has some investors disillusioned as these stocks look to be returning to the mean.

But the mean for 3M has been pretty good. Investors who have been invested in the stock for the last 10 years have been rewarded with a total return of over 120%. If you exclude dividends, the return is still pretty nifty at over 10%, but it looks more pedestrian.

3M is a dividend king having delivered over 60 consecutive years of dividend increases. The company has been in a very public dispute with the Trump administration over the production of masks during the coronavirus pandemic. And, while analysts are glad to see that the company is still keeping their factories running, there is concern about earnings and revenue for 2020.

But that’s a concern for virtually any manufacturer right now. In time, the economy will get on solid footing. And when it does, it will be stocks like 3M that will be well-positioned to win the day.

About 3M

3M Company provides diversified technology services in the United States and internationally. The company's Safety and Industrial segment offers industrial abrasives and finishing for metalworking applications; autobody repair solutions; closure systems for personal hygiene products, masking, and packaging materials; electrical products and materials for construction and maintenance, power distribution, and electrical original equipment manufacturers; structural adhesives and tapes; respiratory, hearing, eye, and fall protection solutions; and natural and color-coated mineral granules for shingles. Read More

Current Price: $90.88
Consensus Rating: Hold
Ratings Breakdown: 1 Buy Ratings, 8 Hold Ratings, 1 Sell Ratings.
Consensus Price Target: $104.00 (14.4% Upside)

#7 - AT&T (NYSE:T)

AT&T (T)

Years of Consecutive Dividend Growth: 35 Years (Dividend Aristocrat)

AT&T (NYSE:T) is a stock that can be overlooked if you stay focused on the headwinds. The company is launching a streaming service at a time when that sector is beginning to look saturated. The long-awaited arrival of 5G appears that it will take a little while longer. The company’s investment in DirecTV now looks like more of an anchor than a catalyst.

But AT&T is first and foremost a wireless carrier. And that’s where it makes the majority of its money. The payments it receives from its customers subscriptions is reliable. And many customers will find other ways to save on their budget before allowing their wireless bill to go unpaid.

It’s also why the company has been able to pay out 35 years of increasing dividends. And because it enjoys a virtual duopoly with Verizon (VZ) in the wireless sector, the company’s dividend is among the most secure in the industry.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc provides telecommunications and technology services worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Communications and Latin America. The Communications segment offers wireless voice and data communications services; and sells handsets, wireless data cards, wireless computing devices, carrying cases/protective covers, and wireless chargers through its own company-owned stores, agents, and third-party retail stores. Read More

Current Price: $16.52
Consensus Rating: Moderate Buy
Ratings Breakdown: 8 Buy Ratings, 5 Hold Ratings, 0 Sell Ratings.
Consensus Price Target: $20.50 (24.1% Upside)

Dividends matter. Companies with a solid history of paying, and potentially increasing, its dividend show financial strength. And once a company commits to paying a dividend, it will usually prioritize that dividend even in difficult financial times.

In this difficult economy, many solid companies have to suspend dividends based on circumstances that could not have been foreseen. That makes the financial strength of the companies that are not only continuing to offer dividends, but increase them even more important.

As you can see from this presentation, dividend investing does not mean investing with some of the big tech companies. You won’t be chasing the hot penny stock, or looking to discover the next unicorn stock. In fact many of these businesses are stable, and could be considered boring.

But when the market gets crazy, boring doesn’t look so bad. And the ability of these stocks to put cash in your pocket should not be overlooked.