ASK THE FOOL
The ‘Internet of Things’
Q. What’s the “Internet of Things”? – C.D., Odessa, Texas
A. You may have noticed that nowadays, many “smart” things are connected to the internet, and they’re often controllable by apps on your phone. That’s the Internet of Things (IOT). Your doorbell, for example, might be connected to your home Wifi network, allowing you to monitor and respond to it from anywhere. You may be able to turn lights on and off and adjust your thermostat via the internet, too, thanks to connected devices, and your watch may also be transmitting fitness information wirelessly. Even refrigerators and washing machines are part of the IOT now.
The IOT potentially encompasses just about any object that can be connected to the internet in order to be controlled or to transmit information.
Q. How can I tell if a company pays a dividend? – G.N., Bay City, Michigan
A. The best way is just to call the company, ask for the Investor Relations department, and inquire about dividend payments. It’s even easier to look up the company in online stock listings, which typically include any dividend and, if one is paid, the current dividend yield – but note that these sites may not have the most recent information.
A company’s dividend yield is more informative than its dividend amount, as it allows you to compare different companies’ payouts in an apples-toapples fashion. The yield is the percentage of the current stock price being paid out annually in dividends. It’s calculated by dividing four quarters’ worth of dividend payments by the current stock price.