Interesting Dividend Plays this Week: REITs and Telecoms

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Safe havens are popular in times of volatility, and the last couple of months definitely qualify. Lately, with the news scaring investors with big drops one day and large gains the next, many are turning toward companies with strong fundamentals and potential for regular income. REITs are gaining in popularity again, and cash-rich telecoms are attractive, since some of them have solid fundamentals.

Here some of the bright spots this week:

  • RAS: RAIT Financial Trust has been improving its situation steadily since the real estate market crash. The yield is 7.1% with an annual dividend of 24 cents per share. The current quote is $3.39, so you could buy quite a lot if you think real estate will make a comeback, and profit handsomely if you are right.
  • NRF: NorthStar Realty Finance Corporation is all about real estate debt portfolios. The yield is hefty, 12.1%, so some might be wary of this REIT. The annual dividend is 40 cents a share, and the current quote is $3.31.
  • CHL: China Mobile Limited is currently yielding 4.22%. This large China telecom has the potential for strong growth as China’s middle class expands. You’re not going to get CHL for as cheap as the REITs though. Right now it’s trading at $46.60.
  • T: Some think that AT&T might be worth getting into at $28.57. The company is still cash rich, and offers a yield of 6.08%.
  • TEF: A large telecom providing services in Europe and Latin America, Telefonica S.A. is a Spanish multinational that has fairly solid fundamentals. The current price is $20.14, and the yield is a rather large 10.30%.
  • RCI: Canadian telecom Rogers is has been struggling a little recently, but it still has cash, and solid fundamentals. The yield is 4.31%, and the current price is $34.55. Not bad.

As you can see, it can pay off to look at foreign companies as well as domestic companies. Many of these foreign companies are showing a certain amount of financial solidity.

Roundup: FINCON11 and Dividend Growth Index

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Over the weekend, the Financial Blogger Conference took place in Chicago. There were quite a few bloggers there, including bloggers that write about dividends. Here are a few posts from attendees, as well as those who didn’t attend. Plus, plenty of news on the Dividend Growth Index, picked by bloggers:

  1. Dividend Growth Index Results: It was a true pleasure to meet The Dividend Guy over the weekend, and hang out. And to read about the results of the Dividend Growth Index. Look over the list. It might be just what you need to boost your portfolio.
  2. Stock Picks for the Dividend Growth Index: Dividend Ninja (cool guy; met him at the conference) describes his three picks for the Dividend Growth Index. Learn more about the index, and why he picked the stocks he did.
  3. Evaluating Vanguard’s New LifeStrategy Funds: Oblivious Investor is personable in real life, and just as helpful as on his blog. Read about his evaluation of Vangaurd’s latest fund offering. Insightful analysis, as always.
  4. Dividend Monk’s Three Picks for the Dividend Growth Index: Read about Dividend Monk’s contributions to the Dividend Growth Index. Find out how he narrowed it down to only three choices — and why he picked what he did.
  5. Michael Lewis on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Watch this episode of The Daily Show, featuring Michael Lewis. Value Walk shares the episode, which addresses bankrupt countries around the world.
  6. Dividend Income – September 2011: The Passive Income Earner keeps it real by sharing his dividend income last month. A great post for catching up — and finding inspiration in your efforts.
  7. I’m Back!: Dividend Partisan has been away, doing a military training exercise. I’m sure we all missed him while he was gone, and it’s great for him to be back, and share his insights from the exercise.