5 Best Dividend Stocks to Watch in December 2016

For the most part, 2016 has been a good year for the U.S. stock market, with the S&P 500 climbing nearly eight percent. During this period, dividend investors have also been handsomely rewarded. Many dividend-paying stocks kept their track record of dividend hikes. At the same time, those high-paying dividend stocks offered a way for income investors to boost the return of their portfolios in this ultra-low-interest-rate environment.

With one month to go until 2017, let’s take a look at the five best dividend stocks to watch in December 2016: A few years ago, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) stock was making headlines because of the triple-digit capital gains it managed to provide to its investors. Now, the company is very different. It has become much more established in its business and is able to reward Apple stock investors with dividends. Income investors are no stranger to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT). The retail giant started paying dividends in March of 1974. Since then, it has increased its payout every single year. Speaking of holiday shopping, don’t forget to put Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) stock on your watch list. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) stock is not just a name worth watching in December 2016, but one that’s worth watching year-round. When companies have to make heavy investments year after year, they won’t be as generous with dividends as, say, a consumer staples company. However, you might want to make an exception for Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) stock.

Source: Income Investor

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