Dividends Value » EPB

28 Dividend Stocks Acting Like a Money Machine *

D4L — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 07:30:05 +0000

Readers of this space know that the primary focus of my investing efforts is to build an ever-increasing income income stream by investing in dividend growth securities. This means that often I will choose a lower yielding security with better dividend growth prospects over a higher yielding security. As one that values diversity, I also invest in some high yield securities. However, any dividend stock that I invest in must have an increasing dividend.

Below are companies that have recently made their shareholders take notice with higher cash dividends:

Sensient Technologies (SXT) produces flavors, colors and fragrances for businesses operating in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals and personal care. January 21st the company increased its quarterly dividend 5% to $0.21/share. The dividend is payable March 1, 2011, to shareholders of record on February 9, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 7, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.4%.

El Paso Pipeline (EPB) is a partnership owns and operates natural gas transportation pipelines and storage assets. January 21st the partnership raised its quarterly distribution 7.3% to $0.44/share. The distribution will be paid February 15, 2011, on all outstanding units to holders of record as of the close of business on February 1, 2011. The ex-distribution date is January 28, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 5.2%.

Airgas (ARG) is a leading distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases and related equipment also distributes safety and other disposable supplies through its network of stores. January 21st the company increased its quarterly dividend 16% to $0.29/share. The dividend is payable on March 31, 2011 to shareholders of record as of March 15, 2011. The ex-dividend date is March 11, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.8%.

Navios Maritime (NMM) owns and operates dry bulk carriers in Greece. January 21st the partnership raised its quarterly distribution 2.4% to $0.43/share. The distribution is payable on February 14, 2011 to unit holders of record as of February 9, 2011. The ex-distribution date is February 7, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 9.1%.

Twin Disc Inc. (TWIN) designs, makes and distributes heavy-duty off-highway power transmission equipment for industrial, government, marine, and energy and natural resources markets. January 24th the company increased its quarterly dividend 14% to $0.08/share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2011, to shareholders of record on February 11, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 9, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.1%.

Intel (INTC) is the world’s largest manufacturer of microprocessors, the central processing units of PCs, and also produces other semiconductor products. January 24th the company raised its quarterly dividend 15% to 18.12/share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2011 to stockholders of record on February 7, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 3, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.48%.

Williams Partners (WPZ) is a limited partnership that engages in gathering, transporting, processing, and treating natural gas, as well as fractionating and storing natural gas liquids. January 24th the partnership increases quarterly distribution 2.2% to $0.7025/unit. The distribution is payable on February 11, 2011, to unitholders of record at the close of business on February 4, 2011. The ex-distribution date is February 2, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 6%.

Bladex (BLX) offers financial services for banks and corporations in Latin American and Caribbean. January 24th the company raised its quarterly dividend 17.7% to $0.20/share. The dividend is payable on February 11, 2011 to stockholders registered as of February 3, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 4.6%.

Martin Midstream (MMLP) engages in the storage and distribution of petroleum products and by-products primarily in the United States Gulf Coast region. January 24th the company increased its quarterly distribution 1.3% to $0.76/share. The distribution is payable on February 14, 2011 to common unitholders of record as of the close of business on February 3, 2011. The ex-distribution date is February 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 7.5%.

Norfolk Southern (NSC) operates 21,200 route miles serving 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, Canada. January 25th the company raised its quarterly dividend 11% to $0.40/share. The dividend is payable on March 10, 2011, to stockholders of record on Feb. 4, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 2, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.5%.

National Instruments (NATI) is a provider of software and hardware technology solutions for creating custom measurement and automation systems typically used for design, control and test applications. January 25th the company increased its quarterly dividend 15.4% to $0.15/share. The dividend is payable on February 21, to shareholders of record on February 4, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 2, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.5%.

Rollins (ROL) provides pest and termite control services to residential and commercial customers. January 25th the company raised its quarterly dividend 16.7% to $0.07/share. The dividend is payable on March 10 to shareholders of record on Feb. 10. The ex-dividend date is Feb. 8. The yield based on the new payout is 1.45%.

Buckeye Tech (BKI) manufactures and markets specialty cellulose and absorbent fibers used in a variety of consumer products. January 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 25% to $0.05/share. The yield based on the new payout is 1%.

