A dividend yield is one reason to invest in a stock, but it shouldn't be the guiding reason. A corporation can lower (or eliminate) their dividend easily (by the way, I am still amazed that TARP funding was provided without any commitment from the banks drop dividends).
If you need the yield, you will be better off taking a hard look at corporate bonds. These bonds, most of which trade at a discount, provide high yields to maturity - in many cases, higher than the equity yield. Their yields are contractually insured, unlike dividends. And, of course, these bonds provide greater security because bonds will always rank higher than stocks in terms of a liquidation. The downside is that there is never the same room for appreciation in bonds.
As a rule, Invest in equities for appreciation. Invest in bonds for yield.
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