Dividends Continue Flowing Out of the Oil Patch

Oil companies have a spotty history as dividend stocks. The sector was once an excellent place for income-seeking investors to get above-average yields. However, when oil prices fell off their triple-digit perch a few years ago, it took many of the sector's dividends down with it.

The industry has worked hard since that time to deal with its new reality of lower oil prices by cutting costs. These efforts have been paying dividends. That has allowed producers to begin sending more cash to their investors once again. And that means income-focused investors should start paying closer attention to this sector.

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