Stocks Going Ex Dividend the Third Week of April

Here is our latest update on the stock trading technique called 'Buying Dividends,' also commonly referred to as 'Dividend Capture.' This is the process of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling the stock shortly after the ex date at about the same price, yet still being entitled to the dividend. This technique generally works only in bull markets, and can work in flat or choppy markets, but you need to avoid the technique during bear markets.

In order to be entitled to the dividend, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date, and you can't sell the stock until after the ex date. The actual dividend may not be paid for another few weeks. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable and sortable list of the stocks going ex dividend in the near future. The list contains many dividend paying companies, lots with market caps over $500 million, and yields over 2%. Here are a few examples showing the stock symbol, the ex-dividend date, and the yield.

Buckle Inc.	BKE	4/13/2015	1.9%
Chesapeake Energy	CHK	4/13/2015	2.5%
Clarcor Inc.	CLC	4/13/2015	1.2%
Consolidated Communications Holdings	CNSL	4/13/2015	7.3%
Freeport McMoran	FCX	4/13/2015	1.0%
Fifth Street Finance	FSC	4/13/2015	10.0%

WD-40 Co.	WDFC	4/14/2015	1.8%
Zep Inc.	ZEP	4/14/2015	1.4%
Bon-Ton Stores Inc Com.	BONT	4/15/2015	3.1%
Legg Mason BW Global Inc.	BWG	4/15/2015	8.9%
Bowl America Inc. Cl. A	BWL-A	4/15/2015	4.7%
Cracker Barrel	CBRL	4/15/2015	2.7%
Foot Locker	FL	4/15/2015	1.6%

The additional ex-dividend stocks can be found at wsnn.com. (If you have been to the website before, and the latest link doesn't show up, you may have to empty your cache.) If you like dividend stocks, you should check out some of the other high yield stock lists at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com or WSNN.com. Most of the lists are free. 

Dividend definitions:

Declaration date: the day that the company declares that there is going to be an upcoming dividend.

Ex-dividend date: the day on which if you buy the stock, you would not be entitled to that particular dividend; or the first day on which a shareholder can sell the shares and still be entitled to the dividend.

Monthly Dividend Stock List
Record date: the day when you must be on the company's books as a shareholder to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is normally set for stocks at two business days before the record date.

Payment date: the day on which the dividend payment is actually made, which can be as long at two months after the ex date.

Book now available: Buying Dividends Revised and Expanded

Book now available: Stock Market Trivia Makes a Great Gift!

Don't forget to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the company before implementing this technique.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written.

By Stockerblog.com

Here's a Contrarian Investment: High Yield Gold Stocks

Talk about an industry that has been hammered, look at gold. During the last year, the S&P 500 was up 11.25%, whereas the SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD), which has a goal of replicating the performance of gold bullion, was down 8.9%. Then look at the gold mining stocks. The Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX) was down 21.81% over the same period.

If you feel that gold may start rising again, you may want to consider the gold mining stocks, especially the ones that pay dividends, as this will return your capital faster and help reduce volatility. Fortunately, there are over 20 to choose from, according to the list of dividend paying gold stocks at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com. Some pay annually, some pay semi-annually, some pay quarterly, and couple even pay monthly.

One example is Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), which actually has a fairly diversified business, not only exploring for gold, but also silver, copper, molybdenum, cobalt, and even oil and natural gas. The stock trades at only 12 times trailing earnings and 11 time forward earnings. The company pays a generous yield of 4.7%, and dividends are paid out every quarter.

Yamaha Gold (AUY) is a Canadian based company that has mining properties in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico.  The stock trades at 18 times forward earnings. The yield on the stock is 2.7%. Like FCX, it also pays dividends quarterly.

If you are looking for a monthly dividend payer, Goldcorp (GG), is one example, and it has a yield of 2.7%. The stock trades at 22 times forward earnings.

If you want to see all the other high yield gold stocks, which includes information on the PE ratio, the forward PE, the PEG, the yield, and the dividend frequency, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com. This may be a great way to add gold to your portfolio.

Disclosure: Author didn't own any of the above at the time the article was written and has no plans to do so in the next 72 hours.

By Stockerblog.com

Cuba Going Capitalistic? Time for Cuba Stocks?

Habana Lonja del Commercio
Stock Exchange

Do you realize that Cuba used to have a stock exchange? It was located in Havana during the early 1900's.  (See picture.)