RPC Inc. (RES) provides a range of specialized oilfield services and equipment primarily to independent and oil and gas companies. January 26th the company raised its quarterly dividend 47% to $0.07/share. The dividend is a 47% increase from the current rate of $0.0475/share. The dividend is payable March 10, 2011 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on February 10, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 8, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.6%.

Praxair (PX) is the largest producer of industrial gases in North and South America, and the second largest worldwide. It also provides ceramic and metallic coatings. January 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 11% to $0.50/share. The dividend is payable on March 15, 2011 to shareholders of record on March 7, 2011. The ex-dividend date is March 3, 2011. PX is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.2%.

Energen Corp (EGN) is involved in natural gas distribution, and oil and gas exploration and production. January 26th the company raised its quarterly dividend 3.8% to $0.135/share. The dividend is payable March 1, 2011, to shareholders of record on February 15, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 11, 2011. EGN is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1%.

Teekay GP (TGP) provides marine transportation services for liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and crude oil. January 26th the partnership increased its quarterly distribution 5% to $0.63/share. The cash distribution is payable on February 14, 2011 to all unitholders of record on February 7, 2011. The ex-distribution date is February 3, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 7.1%.

DPL Inc. (DPL) owns Dayton Power & Light, a utility that serves more than 500,000 electric retail customers in west central Ohio. January 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.3325/share. The dividend is payable March 1, 2011 to common shareholders of record on February 15, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 11, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 5.0%.

Cardinal Financial (CFNL) provides banking products and services to customers in Virginia and greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. January 26th company raised its quarterly dividend 50% to $0.03/share. The dividend is payable on February 25, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 10, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 8, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1%.

Eaton (ETN) products include electrical systems and components for power management, truck transmissions and fluid power systems, and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment. January 27th the company increased its quarterly dividend 17% to $0.68 per common share. The dividend is payable on February 25 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 7, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 3. The yield based on the new payout is 2.6%.

Time Warner (TWC) is the largest pure-play U.S. cable multiple system operator (MSO), recently counting nearly 12.6 million customers, mostly located in New York, the Carolinas, Ohio, Southern California, and Texas. January 27th the company raised its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.48/share. The quarterly dividend is payable in cash on March 15, 2011 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 24, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.8%.

Sandy Spring (SASR) owns and operates Sandy Spring Bank, which offers commercial banking, retail banking, and trust services in Maryland. January 27th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.08/share. The dividend is payable February 16, 2011 to shareholders of record on February 9, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 7, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.7%.

Magellan Midstream Partners (MMP) is engaged in the transportation, storage and distribution of refined petroleum products primarily through its 9,500-mile pipeline system. January 27th the partnership increased its quarterly distribution 2% to $0.7575/share. The distribution is payable February 14 to unitholders of record at the close of business on February 7, 2011. The ex-distribution date is February 3, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 5.5%.

Harte-Hanks (HHS) provides direct marketing services and shopper advertising opportunities to local, regional, national and international consumer and business-to-business marketers. January 27th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.08/share. The dividend is payable on March 11 to shareholders of record on Feb. 25. The ex-dividend date is Feb. 23. The yield based on the new payout is 2.43%.

MarkWest Energy Partners (MWE) gathers, transports, and processes natural gas in the U.S. It also transports natural gas liquids and gathers and transports crude oil. January 27th the partnership increased its quarterly distribution 2% to $0.65/unit. The yield based on the new payout is 6.1%.

Arthur J. Gallagher (AJG) an international insurance brokerage and risk management services firm, is headquartered in Itasca, Illinois. January 27th the company raised its quarterly dividend 3% to $0.33/share. The dividend is payable on April 15, 2011 to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 4.4%.

Parker Hannifin (PH) is a global maker of industrial pneumatic, hydraulic, and vacuum motion/control systems, including related pumps, valves, filters, hoses, etc. Its products are used in everything from jet engines to trucks and autos and utility turbines. January 27th the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.32/share. The dividend is payable March 4, 2011 to shareholders of record as of February 10, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 8, 2011. PH is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 55 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.5%.

J. M. Smucker’s (SJM) products include coffee, fruit spreads, peanut butter, shortening and oils, ice cream toppings, health and natural foods, and beverages. January 27th the company raised its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.44/share. The dividend is payable on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Friday, February 11, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 9, 2011. SJM is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.8%.

