Investing in the highest dividend paying stocks has its advantages and disadvantages. The high yields can provide a nice stream of income that can help supplement ones income. On the other hand, stocks with high yields tend to carry a much higher risk.

Whether you are looking to capitalize on high yields or want to know which dividend stocks to avoid, there are several ways to search for them. Investors can use the following criteria to help them identify the highest dividend paying stocks.

  1. High Dividend Payout Ratio – Companies with a high dividend payout ratio (over 60% – 70%) usually makeup the highest dividend paying stocks. While most blue chip stocks keep their payout ratios (the amount of earnings used to payout the dividend) less than 50%, the highest dividend paying stocks are above that mark. Instead of using earnings for growing the organization, these companies increase their payout which drives up the dividend yield.
  2. Income Trusts – Income trusts operate exactly how they are named. Most of the highest dividend paying stocks come from either real estate income trusts (REITs) or from energy trusts. Both types of trusts operate with a vision of maximizing shareholder dividends and payout accordingly.
  3. Monthly Dividends – The highest dividend paying stocks normally distribute their payments each month instead of quarterly or annually. The majority of these companies have very high payout ratios with a main focus on providing income to shareholders. As a result, the companies choose to pay their dividends more frequently on a monthly basis.

Final Thoughts

Chasing the highest dividend stocks can prove to be a risky venture if an investor does not realize the limitations of these kinds of investments. Including a few of these types of investments, however does help an investor balance their portfolio and add a steady stream of income.

Searching for certain characteristics can help locate a group of the highest dividend paying stocks which can then be further analyzed. Look for stocks that pay monthly dividends as a starting point. In addition, investors can find high yield investments from income trusts as well as looking for companies with a high dividend payout ratio.

Building a solid portfolio of blue chip companies with a few high dividend paying stocks mixed in will certainly perform above expectations overtime.

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