Three top dividend picks for 2018

Article Excerpt

For 2018, we’ve chosen to highlight three stocks that have a long history of regular dividend payments. Their strong growth prospects also position them to increase those payments over the next few years. We continue to recommend that income-seeking investors cut their risk with a broad portfolio of high-quality, dividend-paying stocks. The appeal of each of our stocks of the year is further enhanced by its attractive multiple to projected earnings or cash flow. • Emera aims to boost its payout by 8% a year through 2020 • AT&T’s acquisition of Time Warner should spur more dividend hikes • Dream Office REIT’s distribution is much more sustainable after recent cut EMERA INC. $46 (Toronto symbol EMA; Income-Growth Payer Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 227.8 million; Market cap: $10.5 billion; Dividend yield: 4.9%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Highest; www.emera. com) owns 100% of Nova Scotia Power, that province’s main electricity supplier. It also holds interests in several power plants and natural gas pipelines in the U.S….