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25 Dividend Stocks Raising Their Yield On Cost *

D4L — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 07:30:15 +0000

There are income investors and Dividend Growth investors. While the distinction is rather simple, it slips past many casual observers. Income investors are investing for maximum current income, while dividend growth investors are looking to maximize income over an extended period of time — usually sacrificing current income for potential greater future earnings. Unlike fixed income investments, a growing dividend means a growing yield on cost.

This week several companies raised their shareholders yield on cost by increasing their cash dividends:

The Coca-Cola Company (KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7% to $0.47/share. This is equivalent to an annual dividend of $1.88 per share, up from $1.76 per share in 2010. The first quarterly dividend is payable April 1, 2011, to shareowners of record as of March 15, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.

Silgan Holdings Inc. (SLGN) is a leading manufacturer of consumer goods packaging products. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.11/share. The dividend is payable on March 17, 2011 to the holders of record of the common stock of the Company on March 3, 2011. The Company began paying a cash dividend in 2004 and has increased its quarterly dividend every year since. The yield based on the new payout is 1.2%.

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (TROW) is a global investment management organization with $482.0 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2010. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 15% to $0.31 per share payable March 29, 2011 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 15, 2011. This will mark the 25th consecutive year since the firm’s initial public offering that the company will have increased its annual dividend payout. The yield based on the new payout is 1.8%.

Lorillard, Inc. (LO) is the the third largest manufacturer of cigarettes in the United States. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 16% to $1.30/share. The dividend is payable on March 11, 2011 to stockholders of record as of March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 6.6%.

Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (GPI) is a Fortune 500 automotive retailer. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.11/share. The dividend will be paid on March 15, 2011, to stockholders of record on March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.1%.

National Health Investors, Inc. (NHI) is a healthcare real estate investment trust that specializes in the financing of healthcare real estate by purchase and leaseback transactions and by mortgage loans. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 4.2% to $0.615/share. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record on March 31, 2011 and payable on May 10, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 5.3%.

Emclaire Financial Corp. (EMCF) is an independent, nationally chartered, FDIC-insured community commercial bank headquartered in Emlenton, Pennsylvania. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 14.3% to $0.16/share. The dividend is payable on March 18, 2011, to shareholders of record on March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.6%.

Williams’ (WMB) is a large-scale infrastructure company with a business focus on enabling producers and end-users to optimize the value of North America’s significant resource plays. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 60% to $0.20/share. The company is targeting an additional 10 percent to 15 percent increase for the quarterly dividends it will pay beginning in June 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.

HNI Corporation (HNI) is the second largest office furniture manufacturer in the world and is also the nation’s leading manufacturer and marketer of gas- and wood-burning fireplaces. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 6.98% increase to $0.23/share on its common stock. The dividend will be payable on March 7, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.

Cheviot Financial Corp. (CHEV) provides a range of banking services in Ohio. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.12 per share to stockholders of record March 15, 2011. The dividend will be paid March 31, 2011. This is the seventh consecutive year that Cheviot Financial Corp. has increased its dividend. The yield based on the new payout is 5.6%.

The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coatings, and related products in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.365 per common share, payable on March 11, 2011, to shareholders of record on February 25, 2011. The dividend is payable March 11th to shareholders of record on Feb. 25th. This increase follows 32 consecutive years of dividend increases. The yield based on the new payout is 1.7%.

Albemarle Corporation (ALB) is a leading global developer, manufacturer, and marketer of highly-engineered specialty chemicals. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 18.2% to $0.165/share. The dividend is payable April 1, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of March 15, 2011. The new annualized dividend rate is $0.66/share. The yield based on the new payout is 1.1%.

Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) is the parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company; American Snuff Company, LLC; Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc.; and NiconovumAB. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 8.2% to $0.53/share. The dividend is payable on April 1, 2011, to shareholders of record on March 10, 2011. This will be the 27th consecutive quarterly dividend paid to shareholders since the company became publicly traded in 2004, and the seventh dividend increase. The yield based on the new payout is 6.3%.

Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) is one of the nation’s leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services. February 16th the company increased its annual dividend 19% to $0.45 per share. In accordance with the increase, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1125 a share on the company’s common stock, payable on April 27, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 6, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.9%.

