Today's higher interest rate environment drives home the reason why investors should scrutinize stocks offering tempting double-digit yields. Digging beneath the surface Multiple factors may contribute to a stock touting high dividend yields at first blush. First, there are dividend sustainers – companies that have made steady payments for years, including Merck , Johnson & Johnson and Southern Co . Investors who want to hunt dividend payers shouldn't go for the biggest yielders, but instead look for names that are in the second or third quintile among dividend payers, he said. "For many investors, you can get a pretty good dividend play and a good yield through ETFs at a low cost," said Ebersole.

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Persons: Bond, Charlie Gaffney, Gaffney, Eaton Vance, Jamie Ebersole, Kim Abmeyer, Morgan Stanley, shouldn't, Ebersole, Morningstar's Bryan Armour, VIG Organizations: Utilities, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Ebersole, Abmeyer Wealth Management, Investors, Costco Wholesale, Merck, Johnson, Southern Co, Apple, Exxon Mobil, Walmart Locations: Southern