France Telecom ADS

In keeping with my plan to diversify my dividend portfolio to include investments outside the United States, I've decided to add France Telecom ADS (FTE) to my IRA investment portfolio. The Group's principal activity is to provide telecommunications services to residential, personal and large businesses. The Group offers services through six segments which are Orange, Wanadoo, Equant, TP Group, Other big operators and International providers. Major lines of business include providing public fixed-line voiced telephone services, videoconferencing, mobile telecommunication services, broadcasting services and Internet and wireless applications. Their clients are service providers, system integrators and operators. The Group operates in France, the United Kindom, Spain, Poland and Latin America, Asia, Middle East and parts of Europe.

With current earnings per share of $2.70 and a dividend payout of $1.68 per share, their current dividend yield of 6.43% makes them an attractive buy for my IRA account. Their recent share price of $26.09 and a price to earnings of 9.7 also makes for an attractive investment opportunity. Add to this their recent announcement that they will soon be offering the popular iPhone in Britain and their future prospects seem quite attractive. Overall I believe they will make a very good addition to my portfolio.