10 Best Dividend Stocks To Invest In 2014

At their last quarterly earnings report, Wall Street finally saw light at the end of the tunnel for ConocoPhillips (COP). Management made good on its promise to grow production by 3-5%, hitting it right in the middle at 4% organic production growth. Margins continued expanding, too. These factors combined to deliver normalized earnings income growth of 17%. To those who have been following Conoco with attention to the long term, this is really no surprise at all.

Since spinning off their refining assets into Phillips66 (PSX), ConocoPhillips has focused on the following four long-term, transformative objectives:

Sell off disparate, far-flung assets in less favorable political climates.Concentrate on those in more stable places with higher margins and nicer tax regimes.Develop and grow production in these favorable areas andUltimately use those results as a base from which to grow dividends on and already industry-leading yield.

These goals, while stated openly and spoken about in detail by management, have been met with skepticism and worry by Wall St. Many have feared the funding gap caused by these expensive moves to new assets, and have hence stayed away. For over a year the stock failed to gain momentum. Now, however, results are coming in as Conoco this quarter outshined both Exxon and Chevron. Those who have been with Conoco are now reaping the reward.

Top 5 Heal Care Stocks To Own For 2015: Prospect Capital Corporation(PSEC)

Prospect Capital Corporation is a mezzanine finance and private equity firm that specializes in late venture, middle market, mature, mezzanine, buyouts, recapitalizations, growth capital, development, and bridge transactions. It makes secured debt and equity investments. The firm typically invests across all industry sectors, with a particular expertise in the energy and industrial sectors. It invests in oil and gas production, coal production, materials, industrials, consumer discretionary, information technology, utilities, pipeline, storage, power generation and distribution, renewable and clean energy, oilfield services, healthcare, food and beverage, education, business services, and other select sectors. The firm prefers to invest in the United States and Canada. It seeks to invest between $5 million to $50 million in companies with EBITDA between $$ million and $75 million, sales value up to $500 million, and enterprise value of up to $250 million. The firm also co- invests for larger deals. It seeks control acquisitions by providing multiple levels of the capital structure. Prospect Capital Corporation was founded in 1988 and is based in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Grass Hopper]

  Examples of the first class of publicly ��raded private equity firms include Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR), The Blackstone Group L.P. (BX), and Oaktree Capital Group, LLC (OAK). Examples of the second class are Wendel SA (MF FP), Exor SpA (EXO IM) and, to some extent, Reinet Investments SCA (REI SJ). Examples of the third class are American Capital, Ltd. (ACAS), Main Street Capital, Gladstone Capital Corp. (MAIN), and Prospect Capital Corp. (PSEC).

• [By James E. Brumley]

  What do Prospect Capital Corporation (NASDAQ:PSEC), Astec Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTE), and First Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:THFF) have in common? Not much, on the surface. In fact, were it not for something very specific to one particular person (me), they'd have nothing in common at all. This week though, THFF, ASTE, and PSEC all have at least one thing in common, and that's the fact that they're all going into my mental/hypothetical portfolio.

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  But one concern is that investors are paying too much for BDCs. Like Ares, peers Prospect Capital (NASDAQ: PSEC  ) and Fifth Street Finance (NASDAQ: FSC  ) also carry share prices that are higher than the net value of the assets on their books. Yet Ares trades at a substantially higher premiums to NAV than Prospect or Fifth Street, suggesting that they're more comfortable with the quality of Ares' assets compared to its rivals.

• [By Charles Sizemore]

  A high dividend yield, large-scale buying by company insiders, and recent buying by funds controlled by Joel Greenblatt (Trades, Portfolio) and George Soros (Trades, Portfolio).Sound interesting? Then I suggest you take a look at shares of Prospect Capital Corporation (PSEC), a business development company (��DC�� traded on the Nasdaq.If you��e unfamiliar with BDCs, you can think of them as publically-traded private equity firms. BDCs provide financing to small and middle-market companies that are too early in their development to get funding from more traditional sources, such as the bond and equity markets. It�� a high-risk but potentially very high-return financing niche.Similar to REITs, BDCs pay no taxes at the company level on the condition that they distribute at least 90% of their income to their investors via dividends. This makes BDCs some of the highest-yielding investments on the market, but��s is the case with REITs and MLPs��heir inability to retain earnings for future growth also means that they regularly have to issue new shares, which dilutes current shareholders. That�� notnecessarily a bad thing if new investments are accretive to earnings. But it means that management has to be extremely disciplined.Let�� dig into the details of Prospect Capital. PSEC invests primarily in first-lien and second-lien senior loans and mezzanine debt and provides financing for leveraged buyouts, acquisitions, recapitalizations, and capital expenditures for growth. PSEC also invests in the higher-risk but potentially much higher-return equity tranches of collateralized loan obligations. Most of PSEC�� individual investments would have to be considered risky given the early stages of the companies involved, but the portfolio is diversified across a wide variety of industries.PSEC pays an absolutely massive dividend, sporting a current dividend yield of 13.7%. Now, normally, that would make me pause. An exceptionally high yield is often a major red

