#topyields

In 2015, the sales of automobiles in the U.S. have peaked at historic levels, setting a sales record of nearly 17.5 million vehicles, a 5.7% growth compared to the previous milestone of 17.4 million vehicles in 2000. In spite of the turbulent macroeconomic environment globally, the trend suggests improved margins, strong leverage in multiple regions globally and new capital investments. Through 2018, U.S. sales of vehicles are expected to be in line due to higher interest rates and an anticipated increase in the used cars. This article discusses a small-cap and two mid-cap companies trading in the Automotive industry. Over the past 6 months, all three stocks performed great, suggesting high investor confidence and an upward trend. Their average debt-to-equity ratio is 0.27, indicating financially healthy companies with effective debt management, whereas their average beta 1.43 makes up for a safe investment. All three companies yield 1.73% on average, which is higher than the average yield 1.61% of the industry. Similarly, their average payout ratio of 28% is higher than the average payout ratio 15.2% of the Auto & Truck Manufacturers industry.

Grocery retailers have an average dividend yield of 3.54%, which is higher than the S&P 500 yield (2.17%). Normally, grocery retailers offer food, general merchandise, health and beauty care, and pharmacy products at competitive prices and their products are of superior quality aiming to attract and retain more customers. In the United States, the trends for the grocery store industry insinuate that consumers are looking for convenience, pushing retailers to expand and invest in fresh produce and foods. This article discusses three grocery retailers, two large-cap and one small-cap, that trade on the NYSE and the Nasdaq. The small cap (Weis Markets) has outperformed the NYSE and its peers 10.67% YTD, whereas the two other companies have experienced losses YTD, like the NYSE Composite Index and the Nasdaq Composite Index. In addition, the small-cap carries no long-term debt at all and has the most balanced payout ratio (49%). All three companies have an average beta of 0.71, suggesting low risk, whereas their average dividend per share is $0.74, yielding 1.83% at an average payout ratio 36%.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) allow you to invest in portfolios of large-scale properties by purchasing the relevant stocks. As a REIT stockholder, you can benefit from income investing in the real estate market, without actually owning a finance property. In fact, owning and operating real estate requires thorough knowledge and patience, along with the danger of being highly leveraged and illiquid. This means that you cannot sell your property immediately for cash, plus you have to be able to evaluate your property and know how to calculated an annual return on investment. On the other hand, REITs offer you the benefits of owning equity through purchasing on the stock market. This article discusses three mid-cap REITs that trade in the REIT - Healthcare Facilities Industry. All three stocks trade on the NYSE, on average 5% lower than their 52w-high (EPR Properties is currently trading at it’s 52w highest price). Their average dividend yield is 6.19% at an average payout ratio of 144%. REITs are forced by the law to distribute at least 90% of their retained earnings to their shareholders, therefore, high payout ratios are normal for this particular industry. Their average debt-to-equity ratio is 1.01 and their average beta is 0.72, representing low-risk stocks.

There are many Canadian stocks that trade both on the NYSE (as ADRs) and the Nasdaq stock markets. Mind you, that a single ADR may represent a group of foreign shares held by the bank. If dividends are issued in the company’s country of operation, in this case Canada, the dividends will be deposited in the bank, and will be converted to U.S. dollars before they are distributed to the ADRs holders. Another thing you need to know is that tax treatment of ADRs is the same as U.S.-listed securities, except if there are foreign withholding taxes for income distributions, such as dividends or sale proceeds. This article discusses three Canadian companies that also trade on the NYSE. Their average debt-to-equity ratio is 0.52, which, combined to an average beta of 1.15, makes these stocks a safe bet for risk-averse investors. In addition, their average dividend per share is $0.75, yielding 2.74% at an average payout ratio of 37.3%. Although these stocks trade in different sectors and they can only be compared based on their fundamentals, from the analysis it becomes evident that they are growth-oriented and are set to return shareholder value.

The U.S. pharmaceutical industry is highly concentrated with nearly 50 companies accounting for 80% of total revenues. The profitability of each company depends on the ability to discover, develop and sell new drugs. Typically, larger companies capitalize on their economies of scale in research and development while smaller companies effectively compete in drug specialization for the treatment of specific diseases and in partnerships with large drug manufacturers. This article discusses three large cap pharmaceuticals trading on the NYSE. Their average price is $65, with an average dividend per share $2.05 and an average dividend yield of 3.20%, in line with the average dividend yield of the industry. In the coming quarters, all three companies are expected to sustain strong operating cash flows as well as strong EPS, enabling them to sustain shareholder value in the form of cash dividends.

The retailing industry has been the first to endure the negative effect of an unstable macroeconomic environment that forces many retailers out of business. On the other hand, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that the total sales for the first quarter of 2016 (January through March) were up 2.8% YoY. For the coming year, retailers with optimized distribution systems and enhanced supply chains are expected to stay ahead of the competition as consumers expect greater products and faster delivery when shopping online. This article discusses two retailers that trade on the NYSE. Their average debt-to-equity ratio is 0.03 while their average beta is 0.64. Both metrics suggest financially healthy companies with effective debt management. Both deliver strong cash flows and dividends, with an average yield of 2.52% and an average payout ratio of 40%. Their average dividend per share is $0.95. According to the analysts following these companies, in 2016 they will sustain their cash flow performance and will remain focused on dividend payments, thereby returning shareholder value.