Finding Dividend Stocks That Still Look Like Bargains

Huber prefers stable companies that can steadily increase their dividends. A favorite holding is Kohl's (KSS), a department store chain that yields 2.4% and has a P/E ratio of 12.3. He also likes United Technologies (UTX), maker of Otis elevators and Pratt and Whitney aircraft engines. The stock yields 2.7%. The company can grow by expanding its overseas sales.

Another steady fund is Rochdale Dividend & Income (RIMHX). During the past five years, the fund has returned 4.2% annually, outdoing 98% of large value funds.

Portfolio Manager David Abella says that blue-chip office and mall REITs have become too expensive. Many of the expensive REITs own trophy properties that tend to attract attention from investors. To find bargains, he has been buying healthcare REITs, which own hospitals and other medical properties.

A favorite holding is Ventas (VTR), which owns nursing homes and assisted-living facilities that provide support for seniors. "It is a steady business that is somewhat immune from the ups and downs of the economy," Abella says.

Abella is wary of many pharmaceutical companies because their sales should drop when patents expire in the next several years. But he likes Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY). The company has relatively good growth prospects and a solid dividend, Abella says.

This article is commentary by an independent contributor, separate from TheStreet's regular news coverage.

Stan Luxenberg is a freelance writer specializing in mutual funds and investing. He was executive editor of Individual Investor magazine.

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