Foot Locker, Inc. (FL) is a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3,400 stores in 21 countries in North America, Europe and Australia. February 15th the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.165/share. The dividend is payable on April 29, 2011 to shareholders of record on April 15, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.6%.

Cooper Industries plc (CBE) is a global electrical products manufacturer with 2010 revenues of $5.1 billion. February 15th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7% to $0.29/share. The is payable on April 1, 2011 to shareholders of record as of February 28, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.8%.

Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) is a diversified global provider of hand tools, power tools and related accessories, mechanical access solutions and electronic security solutions, engineered fastening systems, and more. February 15th the company increased its quarterly dividend 21% to $0.41/share. This marks the 44th consecutive annual dividend increase for the company. The dividend is payable on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.2%.

Omnicom Group Inc. (OMC) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. February 14th the company increased its quarterly dividend 25% to $0.25/share. The dividend is payable on April 1, 2011 to Omnicom Group common shareholders of record at the close of business on March 4, 2011.The yield based on the new payout is 2.1%.

Compass Minerals (CMP) is a leading producer of minerals, including salt, sulfate of potash specialty fertilizer and magnesium chloride. February 14th the company increased its quarterly dividend 15% to $0.45/share. The dividend is payable March 15, 2011, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.9%.

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (WWW) is one of the world’s leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and apparel. February 12th the company increased its quarterly dividend 9% to $0.12/share. The dividend is payable on May 2, 2011 to stockholders of record on April 1, 2011 and reflects an indicated annual dividend of $0.48 per share. The yield based on the new payout is 1.3%.

Hubbell Incorporated (HUBA) is an international manufacturer of quality electrical and electronic products for a broad range of non-residential and residential construction, industrial and utility applications. February 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 6% to $0.38/share. The dividend is payable on April 11, 2011, to shareholders of record on March 7, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.4%.

RF Industries, Ltd., (RFIL) provides interconnect products and systems for radio frequency (RF) communications devices and wireless digital transmission systems. February 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 33% and declared a 2-for-1 common stock split. The stock split will be effective February 24, 2011, and will increase RFI’s outstanding common shares to approximately 5,953,018. The increase in RFI’s quarterly cash dividend to $0.02 per post-split share will be payable on April 15, 2011, to shareholders of record on March 31, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.9%.

ConocoPhillips (COP) is an integrated energy company with interests around the world. February 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.66/share. The dividend is payable March 1, 2011, to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 22, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.7%.

SCANA Corporation (SCG) is an energy-based holding company principally engaged, through subsidiaries, in electric and natural gas utility operations and other energy-related businesses. February 11th the company raised its quarterly dividend 2.1% to $0.485/share. The dividend is payable April 1, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 4.8%.

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (DLR) is a leading global wholesale datacenter provider. February 10th the company increased its dividend 28.3% to $0.68/share. This is the 9th dividend increase since the IPO in the fourth quarter of 2004. The dividend is payable to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 15, 2011. The common stock dividend will be paid on March 31, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 4.8%.

Selecting stocks with increasing dividends is critical for an income growth strategy. The above list contains stocks that recently raised their dividends; it is not a list of recommend buys. As always, due diligence should be performed before buying or selling any stock. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive cash dividend increases, see this list.

Full Disclosure: Long KO. See a list of all my income holdings here.

(Photo Credit)

20 Dividend Stocks Riding The Tsunami Of Dividend Increases *

D4L — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:30:05 +0000

What a difference a year makes. This time last year we were looking at big-name dividend cuts and very few increases. Last week’s 16 increases set the stage for this week’s flood of companies, large and small, raising cash dividends paid to their shareholders.

Here is a list of notable participants:

Commerce Bancshares (CBSH) banks provide services to individuals and businesses via 217 branches and 404 ATMs in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Oklahoma and Colorado February 5th the company increased its quarterly dividend 3% to $0.235/share. The dividend is payable on March 26, 2010, to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2010. The ex-dividend date is March 8. CBSH is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 42 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.49%.

