Dividends Value » CMS

16 Confident and Secure Companies Boosting Dividends *

D4L — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 07:30:19 +0000

Are you confident and secure in your investing process? It appears many people are not, including the famed Canadian dividend investor Derek Foster who sold all his investments and friends/family who jump in and out of the market. I believe that most investors will lose money in the stock market over their lifetime. It is not that the market is a bad place to invest your money, but left unchecked the psychology of the market will lead you to do just the opposite of what you should to be doing. We must follow a process we are 100% confident in. Doubt is the gateway to destructive behavior. For me, dividend growth investing is what I am confident and secure in.

Below are several companies confident and secure enough in their business to increase their cash dividends:

EXCO Resources (XCO) is an independent oil and natural gas company that acquires, develops, and exploits onshore properties located in the continental U.S. August 5th the company increased its quarterly dividend 33% to $0.04/share. The dividend is payable on September 15, 2010 to holders of record on August 31, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.05%.

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (RBA) in an auctioneer of industrial equipment sells, through unreserved public auctions, a range of industrial equipments, trucks, and other assets used in the agricultural industries. August 6th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.105/share. The yield based on the new payout is 2.31%.

Buckeye GP Holdings L.P. (BGH) owns a small general partnership interest and incentive distribution rights in Buckeye Partners L.P. August 6th the partnership increased its quarterly distribution 4.7% to $0.45/unit. The distribution is payable on August 31, 2010 to unitholders of record on August 16, 2010. The ex-distribution date is August 12, 2010. Yield on the distribution is 4.1%. The yield based on the new payout is 4.17%.

Carlisle Co. (CSL) is a diversified manufacturer of rubber roofing and insulation, small tires and wheels, heavy duty braking systems, foodservice plastics, and specialty wire. August 6th the company raised its quarterly dividend 6.3% to $0.17/share. The dividend is payable on September 1, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 17, 2010. The ex-dividend date is August 15, 2010. CSL is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 34 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.15%.

Illinois Tool Works (ITW) is a diversified manufacturer operates a portfolio of about 840 industrial and consumer businesses throughout the world. August 6th the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.34/share. The dividend will be paid on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 to stockholders of record on Thursday, September 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is September 28, 2010. ITW is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 47 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.01%.

Chemed Corp. (CHE) provides hospice services for patients with severe, life-limiting illnesses; and also provides plumbing and drain cleaning services. August 6th the company raised its quarterly dividend 16.7% to $0.14/share. The dividend is payable on September 7, 2010, to shareholders of record as of August 16, 2010. The ex-dividend date is August 12, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.05%.

CMS Energy (CMS) principal subsidiary is Consumers Energy, the largest utility in Michigan and the sixth largest gas and 13th largest electric utility in the U.S. August 6th the company raised its quarterly dividend 40% to $0.21/share. The yield based on the new payout is 4.97%.

Harleysville Group (HGIC) underwrites a broad array of personal and commercial coverages. These insurance coverages are marketed primarily in the Eastern and Midwestern United States. August 6th the company raised its quarterly dividend 11% to $0.36/share. The dividend is payable September 30, 2010, to shareholders of record on September 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is September 13, 2010. HGIC is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 24 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 4.55%.

Aflac (AFL) provides supplemental health and life insurance in the U.S. and Japan. Products are marketed at worksites and help fill gaps in primary insurance coverage. Approximately 75% of revenues comes from Japan and 25% from the U.S. August 10th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7.1% to $0.30/share. The dividend is payable on December 1, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 17, 2010. AFL is a Dividend Aristocrat and has raised its dividend for 28 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.42%.

Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG) is a leading international supplier of products for the consumer lawn and garden and professional turf and horticulture markets. August 10th the company raised its quarterly dividend by 100% to $0.25/share. The yield based on the new payout is 2.11%.

