BEAR MARKETS REPRESENT A BUYING OPPORTUNITY

In our last Newsletter, Issue 38-2022, dated July 25, 2022, out of 44 stocks that we follow, 21 DRIP stocks were identified that met our criteria and were “Great Businesses to Buy Now.” At that time, we had been in a Bear Market just over a month.

The DOW closed at 31,899.29 on July 22, 2022. Since then, the DOW has fluctuated up and down; as of September 30, 2022, the DOW closed lower at 28,725.51. Even with this sharp decline in the DOW, only 20 DRIP stocks currently meet our criteria; The Coca-Cola Company (KO) finally dropped enough in price, resulting in a 3.11% yield and again, became a current buy. However, Computer Services, Inc. (CSVI) and Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) increased in price resulting in dividend yields less than 3% and are no longer included in our list of “Great Businesses to Buy Now.” For new readers, this does not mean you sell CSVI and CAH, you just keep re-investing the dividends.

For long term investors, Bear Markets represent buying opportunities! Historically, steep market downturns only occur 29% of the time, “while Bull Markets dominate 71% of the time.” Therefore, it is extremely important to take advantage of this buying opportunity.

In addition, on average, Bear Market recoveries take about 19-months; and, for the last several Bear Markets, the recovery took only 4-to-5 months. Accordingly, we could be in a Bull Market by year’s end, especially if the Republicans take back control of the House and Senate on election day, November 8, 2022... get out and vote!

And finally, as DRIP investors, we only purchase great businesses that have paid and raised annual dividends each, and every year, through recessions, depressions, wars, and stock market declines. Our dividends or cash flow continues to grow, which we need to pay for our basic living and lifestyle expenses.

As of Friday, September 30, 2022, here are the 20 DRIP stocks that are great buys now:

1) Intel Corporation (INTC) - $25.77 per share, dividend yield 5.53%

2) Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) - $87.31 per share, dividend yield 3.97%

3) Coca Cola Company (KO) - $56.02 per share, dividend yield 3.11%

4) Kimberly-Clark Corp (KMB) - $112.54 per share, dividend yield 4.04%

5) VF Corp (VFC) - $29.91 per share, dividend yield 6.50%

6) Weyco Group Inc (WEYS) - $20.34 per share, dividend yield 4.63%

7) 3M Company (MMM) - $110.50 per share, dividend yield 5.31%

8) Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (WBA) - $31.40 per share, dividend yield 6.09%

9) Clorox Company (CLX) - $128.39 per share, dividend yield 3.55%

10) Enbridge Inc (ENB) - $37.10 per share, dividend yield 6.94%

11) International Business Machines (IBM) - $118.81 per share, dividend yield 5.43%

12) Omega Healthcare Investors (OHI) - $29.49 per share, dividend yield 9.31%

13) Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) - $23.78 per share, dividend yield 7.97%

14) Lazard Limited (LAZ) - $31.83 per share, dividend yield 6.28%

15) ONEOK Inc (OKE) - $51.24 per share, dividend yield 7.20%

16) Prudential Financial Inc (PRU) - $85.78 per share, dividend yield 5.56%

17) Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO) - $40.00 per share, dividend yield 3.75%

18) Main Street Capital Corp (MAIN) - $33.64 per share, dividend yield 7.94%

19) AbbVie Inc (ABBV) - $134.21 per share, dividend yield 3.95%

20) NextEra Energy Partners (NEP) - $72.31 per share, dividend yield 4.15%

Today, the DOW closed at 29,490.89, an increase of 2.66% since last Friday. By the time you read this post, the market may be up or down, and the 20 DRIPs listed above will change in price. Remember, only purchase the DRIPs you like that have yields of 3% or greater at the time of your purchase.

As Finance Professors Rubin and Spaht concluded: “For those investors who adopt ten and fifteen year horizons, the dividend investment strategy will lead to financial independence for life. Regardless of the direction of the market, a constant and growing dividend is a never-ending income stream.” See Unlock the 4-Doors to Financial Independence, page 53, available from Amazon.com.

Time for some DRIP retail therapy... keep the good times rolling!

Dum Spiro Spero—While I breathe, I hope.

Slainte mhath,

Robert G. (Mike) Beard Jr., C.P.A., C.G.M.A., J.D., LL.M.

PS: I just completed my newest book, Freedom vs. Democracy, which is available through our website or directly from Amazon.com.