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

(Photo Credit)

16 Dividend Stocks Growing Future Yield *

D4L — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 07:30:11 +0000

In the southern U.S. where I live, there has been some controversy over harvesting forests of hardwoods and reseeding them with pines. Growing hardwoods is very similar to investing in dividend stocks. What you plant or invest in today will not yield much for years to come. That is not to say progress is not seen. It is just slow and deliberate. To grow hardwoods it takes great foresight and commitment to the process. The small investments we make in quality dividend stocks each month won’t yield large payments in the near-term. It will take time for the payments to grow and compound, but they will.

Below are several companies planting the seeds for future yield by increasing their cash dividends:

El Paso Pipeline (EPB) owns and operates natural gas transportation pipelines and storage assets. October 22nd the partnership increased its quarterly distribution 2.5% to $0.41/unit. The distribution is payable November 15, 2010, on all outstanding common and subordinated units to holders of record as of the close of business on November 1, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.90%.

Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) is the world’s largest bottler of Coca-Cola beverage products. October 25th the company raised its quarterly dividend 33% to $0.12/share. The dividend is payable December 9, 2010 to shareholders of record on November 26, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 24, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.99%.

NuStar Energy L.P. (NS) is a leading independent operator of crude oil and refined products pipelines as well as terminal storage facilities. October 25th the partnership increased its quarterly distribution 1% to $1.075/unit. The distribution is payable on November 5, 2010, to holders of record as of November 1, 2010. The ex-distribution date is October 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 6.82%.

PartnerRe Ltd. (PRE) is a global multi-line reinsurance company provides coverage in approximately 150 countries. October 25th the company raised its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.55/share. This marks the second increase in the common share dividend this year. The dividend is payable on December 1, 2010, to common shareholders of record on November 19, 2010, with the stock trading ex-dividend commencing November 17, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.51%.

Linn Energy (LINE) is an independent natural gas and oil company develops and acquires properties in Texas Panhandle and Los Angeles Basin. October 25th the partnership increased its quarterly dividend 5% to $0.66/unit. The distribution is payable on Nov. 12 to shareholders of record on Nov. 4. The ex-dividend date is Nov. 2. The yield based on the new payout is 7.89%.

Holly Energy Partners (HEP) owns and operates refined product pipeline and terminal facilities. October 26th the partnership raised its quarterly distribution 1.2% to $0.835/unit. This increase marks the twenty-fourth consecutive quarterly increase. The distribution will be paid November 12, 2010, to unitholders of record November 5, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 3, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 6.65%.

American Electric Power (AEP) is an electric utility holding company has subsidiaries operating in 11 states in the U.S. October 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 9.5% to $0.46/share. The dividend is payable on Dec. 10 to shareholders of record on Nov. 10. The ex-dividend date is Nov. 8. The yield based on the new payout is 5.02%.

Rogers Communications (RCI) is a Canadian communications and media company operates in three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. October 26th the company raised its quarterly dividend 4.1% to $0.32/share. The dividend is payable on January 4, 2011 to shareholders of record on November 18, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 16, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.54%.

Molex (MOLX) makes electrical and electronic devices primarily for OEMs in the computer, telecommunications, home appliance, and home entertainment industries. October 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 14.8% to $0.175/share. The dividend is payable on January 25, 2011 to shareholders of record on December 31, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 29, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.40%.

Cintas (CTAS) operates a corporate identity uniform business and also provides entrance mats, cleaning services and supplies, first aid products, along with document management and shredding services. October 26th the company raised its annual dividend 2% to $0.49/share. The dividend is payable on December 15, 2010, to shareholders of record as of November 12, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 10. CTAS is a Dividend Aristocrat and has raised its dividend for 27 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.81%.

UMB Financial (UMBF) owns four commercial banks, a brokerage company, a community development corporation, a consulting company, mutual fund servicing company and 14 subsidiaries. October 27th the company increased its quarterly dividend 5.4% to $0.195/share. The dividend is payable on December 30, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 10, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 8, 2010. UMBF is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 20 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.15%.

RPC (RES) provides a range of specialized oilfield services and equipment primarily to independent and oil and gas companies. October 27th the company raised its quarterly dividend 16.7% to $0.07/share and also announced a three-for-two split of the company’s common shares. The dividend is payable December 10, 2010 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on November 10, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 8, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.20%.