Cuba must really be hurting for cash. The county needs to bring businesses in and they are doing whatever they can to attract them. The government is waiving taxes and cutting taxes, plus banning expropriations, according to the proposed law.Although the new laws are not perfect, they are a step in the right direction.

Other good news about Cuba:
- eased restrictions on Cuban Americans traveling to Cuba
- Cuban Americans allowed to send money to their Cuban relatives
- U.S. telecom companies are now allowed to do business in Cuba.

It will be interesting to see which American companies jump on the bandwagon and set up operations there. If you are looking for companies that already have a foothold in Cuba, here are a few companies that have Cuban connections, according to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

The best way of investing in Cuba on a diversified basis is through the Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Inc. (CUBA). It is a closed end fund which is a diversified way of playing the Cuba economy. It invests in stocks of the of the Caribbean Basin Countries and the United States, which are expected to benefit from economic growth in Cuba, Jamaica, the Bahamas and other countries. The CEF recently declared a $1.14 per share year end distribution payable in stock.

Sherritt International (SHERF) is a Toronto, Ontario based mining, and oil, and gas company that is one of the largest foreign investors in Cuba, having more business in Cuba than any other Canadian company. A major portion of their revenues are generated by the Moa Mine in Cuba, formerly owned by Freeport-McMoRan Copper (FCX), as a joint venture with a Cuban government company. They also operate Varadero, Canasí, Yumuri, Puetro Escondido oil and gas fields which they have leased in Cuba. In addition, Sherritt owns, Energas, the Cuban electric utility. The stock trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada and on the Pink Sheets in the United States, and recently generated negative earnings of 2.27 cents per share. The stock, which trades for a little over $3 per share, has 2.26 in cash per share and a 10.66 book value.

There may be more cruise travel to Cuba. So companies such as Carnival Corp. (CCL), and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) should also benefit. Carnival yields 2.5% and Royal Caribbean pays a yield of 1.8%.

For a list of ten Cuba related stocks, which has information on the PE ratio, the forward PE, the PEG, and the yield, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Author didn't own any fo the above at the time the article was written.

By Stockerblog.com

Gold is Up 11% in the Last Month and a Half: Top Income Gold Stocks

Do you realize that in the last month and a half, the price of gold has risen 11%, whereas the S&P 500 has only gone up by 3.3% over the same period of time. The share prices of gold mining companies have also started taking off. The Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX) is up 18.1%, and the Market Vectors Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) up 26.1%.

Investors can not only achieve capital appreciation on their gold mining shares but also dividend income from certain companies, as yields on these stocks are fairly high, compared to what you could receive from a bank account. Keep in mind though that some of the gold mining companies link their dividends to the price of gold, and even those that don't could easily cut their dividends if the price of bullion drops. According to the free list of high yield gold mining stocks at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com, there are over 20 gold stocks that pay out dividend yields, ranging from 0.4% to over 6%.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX) is a major producer in the precious metals sector. The world's largest publicly traded copper company, it also mines for gold, molybdenum, cobalt, silver, and several other metals. This Phoenix, Arizona based miner has operations in North America, South America, Indonesia, and Africa. The stock trades at 12 times trailing earnings and 10 times forward earnings. Earnings for the latest quarter were down 4.8% on a revenue boost of 30.4%. The stock pays a very generous 3.9% yield, and dividends are paid quarterly.

Another high yield gold company is Yamana Gold, Inc. (AUY), a Toronto, Ontario, Canada based miner which explores for and produces gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, and silver, from its properties in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Mexico. The stock trades at 25 times trailing earnings and 24 times forward earnings. The latest quarterly revenues were down 33.2%. The stock pays a CD beating yield of 1.5%. Dividends for this company are also paid out quarterly.

For more of a silver play, there is Silver Wheaton Corp. (SLW), the Vancouver, Canada company which yields 1.4%. The stock has a trailing P/E ratio of 21 and a forward P/E of 28. Quarterly revenues were up 3.2% but earnings dropped 35.6%.

The yields on these stocks can help reduce some of the volatility and return your capital quicker. Just remember, that companies can reduce (or increase) their dividend payouts at any time. For a list of the other high yield gold and silver mining stocks, which can be downloaded, sorted, and updated, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Disclosure: Author didn't own any of the above at the time the article was written.
 
By Stockerblog.com

Stocks Going Ex Dividend the Third Week of January

 Here is our latest update on the stock trading technique called 'Buying Dividends'. This is the process of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling the stock shortly after the ex date at about the same price, yet still being entitled to the dividend. This technique generally works only in bull markets, and can work in flat or choppy markets, but you need to avoid the technique during bear markets.

