PFIZER AND PEPSI ARE OUT, LINN IS IN!

I recently reviewed the terms of the merger between PBG and Pepsi Co and decided instead, to take advantage of recent price increases to sell my position in Pepsi Bottling. I also decided to sell my stake in Pfizer due to lackluster performance and poor dividend returns. The proceeds from the sale of these two stocks will be reinvested in Linn Energy LLC (LINE: NASDAQ).

Linn Energy carries a dividend payout of $2.52 which works out to over a 9.5% yield on their recent share price of $26.03. Linn Energy, LLC. is an independent oil and gas company focused on the development and acquisition of long life properties which complement its asset profile in producing basins within the United States. The company's properties are currently located in the Mid-Continent and California. The company seeks to be the operator of its properties so that it could develop drilling programs and optimization projects that not only replace production, but add value through reserve and production growth and future operational synergies. The development program is focused on lower risk, repeatable drilling opportunities to maintain and/or grow cash flow. The oil and gas industry is highly competitive. The company encounters strong competition from other independent operators and master limited partnerships in acquiring properties, contracting for drilling and other related services and securing trained personnel.

Adding Linn Energy to my investment portfolio should work well with my goal for 2010 of increasing dividend income. With the recent increase in demand for oil and gasoline along with rising prices, I think Linn will do well for the foreseeable future.