Dividend Detective uncovers high yields

"It’s been the lack of credit that has been strangling the economy; however, on that score, help is on the way," says income specialist Harry Domash.

In his Dividend Detective, he reviews the improving state of the credit markets and uncovers some new income generating ideas among utility, energy, infrastructure and entertainment sectors.

"The frozen credit markets have triggered massive layoffs, bankruptcies, etc. We can't expect the overall economy to even begin to recover until the credit markets normalize.

"Credit markets are locked up for a variety of reasons. Arguably, the most important is that banks and other lenders can’t combine the individual loans that they’ve made into packages and sell them to investors, as they did before. If they could, they could use the funds they receive from selling the loans to make new loans.

"However, on that score, help is on the way. The Fed, the Treasury Department, etc., are finalizing a plan for one or more government agencies to become buyers of various types of loan packages.

Advertisement

"If all goes according to plan, the government will begin purchasing loan packages by the end of this month. Many experts much smarter than me expect these government actions to work. That is, credit should become more available relatively soon.

"Making credit available won’t undo all of the damage that has already been done, but it’s a start. Ben Bernanke told Congress that he expects a recovery next year. However, other pundits say it will take longer.

"Nevertheless, once people realize that the credit markets are functioning, the prevailing cloud of doom and gloom that is smothering the markets should begin to lift. 

"We're adding two new preferreds to our buy list, which are not involved in the financial industry and are unlikely to run into problems that would cast doubt on their ability to pay their preferred dividends.

"Comcast (NYSE: CCS), the largest U.S. cable TV provider, is likely to continue to generate excess cash, no matter what. It's 6.625% Notes, issued in May 2007, are currently yielding 9.6% to new money and have 45% upside potential.

"Xcel Energy (NYSE: XCJ) is a natural gas and electric utility mainly serving Colorado and Minnesota. Like most utilities, it's financially solid and will likely remain profitable through the downturn.

"Xcel's 7.60% Junior Subordinated Notes (technically not preferred stock), issued in January 2008, are yielding 8.1% to new money, and offer a modest 9% appreciation potential.

"In the speculative high-yield portion of our portfolio, we are buying the entertainment company World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE).

"The stock is yielding 14.8%, and the company, the professional wrestling show producer, has vowed to keep paying that dividend, at least for this year.

"Among closed-end funds, we continue to recommend Macquarie/First Trust Global Infrastructure (NYSE: MFD). The company recently cut its quarterly dividend by 65%.

"While that news was an unwelcome event, it wasn't totally unexpected given current conditions. With the cut, Macquarie's yield is still a worthwhile 7.4%. We're continuing to advise adding to positions.

"In the energy sector, we're adding propane seller Inergy (NASDAQ: NRGY)  to the portfolio with a 'buy' rating. Highlighting that the propane business is relatively recession resistant, Inergy recently reported strong December quarter growth and raised its quarterly distribution.

"In addition, we are recommending London-based BP (NYSE: BP), which is one of the world's largest oil companies. BP is paying an 8.8% yield and recently said that plans to continue paying its current dividend at least through the end of this year."