In order to be entitled to the dividend, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date, and you can't sell the stock until after the ex date. The actual dividend may not be paid for another few weeks. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable and sortable list of the stocks going ex dividend in the near future. The list contains many dividend paying companies, lots with market caps over $500 million, and yields over 2%. Here are a few examples showing the stock symbol, the ex-dividend date, and the yield.


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City Holdings	CHCO	1/13/2013	3.2%
Chesapeake Energy	CHK	1/13/2013	1.3%
Consolidated Commun	CNSL	1/13/2014	7.9%
Gas Natural Inc.	EGAS	1/13/2013	6.5%
Freeport McMoran	FCX	1/13/2013	3.3%
Fifth Street Finance	FSC	1/13/2013	10.8%

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Shaw Communications	SJR	1/13/2013	4.1%
Trinity Industries	TRN	1/13/2013	1.1%
Aetna	AET	1/14/2013	1.3%

The additional ex-dividend stocks can be found at wsnn.com. (If you have been to the website before, and the latest link doesn't show up, you may have to empty your cache.) If you like dividend stocks, you should check out some of the other high yield stock lists at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com or WSNN.com. Most of the lists are free.

Dividend definitions:

Declaration date: the day that the company declares that there is going to be an upcoming dividend.

Ex-dividend date: the day on which if you buy the stock, you would not be entitled to that particular dividend; or the first day on which a shareholder can sell the shares and still be entitled to the dividend.

Monthly Dividend Stock List
Record date: the day when you must be on the company's books as a shareholder to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is normally set for stocks at two business days before the record date.

Payment date: the day on which the dividend payment is actually made, which can be as long at two months after the ex date.

Book now available: Buying Dividends Revised and Expanded

Book now available: Stock Market Trivia
A Great Stocking Stuffer!

Don't forget to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the company before implementing this technique.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written.

By Stockerblog.com

Top Yielding Gold and Silver Stocks

Marc Faber, the famed investment advisor and fund manager, who has been referred to in the past as 'Doctor Doom', believes that we may be headed to a stock market crash, yet the gold mining stock sector is oversold and worth buying.
Gold and silver mining stocks have recently been depressed but rebounded sharply on Friday. If Faber is correct, then investors can not only achieve capital appreciation on their shares but also dividend income, as yields on these stocks are fairly high, compared to what you could receive from a bank account. Keep in mind though that some of the gold mining companies link their dividends to the price of gold, and even those that don't could easily cut their dividends if the price of bullion continues to drop. According to the free list of high yield gold mining stocks at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com, there are over 20 gold stocks that pay out dividend yields, ranging from 0.4% to over 6%.
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX) is a major producer in the precious metals sector. The world's largest publicly traded copper company, it also mines for gold, molybdenum, cobalt, silver, and several other metals. This Phoenix, Arizona miner has operations in North America, South America, Indonesia, and Africa. The stock trades at 11.3 times trailing earnings and 10.1 times forward earnings. Earnings for the latest quarter were down 32% on a revenue drop of 4%. The stock pays a very generous 4.0% yield, and dividends are paid quarterly.
Another high yield gold company is Yamana Gold, Inc. (AUY), a Toronto, Ontario, Canada based miner which explores for and produces gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, and silver, from its properties in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Mexico. The stock trades at 22.8 times trailing earnings and 16.6 times forward earnings. The latest quarterly revenues were down 19.6%. The stock pays a CD beating yield of 2.7%. Dividends for this company are also paid out quarterly.
For more of a solver play, there is Silver Wheaton Corp. (SLW), the Vancouver, Canada company which yields 2.1%. The stock has a trailing P/E ratio of 14.5 and a forward P/E of 19.4. Revenues were actually up 3.1% but earnings dropped 9.3%.
The yields on these stocks can help reduce some of the volatility and return your capital quicker. Just remember, that companies can reduce (or increase) their yields at any time. For a list of the other high yield gold and silver mining stocks, which can be downloaded, sorted, and updated, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.
Disclosure: Author didn't own any of the above at the time the article was written.
By Stockerblog.com

Image courtesy of ponsulak / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

High Yield Gold Stocks: Time for a Rebound?

Gold has been hit hard recently, and in mid April, the price of gold dropped like a 50 pound nugget. In the last six months, the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) tanked by over 16.6%. Many gold bugs believe that the selling pressure on gold is off now, and that a continuation of the little rebound during the last half of April is in the works. Stock yields have almost doubled and in some cases more than doubled.

