What You Need to Know About Dividend Stocks

stocks

OK, here’s what you need to know about dividend stocks…

When a corporation earns a profit, that money can either be re-invested in the business or paid to shareholders as a dividend. Many corporations keep a portion of their earnings and pay the rest as a dividend.

Since dividend stocks offer regular dividends as well as long-term equity growth, are they a better investment?

Like so many questions related to investing, the answer is “yes” and “no”.

Here are some factors to consider:

  • Every dividend you receive reduces the risk of the investment and contributes to long-term return.
  • Some companies raise their dividend to distract investors from the fact that their shares are under-performing.
  • Dividends contribute to shareholder loyalty, which can make companies less susceptible to market volatility, so the share value may be more stable.
  • Some studies indicate that companies that pay high dividends also have high earnings growth over  the long term.
  • When a company reduces or suspends dividends–even if it’s a constructive move to help build value–negative media reports can impact share prices.

If you’re considering investing in dividend stocks, we can suggest a trusted local financial adviser who can help you make an informed decision based on your specific goals and needs.