Dividend.com: When Brokers Attack

We have avoided shares of National Semiconductor since our June coverage began. The semiconductor industry has been slumping of late, and we prefer a name like Intel(INTC Quote) in this sector at this time. National Semiconductor has a dividend yield of 1.23%, based on last night's closing stock price of $19.47.

National Semiconductor is not a recommended dividend stock at this time, holding a Dividend.com rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars.

Nokia Wakes Up Investors With an Earnings Warning

Cell-phone maker Nokia(NOK Quote) reported that is it losing market share, as the company has chosen not to match the aggressive price cuts of some of its competitors.

The company has seen its shares take a big hit this year, down 45% since January, as consumers tighten up on spending. The average selling price of Nokia handsets has continued to fall, with competition from cheaper phones hitting margins.

We have been avoiding shares of Nokia since we initiated coverage of the stock back in June. However, we think that the $20 level is starting to make the shares look attractive. We would just like to see the shares settle in a bit before jumping in. The company has a dividend yield of 3.50%, based on last night's closing stock price of $22.31.

Nokia is not a recommended dividend stock at this time, holding a Dividend.com rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars.

Altria Group Looks to Acquire UST

It appears there may be a big deal in the tobacco space that could take place as early as Monday. News is that Altria Group(MO Quote) is in advanced talks to buy Skoal and Copenhagen smokeless tobacco maker UST(UST Quote)

The deal may be worth more than $10 billion -- and would make perfect sense for Altria -- as it would catapult the company to the top of the smokeless tobacco market.

We have been recommending both stocks, and this is a great deal for readers that have followed our research. We would likely hold UST, but would consider taking some profits from the big run it may have today. We would also hold on to shares of Altria, even if the shares dip on this potential acquisition offer. That sort of drop tends to happen to companies on the acquiring end.

Altria Group is a "Recommended" dividend stock, holding a Dividend.com Rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars. UST is a "Recommended" dividend stock, holding a Dividend.com Rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars.

Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system.