In this environment many income investors are happy to see any dividend increase. Not all companies are hiding behind the economic downturn and short-changing their dividend increases. To the contrary, PetSmart (PETM) after an extensive analysis of expected free cash flows showed confidence in their our operating plan with a generous dividend increase and share repurchase plan.
PetSmart (PETM) Announces a 233% Dividend Increase *
Stock Screen For Improving Dividends *
Standard & Poor’s has speculated that the dollar amount of S&P 500 dividend payments will drop 10% in the fourth quarter, the biggest drop since 1958. However, more than half of companies will pay more in 2008 vs. 2007. This oddity is driven by the banks, which have historically paid some of the highest dividends. As any dividend investor can tell you, the banks have led the way in dividend cuts. In September and October, 16 financial companies cut their dividend payments by $14.6 billion.


Six Dividend Stocks Avoiding The June Freeze *
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