Arrow Financial (AROW) offers commercial and consumer banking and financial products in U.S. October 27th the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.1% to $0.25/share. The dividend is payable December 15, 2010 to shareholders of record December 3, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 1, 2010. AROW is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 20 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.91%.

TAL International (TAL) leases of intermodal freight containers, and also engages in container management and sales. October 27th the company raised its quarterly dividend 14.3% to $0.40/share. The dividend is payable on December 23, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 30, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 6.42%.

Strayer Education (STRA) offers academic programs via traditional classroom and online courses. October 28th the company increased its quarterly dividend 33% to $1.00/share. The dividend is payable on December 10, 2010 to shareholders of record as of November 26, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 24, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.16%.

Parker Hannifin (PH) is a global maker of industrial pneumatic, hydraulic, and vacuum motion/control systems, including related pumps, valves, filters, hoses, etc. Its products are used in everything from jet engines to trucks and autos and utility turbines. October 28th the company raised its quarterly dividend 7.4% to $0.29/share. The dividend is payable December 3, 2010 to shareholders of record as of November 10, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 8, 2010. PH is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 55 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.53%.

Full Disclosure: No position in the aforementioned stocks. See a list of all my income holdings here.

(Photo Credit)

15 Dividend Stocks Defending Shareholder Returns *

D4L — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 07:30:23 +0000

Dividend stocks are sometimes referred to as defensive stocks since many investors flee to them in an economic downturn. Their dividends, if sustainable, provide a minimum level of positive return. This cushions the downward pressure from the market. Better yet, great dividend companies not only sustain their dividends in a downturn – they actually raise them.

Below are several stocks displaying confidence in the future by increasing their cash dividends:

Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) is a diversified global provider of hand tools, power tools and related accessories and systems. The company is a result of the the March 2010 merger of StanleyWorks and Black & Decker. July 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 3% to $0.34/share. The dividend is payable on Sept. 21 to shareholders of record on Sept. 3. The ex-dividend date is September 1. SWK is a Dividend Aristocrat and has raised its dividend for 43 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.58%.

Ryder System (R) provides truck leasing and rental, logistics and supply chain management solutions. July 16th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.27/share. The dividend is payable on September 17, 2010, to shareholders of record on August 23, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.60%.

Digital Realty Trust (DLR) is a REIT specializing in the ownership, acquisition, development, redevelopment, and management of technology-related properties. July 20th the company raised its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.53/share. The dividend is payable on September 30, 2010, to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 15, 2010, with an ex-dividend date of September 13, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.44%.

Lindsay Corp. (LNN) designs, makes and markets center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems. It also produces crash cushions, specialty barriers and diameter tubing, and offers outsource manufacturing. July 20th the company raised its quarterly dividend 6% to $0.085/share. The dividend is payable August 31, 2010, to shareholders of record on August 17, 2010. The ex-dividend date is August 13, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.02%.

Western Gas Partners (WES) engages in the business of gathering, compressing, treating and transporting natural gas for its ultimate parent, Anadarko Petroleum Corp., and others. July 20th the partnership increased its quarterly distribution 3% to $0.35/unit. The distribution is payable on August 13, 2010 to unitholders of record at the close of business on July 30, 2010. The ex-distribution date is July 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 5.88%.

El Paso Pipeline Partners (EPB) owns and operates natural gas transportation pipelines and storage assets. July 20th the partnership raised its quarterly distribution 5% to $0.40/unit. The distribution will be paid August 13, 2010 on all outstanding common and subordinated units to holders of record as of the close of business on July 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 5.17%.

Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT) is a North American distributor of industrial products and provides fluid power, mechanical, and rubber shop services. July 20th the company raised its quarterly dividend 13% to $0.17/share. The dividend is a payable on August 31, 2010, to shareholders of record on August 16, 2010. The ex-dividend date is August 12, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.55%.

AptarGroup, Inc. (ATR) designs, manufactures, and sells consumer product dispensing systems for the personal care, fragrance/cosmetic, pharmaceutical, household, and food/beverage markets. July 20th the company raised its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.18/share. The dividend is payable August 24, 2010 to shareholders of record as of August 3, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 30, 2010. ATR is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.79%.

