A-Rated Dividend Stocks

The dividend landscape was turned upside down during the financial crisis. During the fourth quarter of 2008 alone, 288 companies cut payouts. Not to be outdone, according to Standard & Poor's, 804 more dividend payments were cut by public companies in 2009 -- costing investors an additional $58 billion. Fortunately, those dark days are behind us, and companies have generally been raising their payouts

According to recent S&P data, fully 444 companies raised their dividend in the second quarter, up from 335 in the second quarter of 2010. Still, dividend cuts remain a clear and present danger as 21 companies cut their payouts in the second quarter. Here are five companies that currently score an "A-" or better according to the Dividend Report Card: Lowe's (LOW), ExxonMobil (XOM), Microsoft (MSFT), United Technologies (UTX) and Walgreen (WAG).

Source: Motley Fool

Related Articles:
- 5 Dividend Stocks In Need Of A Market Correction
- My Top And Bottom Performing Dividend Growth Stocks
- How To Build A Sustainable High Yield Portfolio
- 10 Stocks That Have Paid Dividends Since The 1800s
- 7 Exceptional Dividend Growth Stocks With Quality Financials