Top Dividend Stocks To Own For 2018

The winning formula for retirees who count on dividend stocks for income comes in two parts. A dividend-paying stock must be reliable in making regular payments, and it should increase its dividend annually. To find dependable dividend payers, look no further than the Dividend Aristocrats, a list of 50 companies in Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index that have hiked their dividends every year for at least 25 consecutive years.

But as impressive as a quarter-century track record of annual dividend increases may be, there are some stocks that boast even longer streaks. After combing through the Dividend Aristocrats, we found eight stocks that have increased their dividends every year for at least 50 years. With more than a half-century of regular hikes, these dividend payers are as dependable as they come, and fit well in any retirement portfolio.

Top Dividend Stocks To Own For 2018: Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation(RL)

Advisors’ Opinion:

[By WWW.THESTREET.COM]
The sidewalks outside stores like Armani, Dolce & Gabanna, Ralph Lauren (RL) , Gap (GPS) , Prada, Abercrombie & Fitch (AF) , Microsoft (MSFT) and Harry Winston are now lined with metal barricades. The strip commands some of the highest retail rents in the world, with the average annual rent being $3500 per square foot.
[By Johanna Bennett]
Times are tough for Ralph Lauren (RL). Profit and sales are fallingat theiconic clothingcompany, and investors who bet on a turnaround havelost their shirts on the stock. Adding to its troubles,CEO StefanLarsson is departingfollowing a creative clash with the companys namesake and founder.

Pessimism, meanwhile, appears to be on the rise.

According to a report by the financial analytics company S3 Partners, short interest in Ralph Lauren has risen since the start of the year, hitting historical levels. And while that short position is expected to keep expanding, bearish sentiments could turn on a dime.

Ihor Dusaniwsky at S3 Partners writes:

RL short interest levels, already at historical highs today, should continue to grow if the recent trend continues, but having made almost 23% in 2016 and 14% in 2017, short sellers may be quick to cover their positions and lock in profits if RLs stock price turns against them.

Short interest in Ralph Lauren fell in 2016 as the stock price fella nd shorts covered positions, netting a return of 22.6%. So far this year, however, the short position as increased $226 million, or 38% to $815 million as of this morning, according to the S3 report.

Its a profitable day for those short sellers. Todays 11% decline Ralph Laurens stock price on an $815 million short position has added $90 million to the short sellers collective bottom line.

Ralph Lauren is down 11.5% in recent market actions to $77.26 a after earlier falling as low as $76.86 a share. Thats the lowest price for the stock since 2010.
[By Casey Wilson]

Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE: RL) just became the latest company to fall victim to the “Retail Ice Age.”

The 50-year-old American icon announced it shuttered its flagship store at Fifth Avenue and 55th Street in New York City on Tuesday (April 4). It will also close 50 other retail locations by the end of the fiscal year.
[By Ben Levisohn]
Hanesbrands was just one of many retail companies that got shellacked this week. Under Armour (UAA) tumbled 29% after missing earnings forecasts and cutting its guidance, while Deckers Outdoor (DECK) plunged 21% after its earnings missed the Street consensus, and Ralph Lauren (RL) plummeted 13% after its CEO stepped down.
[By Casey Wilson]

Amazon has been a growing pain in the neck for low-price retailers like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT) for some time, but even high-end specialty stores like Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE: RL) have struggled now that Amazon has crept into their sector.