Dividend.com: HSBC Strapped, Analyst Says

VF is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com Rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars.

Linear Technology Second-Quarter Profit Drops Linear Technology (LLTC Quote) shares off about 3% so far today, after reporting that its second-quarter profits fell 10% to $84.2 million, or 38 cents per share, from $93.8 million, or 41 cents per share, a year earlier.

Management said the company experienced weakness in its bookings throughout the quarter, and is taking steps to rein in costs by reducing staff, closing plants and limiting operating expenses.

Looking ahead, the company says third-quarter revenue will be down in the 15% to 20% range compared with the second quarter. On a positive note, the company raised its quarterly dividend to 22 cents per share from 21 cents per share.

The dividend will be paid Feb. 25 to stockholders of record on Feb. 13.

We removed shares of LLTC from our "Recommended" list back on Aug. 22, when the stock was trading at $32.89. The company has a 3.89% dividend yield, based on Tuesday night's closing price of $22.60.

The stock has technical support in the $14-$17 price area. If the shares can firm up and begin to move higher, we see initial overhead resistance around $25-$27. We would look elsewhere for better investment opportunities at this current time.

Linear Technology is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com Rating of 3.1 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.