Top 5 Dividend Stocks For 2016

As we approach the end of 2015 and retirement investors reevaluate their holdings, we have prepared a list of our highest conviction dividend paying stocks for 2016. We have seen many investors take on too much risk by reaching for a very attractive current yield and seeing the stock suffer dramatic declines or the dividend slashed as the high payout is unsustainable.

Therefore, our list of the top five dividend stocks is based on not only the current yield but also the safety of the dividend, the likelihood of an increase in the dividend and low downside risk in the stock price. We believe the following five stocks have the ability to outperform the S&P 500 in 2016 while also providing income for investors: Altria Group Inc. (NYSE: MO), Southern Company (NYSE: SO), Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), Staples, Inc. (NASDAQGS: SPLS) and Exelon Corp. (NYSE: EXC).

Source: Seeking Alpha

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