Business & Finance
Business and Finance
Business and Finance
Tue, April 5, 2011 
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - April 5, 2011) - With the markets showing continued signs of volatility, investors are looking for safe havens. Dividend paying stocks traditionally get attention during hectic times in the market as investors are more likely to believe in the company's security and real earnings power. Conglomerates are known for paying steady dividends; however during the financial meltdown most had substantially reduced their dividend payments. While many conglomerates have started boosting dividend payments, others do not appear ready to increase shareholder return. The Bedford Report examines the outlook for companies in the Conglomerates Industry and provides research reports on General Electric Co. (
[ www.bedfordreport.com/2011-04-GE ]
[ www.bedfordreport.com/2011-04-MMM ]
In the most recent quarter 3M hiked its dividend 5 percent, and now the company pays an annual dividend of $2.20 for a yield of approximately 2.4 percent. The company's board also authorized the repurchase of up to $7 billion of outstanding common shares, replacing its existing share repurchase program.
GE pays an annual dividend of 56 cents for a yield of about 2.9 percent. Although the dividend is not even close to pre-recession levels, GE has boosted its dividend in recent quarters. The company's 2009 dividend cut was the company's first in more than seventy years, with CEO Jeffrey Immelt calling it "the toughest decision (he) ever had to make as CEO."
The Bedford Report releases regular market updates on the Conglomerates Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at [ www.bedfordreport.com ] and get exclusive access to our numerous analyst reports and industry newsletters.
General Electric and other conglomerates will likely be the subject of renewed efforts to reform corporate tax codes after a report from the New York Times claims that General Electric paid no income taxes in 2010. President Obama has said that he wants to reform taxes by lowering corporate tax rates to avoid hurting revenues but eliminating as many tax loopholes as possible.
The Bedford Report provides Analyst Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. The Bedford Report has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned publicly traded companies. The Bedford Report is compensated by other third party organizations for advertising services. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at [ http://www.bedfordreport.com/disclaimer ]