10 Best Dividend Stocks To Invest In 2014: United Parcel Service Inc.(UPS)

United Parcel Service, Inc., a package delivery company, provides transportation, logistics, and financial services in the United States and internationally. It operates in three segments: U.S. Domestic Package, International Package, and Supply Chain & Freight. The U.S. Domestic Package segment engages in the time-definite delivery of letters, documents, and packages in the United States. The International Package segment offers air and ground delivery of small packages and letters to approximately 220 countries and territories, including shipments outside the United States, as well as shipments with either origin or distribution outside the United States; export services; and domestic services move shipments within a country?s borders. The Supply Chain & Freight segment provides forwarding and logistics services, such as supply chain design and management, freight distribution, customs brokerage, mail, and consulting services in approximately 195 countries and territorie s; and less-than-truckload and truckload services to customers in North America. In addition, the company offers various technology solutions for automated shipping, visibility, and billing; information technology systems and distribution facilities to various industries comprising healthcare, technology, and consumer/retail; and a portfolio of financial services that provides customers with short-term working capital, government guaranteed lending, global trade financing, credit cards, and export financing. It operates a fleet of approximately 99,800 package cars, vans, tractors, and motorcycles; an air fleet of 527 aircraft; and 33,800 containers used to transport cargo in its aircraft. The company was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Laura Brodbeck]

  Notable earnings released on Friday included:

  Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) reported first quarter EPS of $1.05 on revenue of $21.21 billion, compared to last year�� EPS of $1.06 on revenue of $20.74 billion. United Parcel Services (NYSE: UPS) reported EPS of $1.16 on revenue of $13.50 billion, compared to last year�� EPS of $1.06 on revenue of $13.07 billion. Moody�� Corporation (NYSE: MCO) reported third quarter EPS of $0.83 on revenue of $705.50 million, compared to last year�� EPS 0f $0.75 on revenue of $688.50 million billion. Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA) reported third quarter EPS of $1.45 on revenue of $3.92 billion, compared to last year�� EPS 0f $1.29 on revenue of $3.54 billion.

  Pre-market Movers

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Stamps.com also made the reminder that United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS) and FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) are raising ground shipping rates by an average of 4.9% for 2014. A look at the UPS site shows that its price hikes became effective December 30, 2013. After its Christmas rush earnings disclosure took away some of the gusto of the bulls, the 4.9% average hike for UPS shown on its UPS Ground and UPS Air and international services may matter. The actual effective dates were listed as January 23, 2014 on the 2014 rate page. Analysts are calling for a 5% revenue gain in 2014 for UPS, versus what is now only a 2.9% revenue hike in 2013.

10 Best Dividend Stocks To Invest In 2014: UniSource Energy Corporation(UNS)

UniSource Energy Corporation engages in the electric generation and energy delivery businesses. The company?s TEP segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 403,000 retail electric customers, including residential, commercial, industrial, and public sector customers in southeastern Arizona. It also sells electricity to other utilities and power marketing entities. As of December 31, 2010, this segment owned or leased 2,245 MW of net generating capacity, as well as owned or participated in electric transmission and distribution system consisting of 512 circuit-miles of 500-kV lines; 1,087 circuit-miles of 345-kV lines; 379 circuit-miles of 138-kV lines; 478 circuit-miles of 46-kV lines; and 2,621 circuit-miles of lower voltage primary lines. TEP segment generates electricity from coal, gas, oil, and solar sources. The company?s UNS Gas segment distributes gas to approximately 146,500 retail customers in Mohave, Yavapai, Coconino, and Navajo c ounties in northern Arizona, as well as Santa Cruz County in southeastern Arizona. As of December 31, 2010, this segment?s transmission and distribution system consisted of approximately 30 miles of steel transmission mains, 4,211 miles of steel and plastic distribution piping, and 136,439 customer service lines. The company?s UNS Electric segment transmits and distributes electricity to approximately 91,000 retail customers consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Mohave and Santa Cruz counties. As of December 31, 2010, UNS Electric?s transmission and distribution system consisted of approximately 56 circuit-miles of 115-kV transmission lines, 271 circuit-miles of 69-kV transmission lines, and 3,599 circuit-miles of underground and overhead distribution lines. This segment also owns the 65 MW Valencia plant, as well as 39 substations having an installed capacity of 1,788,050 kilovolt amperes. The company was founded in 1902 and is based in Tucson, Arizona.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By David Dittman]

  And with its December 2013 offer to buy Arizona-based UNS Energy Corp (NYSE: UNS) for $2.5 billion in cash St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador-based Fortis Inc (TSX: FTS, OTC: FRTSF), making its second foray in the US in two years, signaled its interest in regulated utility assets in states with favorable population and economic trends as a means of driving its growth going forward.

