The utility sectors offers generally high dividend yields with value. The negative point is that the sector is very capital intensive and the growth potential is limited. However, I wanted to know what stocks are the best dividend stock buy picks for the next year. I screened all 123 listed utility stocks by the best ones for next year. My criteria are:
- Forward P/E under 15
- Past Sales growth recent 10 years over 5 percent
- Positive Earnings per share growth for the next five years
- Operating Margin over 10 percent
Twelve companies fulfilled the above mentioned criteria. Eight of them have a buy or better rating. The mostly represented industry is the eclectic utility industry. I personally don’t own any utility stocks because I am a dividend growth investor. I always look for growing companies with strong brands and high abilities to expand aboard. Utilities don’t fulfill these criteria. So my main focus will be on the consumer sector.
