I'll take a look at MO and PM Nick. Though I am looking for higher dividend returns overall. A good mix is important. I spoke too soon before reading about your suggestions...for dividend paying picks. MO and PM do look okay, though I haven't done extensive research on these I know these are real favorites of yours.
Although I like consumer stocks as a hedge against things to come, I think a 2.5% div is a bit less than what I'd like. So most likely I'd pass on JNJ. It's tough finding good yields in this sector.
The least dividend I am now capturing is WMT, and the only reason I took a low payout on this one at $63.70 and a 3.3% div at the time was because of upside potential and a bleak one- two year outlook before WMT started shooting real bullets at AMZN. WMT's online business isn't all that, but they're working on it.
I also like the fact that due to public outcry WMT has become more cognizant of their employees well being. WMT was using Uncle Sam to bolster their bottom line having grossly underpaid their low echelon employees in the past requiring many of said employees to have supplemental income from our tax dollars using food stamps medicaid and supplemental income grants to offset WMT's low pay and benefits structure At least for now WMT appears to be doing less of that, which will benefit all of us- taxpayers, employees and the economy. More $$$ all around for everyone, except maybe WMT. Heck, they can afford it. A small hit to their bottom line, but they can afford it.
WMT's distribution model is excellent, it's already in place and their strategy to go head to head against AMZN seems to be on track. I like that. A lot. And they're actually making a profit , and paying a dividend. They have in place what AMZN seems to be just starting in with. A bit more than I can say about AMZN. Innovators that they are, they will be an unstoppable powerhouse once they turn a profit.
What I don't like with many retailers, Best Buy, Sears, Walmart for example is that their market place isn't really up to snuff with AMZN's. That's a problem that needs to be addressed... ( Once this is addressed in the retail sector, the survivors business models will be a lot stronger. ) Better competition all around and it might just take a little gas out of AMZN's balloon.
