Dividends account for a large portion of total returns especially over the term. Real returns – that is excluding inflation – include dividend yields, dividend growth and multiple expansion (P/E). The following chart shows the split of real returns of select developed countries: Source: Risk and Reward, Research and Investment Strategies,1st Qtr 2011, Invesco The …

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Some of the European governments still own large stakes in private sector companies. Traditionally sectors like utilities, airlines used to have large state ownership. With the bailouts during the financial crisis of 2008-09, some of the banks also are majority-owned by governments. 15 non-financial companies with state ownership of more than 10% are listed below …

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Many U.S. companies have reinstated (or) increased dividend payments since the credit crisis of 2008-09. The amount of payouts and the number of companies with positive dividend actions have increased in recent months. According to Standard & Poor’s, in the first half of 2011, net cash payouts among S&P 500 companies rose by a record …

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The three broad sources of brand values are innovation, aspiration and scale. Some brands span two or even, in Apple’s case, three of these categories. Click to enlarge Source: The Power of Brand Investing, Credit Suisse Research Institute

Apple is one of the most successful technology companies in the world.The company has created a niche position in the consumer electronics and computer industry with many world-class products such as the iPhone, Macs, iPad, iPod, etc. Apple has established its brand to be synonymous with the highest quality and is able to charge a …

Continue reading ‘Apple: The Factors Behind its Success And Why it’s Time To Sell the Shares’ »