Vanguard Natural Resources (VNR) acquires and develops natural gas and oil properties in the Appalachian Basin, primarily in Kentucky and Tennessee, and in Texas and New Mexico in the Permian Basin. July 21st the company raised its quarterly distribution 4.8% to $0.55/unit. The distribution will be payable on August 13, 2010 to unitholders of record on August 6, 2010. The ex-distribution date is August 4, 2010. Yield on the distribution is 9.1%. The yield based on the new payout is 8.98%.

Eaton (ETN) is a diversified industrial manufacturer of products including electrical systems and components for power management, truck transmissions and fluid power systems, and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment.
July 21st the company increased its quarterly dividend 16% to $0.58/share. The dividend is payable on August 27, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 9, 2010. The ex-dividend date is August 5, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.17%.

Westfield Financial Inc. (WFD) provides various banking products and services to businesses and individuals in Massachusetts. July 21st the company raised its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.06/share. The dividend is payable on August 18, 2010 to all shareholders of record on August 4, 2010. The ex-dividend date is August 2, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.97%.

Starbucks Corp. (SBUX) is the leading coffee roaster and retailer of high-quality coffee products in the world, which it sells through its approximately 16,700 retail stores globally, as well as increasingly through multiple retail channels. July 21st the company increases its quarterly dividend 30% to $0.13/share. The dividend is payable on August 20, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 4, 2010. The ex-dividend date is August 2, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.07%.

Navios Maritime Partners (NMM) owns and operates drybulk carriers in Greece. July 22nd the partnership raised its quarterly distribution 1.2% to $0.42/unit. The distribution is payable on August 12, 2010 to unit holders of record as of August 9, 2010. The ex-distribution date is August 5, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 9.45%.

Spectra Energy Partners (SEP) transports natural gas through interstate pipeline systems, and stores natural gas in underground facilities in the United States. July 22nd the partnership increased its quarterly dividend 2.4% to $0.43/unit. The distribution is payable on August 13, 2010, to unitholders of record at the close of business on August 3, 2010. The ex-distribution date is July 30, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.80%.

Full Disclosure: No position in the aforementioned stocks. See a list of all my income holdings here.

(Photo Credit)

10 Dividend Stocks Increasing Yield On Cost *

D4L — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:30:32 +0000

Most casual income investors focus on current yield, which is important. However, if your objective is to build a portfolio of securities with increasing income, then Yield on Cost is an excellent metric to measure your progress. Yield on Cost is simply the annual dividend rate times number of shares owned divided by what you paid for the investment (basis). As companies increase their dividend, your yield on cost goes up.

Working to to increase their shareholders yield on cost, these companies recently announced higher cash dividend payments:

El Paso Pipeline Partners (EPB) owns and operates natural gas transportation pipelines and storage
assets. January 22nd the company increased its quarterly distribution of 2.9% to $0.36/unit. The distribution will be paid February 12, 2010 on all outstanding common and subordinated units to holders of record as of the close of business on February 1, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 5.76%.

Intel (INTC) is the world’s largest manufacturer of microprocessors, the central processing units of PCs, and also produces other semiconductor products. January 22nd the company raised its quarterly 12.5% to $0.1575/share. The dividend will be payable on March 1, 2010 to stockholders of record on Feb. 7, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 4, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.15%.

Rollins (ROL) provides pest and termite control services to residential and commercial customers. January 26th the company boosted its quarterly dividend 28.6% to $0.09/share. The dividend will be payable March 10, 2010 to stockholders of record at the close of business February 10, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 8, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.80%.

National Instruments (NATI) is a provider of software and hardware technology solutions for creating custom measurement and automation systems that are typically used for design, control, and test applications. January 26th the company approved an 8% sequential increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.13/share. This dividend is payable on March 1, 2010, to shareholders of record on February 8, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 4, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.70%.

Sunoco Logistics Partners (SXL) is a master limited partnership (MLP) formed by Sunoco Inc. to acquire, own and operate a group of refined product and crude oil pipelines and terminal facilities. January 26th the company raised its distribution 2.3% to $1.09/unit. The distribution is payable February 12, 2010 to unit holders of record on February 8, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 6.16%.

Praxair (PX) is the largest producer of industrial gases in North and South America, and the second largest worldwide and it provides ceramic and metallic coatings. January 27th the company boosted its quarterly dividend 13% to $0.45/share. The dividend is payable on March 15, 2010 to shareholders of record on March 5, 2010. The ex-dividend date is March 3, 2010. PX is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 17 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.37%.