Investors who are looking to get in to the gold market now have an interesting opportunity, as yields on the gold mining stocks have almost doubled, and in some cases, more than doubled. According to the free list of high yield gold mining stocks at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com, there are over 20 gold stocks that pay dividends.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX) is the big player in the precious metals arena, mining for copper, gold, molybdenum, cobalt, silver, and many other metals. It happens to be the world's largest publicly traded copper company. This Phoenix Arizona based company has operations in North America, South America, Indonesia, and Africa. The stock trades at 10.6 times trailing earnings and 7.7 times forward earnings. Earnings for the latest quarter were down about 15% on relatively flat revenues. The stock pays a very generous 4.0% yield, and dividends are paid quarterly. James R. Moffett, Chairman of the Board, and Richard C. Adkerson, President and Chief Executive Officer, said,

"Our first-quarter results reflect our focus on strong and safe production, aggressive cost management and advancing financially attractive projects to grow our copper production, increase cash flows and provide strong returns for shareholders."

One issue that investors should be aware of is that Freeport is moving more into the oil and gas industry through its acquisitions of Plains Exploration & Production Company and McMoRan Exploration Co.

Another high yield gold company is Yamana Gold, Inc. (AUY), a Toronto, Ontario, Canada based company involved in the exploration and production of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, and silver, from its properties in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Mexico. The stokc trades at 24 times trailing earnings and 11.2 times forward earnings. The latest quarterly earnings were down 40% on a 4.4% reduction in revenues. The dividends are much higher than a current bank certificate of deposti, as the stock currently yields 2.2%. Dividends for this company are also paid out quarterly.

The yields on these stocks can help reduce some of the volatility and return capital faster. However, if the price of gold doesn't stabilize and begin to increase, the gold mining stocks can suffer even more than they have been lately. For a list of the other high yield gold mining stocks, which can be downloaded, sorted, and updated, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Disclosure: Author didn't own any of the above at the time the article was written.

By Stockerblog.com

Earnings Announcements for Tomorrow

Earnings announcements for tomorrow:

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

Cree Inc. (CREE)

CSX Corp. (CSX)

E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. (DD)

Ethan Allan Interiors (ETH)

Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX)

Google Inc. (GOOG)

II-VI Inc. (IIVI)

Kansas City Southern (KSU)

Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC)

PetMed Express Inc. (PETS)

RF Micro Devices (RFMD)

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. (AMTD)

Texas Instruments (TXN)

Verizon Communications (VZ)

Ways to Earn Income from Gold

Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal ran an article on the many options of gold investing. But what about the investors who like and want income from their gold investments? Since the beginning of October, gold has dropped around 3.5% based on the return on the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) ETF. Maybe income gold stocks warrant a closer examination.

Gold stocks with yields help reduce risk. Based on the free list at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com, there are over twenty dividend paying gold stocks, and ten of them with yields greater than 1.5%. As a matter of fact, you can own a gold mining stock that pays its dividends in gold or silver, your choice. Gold Resource Corp, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange, (GORO) offers silver dividends to its shareholders, in addition to the options of gold or cash dividends.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) is a high yielding gold miner which increased the dividend back in April from 25 cents per quarter to 31.3 cents, giving the stock a 3.6% yield. Freeport trades at 12.5 times trailing earnings and 8.6 times forward earnings. It pays a very favorable yield of 3.0%, and pays its dividend quarterly.

Another dividend paying gold mining stock is Yamana Gold Inc. (AUY) with a yield of 1.4%. The stock has a current price to earnings ratio of 34.5 and a forward PE of 13.7. The company was recently upgraded by HSBC Securities from Neutral to Overweight.

There are plenty of other gold mining stocks with dividends including Rio Tinto plc ADR (RIO), offering a yield of 2.8% and Newmont Mining Corporation (NEM), paying 2.5%.

For a free list of over twenty high yield gold and silver stocks, which you can download, sort, and update, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Disclosure: Author didn't own any of the above at the time the article was written.

By Stockerblog.com

Gold at the Highest Level Since February - Top Gold Income Stocks

If you have been watching the price of gold recently, you would have noticed that gold has been trading at its highest level since the end of February of this year. Many analysts believe that god, and the gold mining stocks, still have a long way to go. Investors that want to participate may want to look for the gold mining companies that pay dividends in order to help reduce risk. According to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com, there are over twenty dividend paying gold stocks, with more than ten with yields in excess of 1.5%.

