More Dividend Paying Companies on the S&P Index Than Ever Before

NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 05/15/12 -- Dividend paying companies have gained popularity in the markets in 2012. With interest rates as low as they are long term investors are looking at dividend paying stocks for investment income, where returns currently far exceed those of bonds. In 2012 S&P companies are on pace to pay out a record amount in dividends. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for Dividend paying stocks and provides equity research on GlaxoSmithKline plc (NYSE: GSK) and Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE: CLF).

Access to the full company reports can be found at:

www.FiveStarEquities.com/GSK
www.FiveStarEquities.com/CLF

S&P companies are set to pay out a record of $279 billion in dividends in 2012, up nearly 16 percent from 2011. There are currently more dividend payers on the S&P index then there has been in over a decade. According to S&P analyst Howard Silverblatt, 401 of the S&P 500 now pay dividends. "At this point, taxes are my main concern for dividends," Silverblatt wrote last month, noting that dividend taxes could nearly triple next year from the 15 percent today to 43.4 percent next year. "From a planning perspective, this will force corporations to reexamine their return-to-shareholders policy, potentially pulling back on dividend increases and increasing share buybacks."

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on Dividend paying stocks so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at www.FiveStarEquities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

GlaxoSmithKline currently offers investors an annual dividend of $2.20 for a yield of 4.82 percent. The company recently announced that it has commenced its previously announced tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Human Genome Sciences for US$13.00 per share in cash.

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. is an international mining and natural resources company. A member of the S&P 500 Index, the Company is a major global iron ore producer and a significant producer of high- and low-volatile metallurgical coal. The company has recently been chosen as the "Top Dividend Stock of the S&P Metals and Mining Select Industry Index" according to Dividend Channel's DividendRank Report. The company currently offers an annual dividend of $2.50 per share for a yield of 4.5 percent.

Five Star Equities provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. Five Star Equities has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks.

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