Boardwalk Pipeline Partners (BWP) engages in the interstate transportation and storage of natural gas. February 5th the company bumped its quarterly distribution to $0.50/unit. The distribution is payable on February 22, 2010, to unitholders of record as of February 15, 2010. The ex-distribution date is February 11, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 6.66%.

Temple-Inland (TIN) is a major producer of corrugated containers and containerboard. February 5th the company boosted its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.11/share. The dividend is payable March 15, 2010, to shareholders of record March 1, 2010. The ex-dividend date is Feb 25th. The yield based on the new payout is 2.59%.

Compass Minerals (CMP) produces salt for highway deicing and general trade. February 8th the company raised its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.39/share. The dividend is payable March 15, 2010, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 1, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 25, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.39%.

Mercury General (MCY) is an insurance holding company operating primarily in California. February 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 2% to $0.59/share. The dividend is to be paid on March 31, 2010 to shareholders of record on March 16, 2010. The ex-dividend date is March 12, 2010. MCY is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 23 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 6.10%.

Jack Henry (JKHY) provides integrated computer systems, software and services addressing the information technology and data processing needs of banks and credit unions. February 8th the company bumped its quarterly dividend 12% to $0.095/share. The cash dividend on its common stock, par value $.01 per share, is payable on March 9, 2010, to stockholders of record as of February 24, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 22. JKHY is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.77%.

United Technologies (UTX) is an aerospace-industrial conglomerate with a portfolio including Pratt & Whitney jet engines, Sikorsky helicopters, Otis elevators and Carrier air conditioners, among other products. February 8th the company boosted its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.425/share. The dividend is payable March 10 to shareowners of record at the close of business Feb. 19. The ex-dividend date is Feb. 17. UTX is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.60%. [Analysis]

Owens & Minor (OMI) is a leading domestic distributor of medical and surgical supplies to the acute care market. February 8th the company raised its quarterly dividend 15% to $0.265/share. The record date for the stock split and the cash dividend is March 15, 2010. The cash dividend will be payable on March 31, 2010. OMI is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 11 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.15%.

Nu Skin (NUS) develops and distributes personal care products and nutritional supplements. February 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend 9% to $0.125/share. The dividend will be paid on March 17, 2010, to shareholders of record on Feb. 26, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.93%.

Avon Products (AVP) is the world’s leading direct marketer of cosmetics, toiletries, fashion jewelry, and fragrances, with more than 5 million sales representatives worldwide. February 9th the company bumped its quarterly dividend 5% to $0.22/share. The dividend is payable March 1, 2010, to shareholders of record February 23, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 19, 2010. AVP is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.00%.

Northeast Utilities (NU) is a utility holding company serves Connecticut, western Massachusetts and New Hampshire. February 9th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.25625/share. The dividend is payable March 31, 2010, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 1, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.06%.

American Science and Engineering (ASEI) develops, manufactures, markets, and sells X-ray and other inspection solutions primarily for homeland security markets. February 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.30/share. The dividend is payable on March 4, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 22, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 18, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.61%.

Corporate Executive Board (EXBD) provides corporate executives and professionals with the insights and resources necessary to excel in their roles and to drive corporate performance. February 9th the company bumped its quarterly dividend to $0.11/share. The yield based on the new payout is 2.01%.

3M (MMM) has operations in electronics, health care, industrial, consumer, office, telecommunications, safety and security and other markets. February 9th the company boosted its quarterly dividend 3% to $0.525/share. The dividend is payable on March 12, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 19, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 17, 2010. MMM is a Dividend Aristocrat and has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.62%.

Infinity Property and Casualty (IPCC) provides, through its subsidiaries, personal automobile insurance with a concentration on nonstandard auto insurance. February 9th the company raised its quarterly dividend 17% to $0.14/share. The dividend is payable on March 26, 2010 to holders of record on March 12, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.47%.

Wyndham (WYN) operations include the sale of interests in vacation ownership resorts; facilitating the exchange and rental of access to vacation properties; and the franchising of hotels. February 10th the company bumped its quarterly dividend to $0.12/share. The yield based on the new payout is 2.12%.