One example is Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX), which increased the dividend back in April from 25 cents per quarter to 31.3 cents, giving the stock a 3.6% yield. Freeport trades at 12.5 times trailing earnings and 8.6 times forward earnings. It pays a very favorable yield of 3.0%, and pays its dividend quarterly. Earnings tanked by 48% for the latest quarter, with revenues dropping 23%.

Yamana Gold Inc. (AUY) is another gold stock that pays a decent quarterly dividend, offering a payout rate of 1.4%. The stock has a current price to earnings ratio of 34.5 and a forward PE of 13.7. The company was recently upgraded by HSBC Securities from Neutral to Overweight. Quarterly earnings for the latest quarter were down 78% on a 6.6% reduction in revenues.

A few other high yield gold stock ideas are Rio Tinto plc ADR (RIO), paying a yield of 2.8% and Newmont Mining Corporation (NEM), yielding 2.5%.

For a free list of over twenty high yield gold and silver stocks, which you can download, sort, and update, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Disclosure: Author didn't own any of the above at the time the article was written.

By Stockerblog.com

Gold Stocks are Down, Gold and Yields are Up, Time to Buy the Stocks?

Did you know that a couple years ago that there were only nine gold mining stocks with yields of 1% or more? Now there are twice that number with ten gold stocks with yields above 2%. Look at the price of gold versus gold stocks.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) is a perfect example from the recently updated list of high yield gold mining stocks at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com. Since the beginning of 2011, the stock has dropped about 40%. Because of the drop in the stock price and an increase in the dividend back in April from 25 cents per quarter to31.3 cents, the yield has gone for 1.4% to 3.6%. Yet during that same time frame, the price of gold has increased by approximately 15%. Stock down 40%, gold up 15%. Sounds like it might be worth taking a closer look.

Freeport trades at 11 times trailing earnings and 7.5 times forward earnings. It sports a golden yield of 3.6%, and pays its dividend quarterly. Earnings tanked by 48% for the latest quarter, with revenues dropping 23%.

Yamana Gold Inc. (AUY) is another gold stock that pays a decent dividend quarterly. The yield is 1.5%. The stock has a current price to earnings ratio of 20 and a forward PE of 11. The company was upgraded last month by HSBC Securities from Neutral to Overweight. Net earnings for the first quarter were $170.0 million or $0.23 per share on a basic and diluted basis which is an increase of 15% compared with net earnings of $148.2 million or basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.20 for the same quarter last year.

A couple of high yield gold stocks the pay semi-annually include Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC), sporting a yield of 2.1%, and Barrick Gold Corporation (ABX), yielding 2.4%.

For a free list of over twenty high yield gold mining stocks, which you can download and sort, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Disclosure: Author didn't own any of the above at the time the article was written.

By Stockerblog.com

Stocks I Discussed at the Money Show Part 2

If you missed my previous article on the MoneyShow where I gave a presentation last week, you can see it here. I tried to cover a diversified group of various high income stocks in many different industries.

One area that I covered was inflation proof income stocks. One of the best ways to get inflation protection is from gold and precious metals mining stocks. Unfortunately, investors have only three choices. Goldcorp Inc. (GG) yields only 0.9% but pays dividends on a monthly basis. Because the yield is so low, you would have to invest a significant amount in order to receive a decent monthly dividend check. There is also Hecla Mining preferred B (HL-PB), sporting a yield of 6.5%, payable quarterly. Unfortunately, there is no growth potential.

Finally there is Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX), which closed at 43.50 last Wednesday when I gave the speech. It yield isn't real high at 2.2%, but still beats certificates of deposit. Dividends are paid quarterly. The company produces copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and cobalt. Revenues for the latest quarter were up an amazing 50.5% year over year, with an outstanding earnings growth of 106%. In 2010, Freeport had its best financial results in the company’s history. In the last five years, revenues have tripled.

In produces 9% of the worldwide mined copper production, with operations in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado in the United States, Peru, Chile, Indonesia, and Congo. It has the Grasberg Mining Complex in Indonesia, which has the world’s largest gold reserve, and the world's largest recoverable copper reserve. Overall, the company has 40.0 million ounces of gold, 102.0 billion pounds of copper, 2.48 billion pounds of molybdenum, and 266.6 million ounces of silver.

Another stock I covered was in the real estate field. The company is Realty Income (O), one of the few companies with a one letter stock ticker symbol. This is a Real Estate Investment Trust which yields 5.8%, payable monthly. The stock closed at 30.75 last Wednesday. It has increased its dividend for 16 years in a row and has paid dividends for 42 years. The company has 2,500 properties with an occupancy rate of 96.6%. It leases to over 100 different retail enterprises in more than 30 separate industries, with properties in almost all states.