Questar Corp. (STR) is engaged in gas transportation and storage, and retail gas distribution primarily in Utah. August 10th
the company increased its quarterly dividend 7.7% to $0.14/share. The dividend is payable September 13, 2010 to shareholders of record on August 20, 2010, is a $0.01 increase from the previous quarter. The ex-dividend date is August 18, 2010. STR is a Dividend Aristocrat and has raised its dividend for 31 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.31%.

CAE (CAE) provides simulation and modeling technologies and integrated training services and products to the civil aviation industry and defense forces around the globe. August 11th the company raised its quarterly dividend 33.3% to $0.04/share. The dividend is payable on September 30, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 15, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.69%.

Connecticut Water Service (CTWS) is a provider of regulated water utility services to customers in Connecticut also conducts unregulated operations. August 12th the company increased its quarterly dividend 2.2% to $0.2325/share. The dividend is payable on September 15, 2010, for shareholders of record as of September 1, 2010, and an ex-dividend date of August 30, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.36%.

Textainer (TGH) engage in the purchase, management, leasing, and resale of a fleet of marine cargo containers worldwide. August 12th the company raised its quarterly dividend 4.2% to $0.25/share. The dividend is payable on September 1, 2010 to shareholders of record as of August 23, 2010. The ex-dividend date is August 19, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.63%.

Parker Hannifin (PH) is a global maker of industrial pumps, valves, pneumatics, and hydraulics. Its products are used in everything from jet engines to trucks and autos and utility turbines. August 12th the company increased its quarterly dividend 4% to $0.27/share. The dividend is payable September 3, 2010 to shareholders of record as of August 23, 2010. The ex-dividend date is August 19, 2010. PH is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 54 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.72%.

Torchmark (TMK) derives most of its earnings from its life and health insurance operations. August 12th the company raised its quarterly dividend 6.7% to $0.16/share. The dividend is payable November 1, 2010, to shareholders of record as of October 2, 2010. The ex-dividend date is September 30, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.25%.

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 HGIC. See a list of all my income holdings here.

(Photo Credit)

16 Dividend Stocks Aspiring To Be A Champion *

D4L — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:30:46 +0000

There are winners and there are champions in every walk of life. The difference is subtle, but very real. A champion is driven for success and will not let anything stand in its way. Some dividend stocks can be classified as champions. A bad economy, tight credit markets and a dark cloud of uncertainty are enough send some dividend companies running for the exit. However, these are the times that champions stand firm.

This week a several companies answered the call and rewarded their shareholders with higher cash dividends:

CMS Energy (CMS) is the largest utility in Michigan and the sixth largest gas and 13th largest electric utility in the U.S. January 29th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.15/share. The dividend is payable Feb. 26, 2010 to shareholders of record on Feb. 8, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 4, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.91%.

HCP (HCP) holds direct and joint venture investments in health care-related facilities across the U.S. February 1st the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.465/share. The dividend will be paid on February 23, 2010 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 11, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 9, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 6.36%.

Source Capital (SOR) is a diversified closed-end management investment company. February 1st the company boosted its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.60/share. The dividend is payable Mar. 15, 2010, to shareholders of record as of the close of business Feb. 19, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 5.65%.

Hershey (HSY) is a major producer of chocolate and confectionery products. February 2nd the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.32/share. The dividend is payable March 15, 2010, to stockholders of record February 25, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.45%.

L-3 Comm (LLL) is a provider of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems. February 2nd the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.40/share. The dividend is payable on March 15, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 25, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.84%

Unitrin (UTR) provides property and casualty insurance, life and health insurance, and automobile finance services. February 3rd the company boosted its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.22/share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2010 to its shareholders of record as of February 12, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 10. The yield based on the new payout is 3.86%

News Corp (NWS) is a media conglomerate, with controlling interests in leading content and distribution assets across the globe, including Fox Entertainment. February 3rd the company increased its semi-annual dividend 25% to $0.075/share. The dividend is payable on April 14, 2010 with a record date for determining dividend entitlements of March 10, 2010. The ex-dividend date is March 8, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 0.94%

Ross Stores (ROST) is an off-price retailer providing in-season branded apparel and other merchandise through over 1,000 stores in 27 states and Guam. February 4th the company raised its quarterly dividend 45% o $0.16/share. The dividend is payable on March 31, 2010 to stockholders of record as of February 19, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 17, 2010. ROST is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.41%.

