Dividend.com: Streaking Nike

Nike Delivers Outstanding First Quarter Results as Revenue Surges 17%

Nike (NKE Quote), the world's largest athletic footwear and apparel company, reported robust sales and orders growth, despite the current global economic slowdown.

The company's revenues rose 17% to $5.4 billion in the quarter. Gross profit margins rose to 47.2% of sales in the quarter from 44.8% a year earlier.

Outside of the U.S., the company did even better as revenue rose 20% in Europe, and 36% in Asia -- partly helped by the currency exchange rates.

We were so impressed with the company's ability to deliver a quarterly report of this magnitude in this current economic environment, that we added them to our "Recommended" list this morning. The company has a 1.55% dividend yield, based on last night's closing stock price of $59.27.

Nike Inc. is a "Recommended" dividend stock, currently holding a Dividend.com rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Paychex Revenue Continues to Grow, Reports In-Line Earnings

Payroll services provider Paychex (PAYX Quote) reported a first-quarter in-line EPS number on sales that climbed 5% to $534.1 million.

The company cited client base growth, price increases, and growth in the utilization of ancillary services for its consistent performance. The growth was generated primarily from the following: comprehensive human resource outsourcing services client employees increased 17% to 446,000 client employees served; workers' compensation insurance client base increased 15% to 74,000 clients; retirement services client base increased 9% to 49,000 clients.

We have been recommending shares of the stock since early June, and the stock is actually down $1 since then. We find its 3.84% dividend yield and steady business very attractive. We would continue to hold shares here.

Paychex is a "Recommended" dividend stock, currently holding a Dividend.com rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.