The leases are typically for 15 to 20 years, usually triple-net leases where the tenant pays the taxes, maintenance and insurance. The properties are usually freestanding buildings in prime locations with good access and visibility. Tenants include Petsmart, Children’s World, Taco Bell, Jiffy Lube, National Tire, AMC Theatres, Boston Market, Rite Aid, La Petite Academy, Sports Authority and Pizza Hut.

The stocks has had an average compounded annual return of 17.8% since it was listed on the NYSE in 1994. The company had maintained property occupancy levels above 96% at the end of each year. No single tenant accounts for more than 10% of total lease revenue. The latest quarterly earnings growth was 26.4%.

An interesting utility is Portland General Electric (POR), which closed at 21.82 when I discussed it last week. The stock yields about 4.6%, and had a 1.9% dividend increase declared in June. Dividends have been increasing every year since 2006. The stock sports a forward price to earnings ratio of 12.2. Revenue for the latest six months grew nearly 4% over the previous year with income increasing 78%.

Earnings should increase this year, primarily due to the 3.9% rate increase in January of this year, which should bring in $65 million. The regulatory climate is improving. The company's capital spending has been declining because major projects have been completed, such as the advanced meter installation and a windfarm.

If you like high dividend stock ideas, check out the numerous lists of high dividend stocks at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com, that can be downloaded, updated, and sorted. Also, stay tuned for upcoming articles on more stocks from the MoneyShow.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written.

By Stockerblog.com

Gold Broke Above $1500 an Ounce Again: Income Gold Stocks

On Monday, the price of gold penetrated up through the $1500 an ounce level again. By happenstance, Jim Cramer interviewed Mark Bristow, the CEO of Randgold Resources (GOLD) on the Mad money television show. Cramer considers this stock the best high risk high reward gold miner, with the risk due to the fact that much of the company's operations are in African countries with significant investment concerns. Randgold, which is one of over twenty stocks on the list of dividend paying gold mining stocks at WallStreetNewsnetwork.com, pays a small yield of 0.2%. It trades at 14 times forward earnings.

In terms of gold's future, Randgold's Bristow said on the show that the price of gold has a "lot of upside". So for more conservative investors, what gold stocks are worth looking into? Cramer mentioned that he liked Goldcorp Inc. (GG), one of the few gold miners that pays dividends monthly. Payouts have been made regularly since 2005. The current yield on the stock is 0.9%. The stock sports a forward price to earnings ratio of 18. It has mines in Canada, United States, Mexico, and Central and South America.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) is a stock that pays quarterly and currently yields 2.0%. The company has operations in North and South America, Indonesia; and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It trades at 8 times forward earnings.

For a free list of gold mining stocks that pay dividends, which can be downloaded and updated, go to WallStreetNewsnetwork.com.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written.
By Stockerblog.com

Dividend Based on the Price of Gold

Here is an interesting inflation hedge for income investors. Newmont Mining Corporation (NEM) is planning its dividend payments based on the average sales price for gold. The expected payment date based on this formula is June 29, 2011. According to the company:

"The annual payout will increase at a rate of $0.20 per share for each $100 per ounce rise in the average realized gold price. At the current gold price of approximately $1,450 per ounce (i.e. between $1,400 - $1,499 per ounce), Newmont's annual dividend would be $1.00 per share. Subject to Board approval, the first quarterly dividend under this policy is expected to be payable on June 29, 2011 to shareholders of record on June 16, 2011."

The company believes that by 2017, it can produce 7 million ounces of attributable annual gold production, and that based on today's prices of precious metals, it can achieve internal rates of return in excess of 20%. At the end of last year, the company has $5 billion in cash and marketable securities. This was prior to the purchase of Fronteer for $2 billion. The stock trades at 12.75 times forward earnings and is currently generating a yield of 1.0%.

Newmont isn't the only gold mining company that generates a yield. There are plenty of others, according to the list of gold mining dividend stocks at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com, with yields as high as 6%.

One example is Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX), which yields 1.7%, payable quarterly. The company, which mines for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and cobalt, trades at 9 times forward earnings.

Another is ASA Limited (ASA), which is an investment trust that invests in stocks of companies engaged in the exploration, mining or processing of gold, silver, platinum, and diamonds. It sports a price to earnings ratio of 7 and a yield of 2.0%.