Sigma-Aldrich (SIAL) makes and sells a wide range of biochemicals, organic chemicals, and chromatography products. February 10th the company raised its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.155/share. SIAL is a Dividend Aristocrat and has raised its dividend for 34 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.33%.

CSX (CSX) a major U.S. rail network, transporting bulk commodities, industrial products and intermodal containers. February 10th the company boosted its quarterly dividend 9% to $0.24/share. The dividend is payable on March 15, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 26, 2010. The ex-dividend date is Feb. 24. The yield based on the new payout is 2.13%.

Diebold (DBD) develops, makes, and services self-service transaction systems, electronic and physical security systems. February 11th the company raised its quarterly dividend 4% to $0.27/share. The dividend is payable on Monday, March 8, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Monday, Feb. 22. The ex-dividend date is Feb. 18. DBD is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 57 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.87%.

SCANA Corp. (SCG) provides electric, natural gas, and telecommunications services. February 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 1.1% to $0.475/share. The dividend is payable April 1, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2010. The ex-dividend date is March 8, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 5.43%.

First quarter is an exciting time for dividend growth investors as many companies elect to announce their annual dividend increases during this time. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive cash dividend increases, see this list.

Full Disclosure: Long MMM, UTX. See a list of all my income holdings here.

(Photo Credit)

3M (MMM) and Manulife (MFC) Answer The Leadership Call *

D4L — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:30:51 +0000

When the world appears to be collapsing in around you and things look their darkest, it is then when character is determined and leaders rise to the top. On Tuesday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner called for a new program that combines public and private capital to be used in a fund that will buy troubled assets of up to $1 trillion, aimed at unfreezing credit markets. The the markets were underwhelmed. Many companies, such as Harley-Davidson (HOG) and Dow Chemical (DOW), used this smoke screen to slash dividends, but in the midst of the turmoil, an American Aristrocrat and a Canadian Achievier stood tall.

3M Co. (MMM) is a diversified global company has operations in electronics, health care, industrial, consumer and office, telecommunications, safety and security, and other markets. On Wednesday its Board declared a dividend of $0.51/share, a 2% increase. The dividend is payable on March 12, 2009, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 20, 2009. This is the 51st consecutive year the company has increased its dividend. 3M’s Board also approved an extension to the company’s $7 billion share repurchase authorization which would have expired this month. The stock’s dividend yield is over 4%.

Manulife Financial (MFC) is a Canadian insurer that is among the world’s largest life insurers, offering products and services mostly in North America and Asia. On Thursday, its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.26/share, payable on and after March 19, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 25, 2009. The stock’s dividend yield is 5.80%. (stock analysis)

Other companies flexing their financial muscles with higher dividends include:

Compass Minerals (CMP) Raises Qtr. Dividend to $0.355/share (yield 2.36%)
QNB Corp. (QNBC) Increases Dividend to $0.355 (yield 2.36%)
Terra Nitrogen (TNH) Boosts Qtr. Dividend by 6% to $2.97/unit (yield 10.66%)
Northeast Utilities (NU) Raises Qtr. Dividend by 11.7% to $0.2375/share (yield 4.03%)
Sigma-Aldrich (SIAL) Increases Qtr. Dividend by 11.5% to $0.145/share (yield 1.51%)
Progress Energy (PGN) Boosts Qtr. Dividend to $0.62/share (yield 6.47%)
Honeywell (HON) Raises Quarterly Dividend to $0.3025/share (yield 3.80%)
APCapital (ACAP) Increases Quarterly Dividend 10% to $0.11/share (yield 0.98%)
Robert Half International (RHI) to Bumps Quarterly Dividend 9% to $0.12 (yield 2.7%)

Finally, the reining dividend champion, Diebold (DBD) increased its dividend 4% to %0.26/share for the company’s 56th consecutive year. The company develops, makes, and services self-service transaction systems, electronic & physical security systems, and software used to equip bank facilities, voting terminals. The stock’s dividend yield is 4.22%.

For other companies around the world with a string of consecutive dividend increases still in tact, see Dividends Value’s Stock Ideas page.

Full Disclosure: Long MFC, PGN

(Photo: Steve Woods)