Investing In Brazilian Utilities

In a move to further diversify my portfolio and produce earnings from outside the U.S., I have decided to buy shares in one of Brazil's largest utilities providers, CPFL Energia S A ADR (CPL:NYSE). At their recent price of $51.16, their dividend payout of $3.69 per share represents a current yield of 7.22%. The Group's principal activities are those of a holding company. It operates through its subsidiaries in the generation, distribution and marketing of electricity. The Group has 8 distribution centers serving 568 municipalities in Brazil. It sells electricity nationwide on the free and the regulated market and also provides value added services to its customers. The Group operates in the states of Sao Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, Parana and Minas Gerais.

With Brazil's dynamic progressive and growing economy, demand for electricity will only increase going forward and CPL is in a good position to take advantage of future business. With earnings of $4.19 per share and future earnings expected to increase, the dividend looks to be on stable ground. It should make a fine addition to my long term holdings.

To further diversify my holdings, I will be looking for quality dividend investments from India, China, Canada and possibly Russia.