NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Apr 20, 2012) - With bond yields at historic lows investors have been flocking to dividend-paying stocks as a source of investment income. Dividend investing has been becoming increasingly popular among investors, and the resulting demand is driving up stock prices. In 2011, dividend stocks crushed the 2.1% gain for the S&P 500 Index, gaining an average of 8.3%. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for Dividend paying stocks and provides equity research on Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: [ PM ]) and Bristol Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE: [ BMY ]).

Access to the full company reports can be found at:

[ www.FiveStarEquities.com/PM ]
[ www.FiveStarEquities.com/BMY ]

Howard Silverblatt, S&P's senior index analyst, recently stated that the Standard & Poor's 500 Index companies have never paid more dividends than now. In 2012, S&P 500 companies are on pace to pay out a record amount in dividends -- $277 million or about $29.02 per index share.

"The pressure to introduce and increase dividends could get intense," said Joshua Peters, an equity analyst at Morningstar Inc. "Chief executives and corporate boards are going to start noticing that investors are rewarding dividend-paying stocks."

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on Dividend paying stocksso 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.

Philip Morris International Inc. is the leading international tobacco company, with seven of the world's top 15 international brands, including Marlboro, the number one cigarette brand worldwide. PMI's products are sold in approximately 180 countries Philip Morris International has a current annual dividend yield of 3.45%.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company is a global biopharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in the discovery, development, licensing, manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sale of biopharmaceutical products on a global basis. Bristol-Myers Squibb's current dividend yield is 4.07%. The company increased its dividend rate for more than 25 years in a row.

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. Please view the full disclaimer at: [ www.FiveStarEquities.com/disclaimer ]