To ensure a retirement that is free from financial concerns, there are certain things that must be done today. For many people this is not a desirable task. However, building a secure future by investing in quality dividend stocks is neither complicated nor overly burdensome.

Becton, Dickinson and Co. provides a wide range of medical devices and diagnostic products used in hospitals, doctors' offices, research labs, and other settings. Linked here is a detailed analysis and commentary.

Most casual income investors focus on current yield, which is important. However, if your objective is to build a portfolio of securities with increasing income, then Yield on Cost is an excellent metric to measure your progress.

Over the last couple of years we have seen companies fail to raise their dividend, cut their dividend and some even decided to stop paying their dividend. In some cases their financials did not warrant the change. So, how do you fin companies with a positive dividend culture?

United Technologies Corp. is an aerospace-industrial conglomerate with a portfolio including Pratt & Whitney jet engines, Sikorsky helicopters, Otis elevators and Carrier air conditioners, among other products. Linked here is a detailed analysis and commentary.

I couldn’t begin to estimate how many different stocks are traded around the world. There are many participants, but few players. Though the population of stocks may be large, there are only a precious few that are worthy dividend stocks.

Though many dividend stocks are now trading in excess of their calculated fair value, capital appreciation is not the primary reason for investing in dividend stocks. Dividend fundamentals are what drive my purchase decision, and if I could only look at one metric it would be...

Raven Industries Inc. manufacturer provides electronic precision-agriculture products, reinforced plastic sheeting, electronics manufacturing services, specialty aeronautics, and sewn products. Linked here is a detailed analysis and commentary.

Just as picking fruit from a mango tree does not harm it, living off dividends does not damage the investment’s ability to produce future results. A portfolio of dividend investments will not only provide income in retirement, but can be passed to your children who can continue to reap the benefits.

This time last year it was easy to find good dividend stocks trading at a fair value. The question was, ‘which of these do I buy?’ Now the questions is often, ‘am I willing to pay this much for that stock?’. If we look close enough, there are still a few dividend stocks trading below fair value.