While technology stocks always seem to be sought after as the best opportunity for investors to earn incredible returns, it is dividend paying stocks like Altria (NYSE:MO) that have provided the best returns in the last few decades. In fact, from 1970-2016, Altria gave investors a total return of 505,704%, which amounts to an annual return of 20.4% over those 46 years. In 2008, Altria (then known as Philip Morris) separated its domestic operations from its international business, Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM). Since then, Philip Morris International has rewarded its shareholders with an annual dividend growth rate of 10.7%. PM has several advantages as it enjoys strong international growth and less regulatory risk outside the continental United States. The company's management is committed to creating shareholder value through dividend growth. As the political movement against traditional cigarettes has grown, PM has expanded into the electronic cigarette market with its iQOS product line. With a generous dividend yield of 4.05% and good international growth prospects, I believe Philip Morris International has the potential to outperform the overall market going forward.
on Tue, 02/14/2017 - 00:59 admin