• [By Lauren Pollock]

  Fortis Inc.(FTS.T) agreed to acquire UNS Energy Corp.(UNS) for about $2.5 billion, as the Canadian utility moves to boost exposure within the U.S. by acquiring a firm with a presence in the U.S. southwest. Shares of UNS jumped 30% to $59.02 premarket.

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Equities Trading UP
  UNS Energy (NYSE: UNS) shot up 27.75 percent to $58.56 after the company agreed to be acquired by Fortis Utility Group for $60.25 per share in cash.

10 Best Dividend Stocks To Invest In 2014: Eaton Corporation(ETN)

Eaton Corporation operates as a power management company worldwide. It provides electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution, and control; hydraulics components, systems, and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics, and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain, and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy, and safety. The company also manufactures screw-in cartridge valves, custom-engineered hydraulic valves, and manifold systems; and electrical and electromechanical systems. In addition, it designs, manufactures, and distributes intake and exhaust valves for diesel and gasoline engines; supplies electrical components for commercial and residential building applications and industrial controls for industrial equipment applications; and manufactures human machine interfaces, programmable logic controllers, and input/output devices. Further, the company also operates a s a provider of customized enclosures, rack systems, and air-flow management systems to store, power, and secure mission-critical IT data center electronics; and manufacturer, distributor, and service provider of single-phase and three-phase uninterruptible power supply systems. Eaton Corporation was founded in 1916 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  That negative sentiment “flashed as a positive indicator,” Inch and Lau say, and some stocks appear to be “‘locked and loaded’ to meaningfully exceed forecast estimates.” Those include Rockwell Automation (ROK), Eaton (ETN) and Emerson Electric (EMR).

• [By Stoyan Bojinov]

  Oppenheimer reported on Tuesday that it is maintaining an “Outperform” rating on the Ohio-based power management company Eaton Corp (ETN), but went on to raise its price target for the stock.

  After meeting with Eaton’s management team, analyst Christopher Glynn reported some encouraging prospects for the company. Glynn noted that, “Near-term capital allocation priorities remain reducing debt incurred from the Cooper�deal, with no significant acquisitions expected until integration is complete (~2 years remaining). ETN has deployed 50 full time�acquisition�integration team members to accelerate CBE progress, and thus lacks the resources to adequately pursue additional large deals.” Given the improving outlook, Oppenheimer raised its price target on the company from $73 to $78.

  Eaton Corp shares traded higher on Tuesday, gaining 1.35% on the day. The stock is up 30% YTD.

• [By Shauna O'Brien]

  On Monday, Morgan Stanley reported that it has raised its rating on power company Eaton Corporation (ETN).

  The firm has upgraded ETN from “Neutral” to “Overweight,” and has given the stock a $76 price target. This price target suggests a 12% increase from the stock’s current price of $66.79.

  Analysts expect to see EPS of $5 in 2014 and see favorable risk and reward.

  Eaton shares were up $1.12, or 1.71%, during Monday morning trading. The stock is up 23% YTD.

10 Best Dividend Stocks To Invest In 2014: Lockheed Martin Corporation(LMT)

Lockheed Martin Corporation engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, operation, and sustainment of advanced technology systems and products in the areas of defense, space, intelligence, homeland security, and government information technology in the United States and internationally. It also provides management, engineering, technical, scientific, logistic, and information services. The company operates in four segments: Aeronautics, Electronic Systems, Information Systems & Global Services (IS&GS), and Space Systems. The Aeronautics segment offers military aircraft, including combat and air mobility aircraft, unmanned air vehicles, and related technologies. Its products and programs comprise the F-35 multi-role, stealth fighter; the F-22 air dominance and multi-mission stealth fighter; the F-16 multi-role fighter; the C-130J tactical transport aircraft; and the C-5M strategic airlifter modernization program; and support for the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft, and the U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The Electronic Systems segment provides air and missile defense; tactical missiles; weapon fire control systems; surface ship and submarine combat systems; anti-submarine and undersea warfare systems; land, sea-based, and airborne radars; surveillance and reconnaissance systems; simulation and training systems; and integrated logistics and sustainment services. The IS&GS segment offers information technology solutions and advanced technology primarily in the areas of software and systems integration for space, air, and ground systems to various defense and civil government agencies. The Space Systems segment provides government and commercial satellites; strategic and defensive missile systems, including missile defense technologies and systems, and fleet ballistic missiles; and space transportation systems. Lockheed Martin Corporation was founded in 1909 and is based in Bethesda, Maryland.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

