A Little Stability in the Storm

With stock market indices going up and down last week, it's only natural to look for some stability. And where to find that stability when prices are going up and down? There seems to be no correlation between company performance and prices: recently, we have seen prices fall following an announcement of better than expected earnings and prices rise when nothing significant is happening.

One tactic every investor should learn is to invest in dividend stocks. Logic says that the price of a stock adjusts after the ex-dividend date. However, this is just a theory and often the price remains high even after this date. Therefore, there are plenty of opportunities to buy stocks to collect dividends and sell them at a good price as well. You can enjoy dividends of up to 7% and stock growth at the same time.

Here are some companies that will be declaring dividends soon:

ASML Holding (ASML)

ASML Holding is a Dutch company that manufactures and sells semiconductors. It offers advanced systems for lithography, metrology etc. This company has shown stable growth, especially during the last 5 years.

ASML pays a 0.5% dividend, with the next payment declared at $1,88635, and ex-dividend date of May 3.

IDACORP, Inc. (IDA)

IDACORP is a long-standing generator, transmitter and distributor of electricity in the United States, founded in 1915. The company operates a network of 17 hydroelectric power plants, three natural gas-fired power plants, and coal-fired steam power plants.

It offers a dividend of 2.8% , the next ex-dividend date is May 4.

While IDA Corp's growth has not always been stable, there are plenty of reasons to be confident in the company's financial stability, with a beta of 0.49.

Entergy Corporation (ETR)

Entergy Corporation generates electricity from gas/oil, nuclear, coal, hydroelectric and solar power sources. Again, it is a stable company with a monthly beta of 0.52. In addition to utilities, it sells wholesale commodities. Even with a downbeat start to 2021, the company is regaining value and analysts expect moderate growth in 2021.

ETR pays a 3.5% dividend but only once a year, with the next payment declared at $3.80, with an ex-dividend date of May 5.

PH Parker-Hannifin Corporation                     

Parker-Hannifin Corporation operates in the diversified industrial and aerospace systems sectors. It manufactures and sells motion and control systems for markets around the world.

Analysts estimate price growth to 344.55 from 313 now in 2021. 13 of 20 analysts recommended buying.

The ex-dividend date of May 6 will pay a dividend of 4.12 dollars.