Holly Energy Partners (HEP) is a master limited partnership was formed by Holly Corp. to acquire, own and operate refined product pipeline and terminal facilities. January 27th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.805/unit. HEP has increased its distribution to unitholders every quarter since becoming a public partnership in July 2004 or 21 consecutive quarterly increases. The distribution will be paid February 12, 2010, to unitholders of record February 5, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 3, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 7.77%.

Energen (EGN) is a diversified energy company is involved in natural gas distribution, and oil and gas exploration and production. January 27th company raised its quarterly dividend 4% to $0.13/share. The dividend is payable March 1, 2010, to shareholders of record on February 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 11, 2010. EGN is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 28 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.14%.

SJW (SJW) provides water service to a population of approximately one million people in the metropolitan San Jose (California) area. January 28th the company boosted its quarterly dividend to $0.17/share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 8, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 4, 2010. SJW is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 28 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.07%.

Airgas (ARG) is a leading distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases and related equipment also distributes safety and other disposable supplies through its network of stores. January 28 the company increased it quarterly dividend to $0.22/share. The dividend is payable March 31, 2010 to shareholders of record as of March 15, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.88%.

A healthly yield on cost is one that is growing via regular dividend increases. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive cash dividend increases, see this list.

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

(Photo Credit)

15 Hot Dividend Increases *

D4L — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:30:21 +0000

Dividends from a quality, well-diversified portfolio are much more predictable than capital gains and best of all, they are passive. You don’t have to do anything, they just show up in your brokerage account each quarter. Inflation? Not to worry, the good companies routinely raise their dividends well in excess of the inflation rate.

This week as the weather turns cold the dividend increases heat up. Below are several companies heating up their yields with increased cash dividends:

PPG Industries (PPG) is a global supplier of protective and decorative coatings. October 16th the company increased its dividend 2% to $0.54/share. The dividend is payable on Dec. 11 to shareholders of record Nov. 10. The ex-dividend date is November 6. PPG is a Dividend Aristocrat and has increased its dividend for 38 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.62%.

El Paso Pipeline Partners L.P. (EPB) owns and operates natural gas transportation pipelines, storage and other midstream assets. October 19th the company raised its quarterly cash distribution 6% to $0.35/unit. The distribution will be paid November 13, 2009 on all unitholders of record as of the close of business on October 30, 2009. The ex-dividend date is October 28. The yield based on the new payout is 6.15%

Plains All American Pipeline (PAA) engages in interstate and intrastate crude oil transportation, terminalling and storage, as well as crude oil gathering and marketing. October 19th the company boosted its quarterly distribution 2% to $0.92/unit. The distribution is payable on November 13, 2009, to unitholders of record at the close of business on November 3, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 7.38%

Universal Forest Products (UFPI) engineers, manufactures, treats, distributes and installs lumber, composite, plastic and other building products. October 19th the company bumped its quarterly dividend to to $0.20/share. The dividend is payable on December 15, 2009, to shareholders of record on December 1, 2009. The ex-dividend is November 27, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 1.03%.

Stepan Co. (SCL) produces specialty and intermediate chemicals. October 20th the company increased its quarterly dividend 9.1% to $0.24/share. This dividend is payable December 15, 2009, to shareholders of record on November 30, 2009. The ex-dividend date is November 26, 2009. SCL is a Dividend Achiever and has increased its dividend for 42 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.49%.

Shenandoah Telecom (SHEN) is a diversified telecommunications holding company. October 20th the company raised is dividend to $0.32/share. The dividend will be payable December 1, 2009, to shareholders of record on November 10, 2009. The ex-dividend date is November 6, 2009. SHEN is a Dividend Achiever. The yield based on the new payout is 1.89%.

Ecology and Environment (EEI) is an environmental consulting and testing firm. October 20th the company bumped to $0.21/share. The dividend is payable on or before December 30, 2009, to shareholders of record as of December 8, 2009. The ex-dividend is December 4, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 2.66%.

Hanover Insurance Group (THG) is an insurance and financial services company. October 20th the company increased its annual dividend 67% to $0.75/share. The dividend is payable December 9, 2009, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 25, 2009. The board also authorized a change in the company’s dividend payment schedule from a single annual cash dividend to quarterly dividend payments beginning in fiscal year 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.80%.