  And bracketing the Fourth of July holiday was, first, an order for $162.4 million (to be split with co-manufacturer Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT  ) ) to supply 550 Javelin anti-tank missiles to the U.S. Army, New Zealand, and Jordan, followed by a $15.6 million order to perform maintenance on Javelins in the inventories of several allied nations.

10 Best Dividend Stocks To Invest In 2014: Raytheon Company(RTN)

Raytheon Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides electronics, mission systems integration, and other capabilities in the areas of sensing, effects, and command, control, communications, and intelligence systems, as well as mission support services in the United States and internationally. It operates in six segments: Integrated Defense Systems, Intelligence and Information Systems, Missile Systems, Network Centric Systems, Space and Airborne Systems, and Technical Services. The Integrated Defense Systems segment provides integrated naval, air, and missile defense and civil security response solutions. The Intelligence and Information Systems segment offers intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, advanced cyber solutions, weather and environmental solutions, and information-based solutions for law enforcement and homeland security. The Missile Systems segment develops and produces weapon systems, including missiles, smart munitions, close-in weapon systems, projectiles, kinetic kill vehicles, and directed energy effectors for the armed forces of the U.S. and other allied nations. The Network Centric Systems segment provides net-centric mission solutions, including integrated communications systems, command and control systems, combat systems, and operations and precision components for the U.S. federal, state, and local government customers, as well as civil customers. The Space and Airborne Systems segment designs and develops integrated systems and solutions for missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; precision engagement; unmanned aerial operations; and space. The Technical Services segment provides training, logistics, engineering, product support, and operational support services for the mission support, homeland security, space, civil aviation, counterproliferation, and counterterrorism markets. Raytheon Company was founded in 1922 and is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

  Actually, for investors in Raytheon (NYSE: RTN  ) stock, there may be a couple of those, too. If you think back to January's PAC-3 contract announcement, for example, Lockheed's big Patriot win was followed in quick succession by a series of three Patriot contract wins for Raytheon. All three were classified as "foreign military sales," and while the destination of the sales was not stated in any of them, I think we can take a wild guess that sand and sun were involved.

10 Best Dividend Stocks To Invest In 2014: ProLogis(PLD)

Prologis Inc. is an independent equity real estate investment trust. It invests in the real estate markets across the globe. The firm engages in the ownership, development, management, and leasing of industrial distribution and retail properties. It was previously known as Security Capital Investment Trust. Prologis Inc. was formed in 1991 and is based in San Francisco, California with an additional office in Denver, Colorado.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dimitra DeFotis]

  Among real estate trusts:

  American Tower��(AMT),�the diversified �REIT, is the best performer in the index.�It was�up 4.6% after saying�Friday it will buy the parent of tower operator Global Tower Partners for $4.8 billion. HCP (HCP), a healthcare REIT, was�up 3.3%. Prologis (PLD) an industrial REIT, was�up 2.8%. Vornado Realty Trust (VNO) was�up 2.7%. Boston Properties (BXP), the office REIT, was�up 2.3%. Equity Residential (EQR), a residential REIT, was�up 2.4%. Ventas (VTR), a healthcare REIT, was�up 2%.

   

• [By Rich Duprey]

  Industrial real estate developer Prologis� (NYSE: PLD  ) �has declared regular and preferred dividends for the second quarter of 2013. The company plans to distribute $0.28 per share of its common stock on June 28 to shareholders of record as of June 11. For its�8.54% Series Q cumulative redeemable preferred stock, Prologis will distribute $1.0675 per share, which will be paid on July 1 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 18.

• [By Oliver Pursche]

  As the real-estate crisis unfolded in 2008, Mr. Moghadam acted boldly and intelligently, taking advantage of opportunities around the world and eventually merging AMB with ProLogis (PLD) �in 2011 to create the current, a company who�� stock, since the bottom of the crisis in 2009, has outperformed the S&P 500.

• [By Eric Volkman]

  Prologis (NYSE: PLD  ) has announced that it will sell 31 million new pieces of itself. That's the number of common shares it will float in an upcoming, underwritten public stock offering. The price of the shares will be $41.60 apiece, and the company's underwriters have been granted a 30-day purchase option for up to an additional 4.65 million shares to cover overallotments, if any.