A dividend is a dividend is a dividend. Historically, many investors have found that continuing and growing cash payments in the shape of dividends deliver current income and support long-term equity returns. However, in the minds of many investors, companies continue to be evaluated on their place of origin rather than ability and track record of paying growing dividends.

This view has lead to a focus by US income-oriented investors on US dividend-paying companies. It has become painfully apparent that this has put the dividend income of many investors at unnecessary risk.

What do GE, Citigroup, Bank of America, Pfizer and JPMorgan Chase have in common? All had solid records of dividend payments and all were among the top 10 dividend-paying companies in the S&P 500 in 2007.