WMT - Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

When I started this blog my intent was to share common sense advice regarding stock selections and methods, as well as highlight companies which will be around for your entire working career and also throughout your retirement years. The "common man" is one who works hard, tries to save as much money after paying their bills, and develop ways to keep your savings and investments secure.
That being said, my quintessential "common man" stock is Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Walmart), stock ticker WMT. Some people go to Target because they don't want to be seen at Wal-Mart, some go to Costco for bulk bargains (who needs 10 boxes of Cheez-Its in their cabinets??), however Wal-Mart is where it's at! They have been around for years and just like the "common man" they work hard, want the best for their customers, and are reliable. At the end of the day, WMT is parallel with the pulse of the "common man".
In general, WMT operates retail stores. They operate in three business segments, 1) Wal-Mart U.S., 2) Wal-Mart International and 3) Sam’s Club. Wal-Mart has growth potential outside the United States. They currently execute retail operations in 14 countries. They will conquer the UK and China, however the next big opportunity is in India. Their government is looking to pass a law that would allow majority foreign ownership.
True to form with all of my dividend stock picks, WMT provides a great yield opportunity. WMT pays a $0.37 per share dividend, which is a 2.77% yield as of 10/6/11 close.
As the economy has not improved very much lately, people will continue to seek out bargains where they can. Wal-Mart may not be the "preferred" place to purchase items, but as long as they can keep their prices relatively low they will be able to attract consumers and in large numbers. Market research has shown that people will always eat and buy consumer staples somewhere and there is no place cheaper than Wal-Mart.   
Click here to visit Wal-Mart's website, and click here to visit their Investor Relations page. Feel free to watch both videos below. Wal-Mart is not going anywhere. Pick up as many shares as you can under $60.00 and watch it grow year after year. WMT is a solid, long term pick!