For a list of all the dividend paying gold mining companies, which can be downloaded, sorted, and updated, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Disclosure: Author didn't own any of the above at the time the article was written.

By Stockerblog.com

How to Get 6.5% Investing in Gold

Gold closed at an all time high today at $1318 an ounce, primarily due to concerns about a weaker dollar. Many gold bug fear (or hope) that gold may become the next big bubble, similar to the dot com boom. If that happens, not only will the gold commodity take off but so will the gold and silver mining stocks. Many investors want to jump on the bandwagon, or should I say gold wagon, but are concerned about risk.

One way to reduce risk is by finding a stock that pays a regular dividend, because capital is returned to you on a periodic basis and the income provides some stability to the stock price. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has turned up a list of over 20 gold and silver mining stocks that pay dividends, including Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) with a yield of 1.4% and Newmont Mining Corporation (NEM) which pays 1.0%.

However, there is one dividend paying gold stock that stands out. Hecla Mining (HL) is a major producer of gold, silver, lead, and zinc. The company, which was founded in 1891, has operations in Idaho and Alaska. But the common stock doesn't pay a dividend.

However, the Hecla Mining Company Preferred B (HL-PB) shares pay 7% of the $50 par value or 87.5 cents each quarter, generating a yield of 6.5% based on the recent price of 53.80. Another benefit, besides the income, is that the shares are convertible into the common shares of Hecla at $15.55 per share. The current price of the stock, at 6.38 is far away from the conversion price, but a continued strong move in gold could send the shares shooting past that level.

The dividends are cumulative, meaning that any missed dividends need to be paid before any dividends are paid on the common stock, and before the shares get called. The cumulation actually took place last year when the company paid $4.375 in December after missing four payments in a row.

You should be aware that the preferred shares are redeemable at the option of Hecla at $50 per share. It would be to the advantage to Hecla to have the common rise enough for the conversion to take place as once the preferred shareholders convert, the company would save over $550,000 each year in non-deductible dividend payments.

There are many other dividend paying gold mining stocks to choose from, including one that pays dividends monthly and has done so since January of 2004. To see a free list of the top yielding gold and silver mining stocks, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written.

By Stockerblog.com

Earnings Calls for Thursday, January 21

A ton of earnings calls, a lot more earnings calls than Wednesday. The following shows the companies announcing their earnings on Thursday, January 21, and when they are planning on making their announcements, if available. Pay clos attention to the Goldman Sachs (GS) and Google (GOOG) announcements.

Advanced Micro Devices AMD After Close
Affiliated Computer Services ACS After Close
American Express Company AXP After Close
Amphenol APH na
BancorpSouth, Inc. BXS After Close
Brookline Bancorp BRKL After Close
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation BNI 4:00 pm ET
Capital One Financial Corp. COF 4:05 pm ET
Comerica Incorporated CMA Before Open
Conexant Systems Inc. CNXT na
Consolidated Edison, Inc. ED na
Continental Airlines CAL Before Open
Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. CBST na
Digi International Inc. DGII After Close
Electronics for Imaging EFII na
Emulex ELX After Close
EZCORP Inc EZPW After Close
Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc. FCS Before Open
Fifth Third Bancorp FITB 6:00 am ET
First Niagara Financial Group, Inc. FNFG Before Open
First Security Group, Inc. FSGI Before Open
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold FCX Before Open
GATX Corporation GMT Before Open
Goldman Sachs GS Before Open
Google GOOG After Close
ICICI Bank Ltd. IBN na
Imation Corp. IMN 7:00 am ET
Independent Bank Corp. INDB After Close
Insteel Industries IIIN 8:30 am ET
Interactive Brokers Group Inc. IBKR After Close
International Game Technology IGT After Close
Intuitive Surgical ISRG na
ITT Educational Services, Inc. ESI Before Open
J&J Snack Foods JJSF 4:00 pm ET
KeyCorp KEY Before Market Open
Kimberly Clark De Mexico KCDMF.PK na
Knight Capital Group, Inc. NITE 6:00 am ET
Legg Mason LM 07:00 am ET
LSI Industries Inc. LYTS Before Open
Matthews International MATW After Close
MDS Inc. MDZ Before Open
Meredith Corporation MDP Before Open
Meridian Bioscience, Inc VIVO Before Open
Microsemi MSCC After Close
NetScout Systems NTCT After Close
Pacific Continental Corporation PCBK na
People's United Financial Inc. PBCT After Close
PNC Financial Services Group PNC na
Popular, Inc. BPOP na
PPG Industries PPG Before Open
Precision Castparts PCP Before Open
Simmons First National SFNC Before Open
Somanetics Corporation SMTS Before Open
Southwest Airlines LUV na
Sterling Bancshares SBIB Before Open
SVB Financial Group SIVB After Close
Synaptics Incorporated SYNA After Close
TCF Financial Corporation TCB na
Twin Disc TWIN Before Open
Union Pacific UNP Before Market Open
UnitedHealth Group Inc. UNH Before Open
Urologix, Inc. ULGX After Close
Valley National Bancorp VLY Before Open
Westamerica Bancorporation WABC na
Western Alliance Bancorp WAL After Close
Western Digital Corp. WDC After Close
Wilshire Bancorp, Inc. WIBC na
WNS Holdings Ltd. WNS 6:00 am ET
Xerox Corporation XRX 7:00 am ET