AGL Resources (AGL) is an energy services holding company provides natural gas to about 2.3 million customers. February 4th the company boosted its quarterly dividend 2.3% to $0.44/share. The dividend is payable March 1, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 19, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 5.00%.

PennantPark Investment (PNNT) specializes in direct and mezzanine investments in middle-market companies. February 4th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.26/share. The dividend is payable on April 1, 2010 to stockholders of record as of March 25, 2010. The ex-dividend date is March 23, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 11.60%.

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is one of the world’s leading agribusiness companies, with major market positions in agricultural processing and merchandising. February 4the the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.15/share. The dividend is payable March 11, 2010, to stockholders of record February 18, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 16. ADM is a Dividend Aristocrat and has raised its dividend for 35 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.00%.

Colgate-Palmolive (CL) is a consumer products company markets oral, personal and household care, and pet nutrition products. February 4th the the company boosted its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.53/share. The dividend will be paid on May 14, 2010 to shareholders of record as of April 26, 2010. The ex-dividend date is April 22. On an annual basis, the new dividend rate is $2.03 vs. $1.72 per share previously. CL is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.66%.

UPS (UPS) is the world’s largest express delivery company. February 4th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.47/share. The dividend is payable March 3, 2010, to shareholders of record on Feb. 16, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.28%.

Hasbro (HAS) is a large toy company has brands that include Monopoly, Playskool and Tonka. February 4th the company raised its quarterly dividend by 25% to $0.25/share. The dividend will be payable on May 17, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 3, 2010. The ex-dividend date is April 30. The yield based on the new payout is 3.20%.

J. B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) provides truckload, intermodal, and contract carriage services. February 4th the company boosted its quarterly dividend $0.12/share. The dividend is payable to stockholders of record on February 12, 2010. The dividend will be paid on February 26, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.58%.

D&B (DNB) is a worldwide provider of business information and related decision support services and commercial receivables management services. February 4th the company increased its quarterly cash dividend to $0.35/share. This quarterly cash dividend is payable on March 18, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 3, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.80%.

To be a true dividend champion, a stock must consistently raise its dividend over more than just a few years. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive cash dividend increases, see this list.

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

(Photo Credit)

Big Names and Dividend Cuts Make The News *

D4L — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:30:45 +0000

Dividend cuts, such as Pfizer’s (PFE) 50% slash earlier this week, along with big name companies such as General Electric (GE) and Dow Chemical (DOW) trying to convince their shareholders they won’t cut their dividends still dominate the business news. What is being overlooked is the steady stream of companies stepping up to the plate and raising their dividends, as good companies do – even during recessions.

The last week saw too many dividend increases to list them all, but here are a select few that dared to declare double-digit dividend increases:

Canadian National Railway (CNI) Increased Its Qtr. Dividend by 10% (2.25% yield)
Pall Corp. (PLL) Raised Its Qtr. Dividend by 11.5% (2.18% yield)
CMS Energy (CMS) Boosted Its Qtr Dividend 40% (4.25% yield)
Alberto Culver (ACV) Increased Its Qtr. Dividend 15.4% (1.20% yield)
RPC (RES) Raised Its Qtr. Dividend by 16.7% (3.49% yield)
TFS Financial (TFSL) Boosted Its Dividend 40% (2.20% yield)
D&B (DNB) Increased Qtr. Dividend 13% (1.83% yield)

In every market there are winners and losers. Find a company that consistently raises it dividend and more times than not, you have found a winner.

Full Disclosure: Long GE, CNI

(Photo: Steve Woods)