Quality Stocks With Treasury-Beating Yields

Volatility has run rampant in 2011, as fears of slower growth both at home and abroad have spooked traders. The broader market averages have scratched out single-digit gains year-to-date, but I believe that investors looking for more stability should focus on stocks that pay dividends. According to a report from Standard & Poor's earlier this month, U.S. companies increased aggregate dividend payments by $30 billion in the first half of 2011 -- already exceeding the increase posted for all of 2010.

My favorite dividend stocks carry the highest yields in their respective industries and can cover the payouts at least two times with annual earnings. I also focus on companies that yield at least 3.0%, which is higher than the benchmark 10-year Treasury note. But unlike Treasuries, high-quality dividend-paying stocks offer both income and growth potential.

Source: The Street

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