How to Invest in Cuba

Now that the United States is easing restrictions on Cuban Americans traveling to Cuba and allowing them to send money to their Cuban relatives, investors are looking for any possible Cuban investment plays. Other good news for Cuba includes that fact that U.S. telecom companies are now allowed to do business in Cuba. Also, many believe that Obama may improve relations with Cuba, which may lead to more loosening of restrictions of all Americans traveling to Havana. Here are a few companies that have Cuban connections.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) is the large mining company involved in the exploration and production of copper, gold, and silver, along with other minerals. The Moa Mine located at Moa Bay in Cuba is owned by Freeport-McMoRan but was confiscated by Fidel Castro in the late 1950's revolution. The stock has a forward P/E of 17, and a PEG of 8.75.

Sherritt International (SHERF.PK) is a Toronto, Ontario based mining, and oil, and gas company that is one of the largest foreign investors in Cuba, having more business in Cuba than any other Canadian company. A major portion of their revenues are generated by the Moa Mine in Cuba, as a joint venture with a Cuban government company. They also operate Varadero, Canasí, Yumuri, Puetro Escondido oil and gas fields which they have leased in Cuba. In addition, Sherritt owns, Energas, the Cuban electric utility. The stock trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange in Canada and on the Pink Sheets in the United States, and recently generated negative earnings of 91 cents per share.

Since more cruise travel should be opening up in the near future with Cuba, Carnival Corp. (CCL), which is one of the largest cruise and vacation companies in the world, should participate in that business. Their cruise lines which operate out of North America, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy, include Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and Windstar Cruises in North America; AIDA in Germany; Costa Cruises in southern Europe; P&O Cruises, Cunard Line, Ocean Village and Swan Hellenic in the United Kingdom; and P&O Cruises in Australia. They operate a fleet of 81 ships, and will be receiving another 20 ships between now and 2011. They are headquartered in Miami, Florida and London, England. They have a P/E of 9, PEG of 0.8, and a yield of 6.3%.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) , which should also participate with trips to Cuba, owns Royal Caribbean International [19 cruise ships with over 44,000 berths] and Celebrity Cruises [9 cruise ships with over 15,000 berths]. They also own Pullmantur S.A., which has five ships in Europe and Latin America. The company plans on having six more ships by the end of 2010. They also offers land tour vacations in Alaska, Canada and Europe. They are headquartered in Miami, Florida. Their P/E is 4, P/S 0.58, yield 6%.

Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Inc. (CUBA) is a closed end fund which is a diversified way of playing the Cuba economy. It invests in stocks of the of the Caribbean Basin Countries and the United States. The stock has recently generated negative earnings and yields 2.9%.

Cuban Electric Co. (CGAR.PK) owns property in Cuba that was confiscated by Castro. The company trades occasionally on the Pink Sheets.

Sol Melia (SMIZF.PK) which is based in Spain, operates about 25% of the hotels in Cuba. Net profit margin is 12% and operating margin of 19%.

Trailer Bridge Inc. (TRBR) is a marine freight carrier between the U.S. and Puerto Rico which is expected to benefit from expansion to Cuba at some point in the future. The stock has a forward P/E of 9.

Petroleo Brasileiro (PBR) is in partnership with Cuba's government-owned oil company. The stock has a P/E of 10.

Repsol YPF SA (REP) is a Spanish oil and gas company with significant operations in Argentina.. They are drilling offshore Cuba for oil. The stock has a P/E of 7.5, and a PEG of 1.7.

Stocks in other countries may participate in the growth of Cuba, including Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina.

Author owns CGAR.PK and PBR.

By Stockerblog.com