3 Strong Dividend Stocks for the Everyday Investor

After running a dividend screen through the companies that encompass the S&P 500 (SPY), 169 companies were highlighted that pay higher dividends than the average of their respective sectors. In this commentary I will produce two different lists with analysis on the top 3 companies that should be included in your portfolio. Check out the article at Seeking Alpha to find out the lists and companies being recommended.

Economic Downturn: The Red Flags and What They Mean

The recent flare up in Europe has made markets jittery and in turn ignited the risk-off trade (See 10-year yield). The S&P has lost roughly 6% since late April while the 10-year Treasury touched 2.88%, the lowest rate since December 2010. But let's put aside the European turmoil and government intervention and look at some raw indicators that may be able to provide better guidance for the months ahead. Check out the article at Seeking Alpha to find out what we we think.

Ford and GM: Driving Your Portfolio Returns

Over the past few months, the earthquake in Japan has caused enormous supply chain disruptions that are showing up in most economic indicators. However, the largest impact has been in the auto industry. Power outages, difficultly obtaining supplies and poor communication has put Japanese automakers in a tough position and will likely do so for the foreseeable future. This leaves the proverbial door open for U.S. automakers to gain back market share and put Detroit back on the map. Check out the article at Seeking Alpha to find out.

Sweet Dividend Contenders: Ranking the Sugared Foods Stocks

Food stocks should have a place in any dividend portfolio for obvious reasons. Consumers cannot go without eating, but different types of foods prosper in different economic environments. This article looks specifically at companies reliant on sugar and the sweet dividends that they pay out. You can find it in whole at Seeking Alpha.

Chipotle vs. Panera: Battle of the Fast Casual Restaurants

Both Chipotle and Panera have been on magnificent runs over the last few years and each stand well above their 200 day moving averages. The question is thus, which is a better play right now for the future. Check out the article at Seeking Alpha to find out.
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A Sirius Look at the Pandora IPO

Pandora's IPO this last week was extremely disappointing and while they are not an actual competitor of Sirius/XM Radio the similarities cannot be overlooked. This article looks at each of these companies, mainly the strengths and weaknesses of their products...it can be found here.

12 Dividend Stocks You Must Own Regardless of Age

This article looks to simplify the art of asset allocation, finding 12 stocks that can be bought at any age that will offer both capital appreciation and a strong growing, dividend yield. The list is an attempt at diversification covering pharmaceuticals, telecom, energy, vices, consumer staples, manufacturing, technology, and of course, McDonald's. It can be read in full at Seeking Alpha.

Yum Brands: Still Profiting Off Chinese Growth

This is a second article re-examining a past pick. In the last thirteen months, since calling it a buy, YUM has risen from $39 to touching $54 and this was fueled by expansion in China (and the awesome Charles Barkley Taco Bell commercial.) Luckily, there is still plenty of room for YUM to grow. Couple that with a refining of their American franchises and you have a winner. The article can be read at in completion at Seeking Alpha.

RightNow Technologies Still a Worthy Growth Pick

About a year ago we examined RightNow Technologies at the height of the cloud computing frenzy and found it to be a buy. Since then it has doubled; despite this there may still be room to grow. You can find the article at Seeking Alpha.

4 Railroad Shippers as Defensive Plays With Major Upside in Turbulent Times

Railroad stocks could offer a prudent investment opportunity as the economy chugs along and deals with the repercussions of recent natural disasters. This article looks at the big four: Union Pacific, CSX, Canadian National, and Norfolk Suffolk. Combined they cover all of North America and could certainly benefit if housing starts are at a bottom. The full article can be found at Seeking Alpha.

Re-Evaluating Reynolds, Altria and Philip Morris as Quasi-Cigarette Companies

Their has been recent state level legislation banning where individuals are allowed to smoke. This may have come as a hit to the cigarette industry, but fortunately for the big three, they are heavily invested in smokeless tobacco products. An article looking at these products and their effects on the stocks themselves can be found at Seeking Alpha.