TGT

If income investing were as simple as picking the stock with the highest yield, everyone would be an expert. Most assume (rightfully so) that yield is heavily influenced by risk, but much more goes into determining yield. Below are several important factors that influence a stock’s yield, along with some illustrative examples:

A vision is taking the time to contemplate and anticipate, in detail, what the future will bring. A financial vision needs to consider future earnings, savings and economic issues such as inflation. Then based on your vision, you formulate an action plan to ensure the best possible outcome given your unique circumstances. You can’t have a retirement plan until you have a retirement vision.

Gymboree is a specialty retailer of childrens clothing, operating the Gymboree, Janie and Jack, and Crazy 8 concepts. A solid operator with good growth potential, this looks like a decent MFI purchase.

Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) reported earnings per share in the first quarter increased 30 percent to 90 cents from 69 cents in the same period a year ago. This was the highest EPS from continuing operations in Target’s history, excluding holiday-driven fourth quarter results. analysts average $0.87. TGT beats by $0.03

The Forbes Top 150 Companies list ranked by Magic Formula Statistics. Which large global companies are both cheap and highly efficient with capital?

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) responds to a complaint filed by the SEC today over its dealings in subprime mortgages.

The SEC’s charges are completely unfounded in law and fact and we will vigorously contest them and defend the firm and its reputation.

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm
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Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) reported, excluding items, earnings were $0.77 per share compared with $0.71 last year. analysts average $0.76. MDT beats by $0.01.

The company reported third quarter revenue of $3.851 billion, a 10 percent increase over third quarter revenue reported a year ago.

Medtronic, Inc. develops, manufactures, and sells device-based medical therapies worldwide.

Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) reported that earnings per share for the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2009 increased 91% to $.84, from $.44 last year. analysts average 0.84. ROST in line.

Fiscal 2009 third quarter sales increased 12% to $1.744 billion, with comparable store sales up a strong 8% over last year.

The Home Depot (NYSE: HD), reported $0.41 per diluted share, compared with $0.45 per diluted share, last year. analysts average 0.36. HD beats by $0.05

Third quarter of fiscal 2009 net earnings of $689 million, compared with net earnings of $756 million, in the same period in fiscal 2008.

Now that we're finally in the homestretch for 2009, it's time to look toward the future and consider those areas that are best poised to be standouts in the fourth quarter and why.

Consumer Spending. While consumer spending remains depressed, a combination of encouraging signs and timing could benefit this sector.

I happened to be on TV the afternoon of March 6th, broadcasting the last 3 hours of a day that the market was plunging 300 points off the open on Livestock with Tim Sykes, where I laid out my bullish case.

In 1985 took my first job as a staff accountant with a $21,000 annual salary. Now I am over the same department that I was hired into and entry level staff accountants earn $56,500 per year. That equates to a 4.2% annual increase. Just as employees expect an annual raise, so do dividend investors.