Artesian Resources (ARTNA) distributes and sells water, including water for public and private fire protection. October 20th the company increased its quarterly dividend 5% to $0.1873/share. The dividend is payable November 20, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 10, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 4.52%.

Visa (V) operates a retail electronic payments network. October 21st the company bumped its quarterly dividend by 19% to $0.125/share. The dividend is payable on December 1, 2009 to shareholders of record as of November 16, 2009. The ex-dividend date is November 12. The yield based on the new payout is 0.66%.

Brown & Brown (BRO) is a diversified insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and service organization. October 21st the company increased its quarterly dividend by 3.3% to $0.0775/share. The dividend is payable on November 18, 2009, to shareholders of record on November 4, 2009. The ex-dividend date is November 2. BRO is a Dividend Achiever and has increased its dividend for 17 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.66%.

Eaton Vance (EV) is engaged in managing investment funds and providing investment management and counseling services to high-net-worth individuals and institutions. October 21st the company raised its quarterly dividend 3% to $0.16/share. The dividend is payable on November 13, 2009 to shareholders of record on October 30, 2009. The ex-dividend date is November 11. EV is a Dividend Achiever and has increased its dividend for 29 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.11%.

Peabody Energy (BTU) is a coal company. October 22nd the company bumped its quarterly dividend 17% to $0.07/share. The dividend is payable on Nov. 27, 2009, to shareholders of record on Nov. 5, 2009. The ex-dividend date is November 3. The yield based on the new payout is 0.64%.

Holly Energy (HEP) operates a system of refined product and crude oil pipelines, storage tanks and distribution terminals. October 22nd the company bumped its quarterly 1.3% to $0.795/unit. The distribution will be paid November 13, 2009, to unitholders of record November 2, 2009. The ex-dividend date is October 29. The yield based on the new payout is 7.93%.

Matthews Int’l (MATW) is a designer, manufacturer and marketer principally of memorialization products and brand solutions. October 22nd the company increased its quarterly dividend 7.7% to $0.07/share. The dividend payable November 16, 2009 to stockholders of record November 2, 2009. The ex-dividend date is October 29. The yield based on the new payout is 0.70%.

Real dividend growth investors are not looking for a flash in the pan, but instead for stocks that can deliver consistent dividend growth. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive dividend increases, see this list.

Full Disclosure: No position in the aforementioned stocks. See a list of all my income holdings here.

(Photo Credit)

Five Companies Willing and Capable To Raise Dividends *

D4L — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:30:43 +0000

The main focus of dividend investing is finding and buying stocks that will continue to raise their dividends in the future. In making this determination there are many factors to consider such as dividend payout ratio, debt levels, the company’s dividend policy and track record.

This week the dividend increase parade continues with several companies sharing higher cash dividends with their shareholders:

Stanley Works (SWK) is a worldwide producer of tools, hardware and specialty hardware for home improvement, consumer, industrial, and professional use. This past week increased its quarterly dividend 3.1% to $0.33/share. The dividend is payable on September 22, 2009 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 4, 2009. SWK is a Dividend Arstocrat and has increased its dividend for 42 consecutive years. The current yield based on the new dividend is 3.47%.

Lindsay Corporation (LNN) designs, makes and markets center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems. It also produces crash cushions, specialty barriers and diameter tubing, and offers outsource manufacturing. This past week the company increased its quarterly dividend 7% to $0.08/share. The dividend is payable August 31, 2009, to shareholders of record on August 17, 2009. The current yield based on the new dividend is 0.91%.

El Paso Pipeline Partners (EPB) owns and operates natural gas transportation pipelines and storage assets. Earlier this week the company boosted its quarterly distribution by 12% to $0.33/unit. The distribution is payable August 14, 2009 to holders of record as of the close of business on July 31, 2009. The current yield based on the new distribution is 7.06%.

TC PipeLines (TCLP) has interests in three interstate natural gas pipelines, including a 46.5% stake in Great Lakes Gas Transmission LP. Recently the company raised its cash distribution 3.5% to $0.73/unit. In a statement Russ Girling, chairman and CEO said, “Following the close of the acquisition of North Baja and the resetting of the incentive distribution rights, we are pleased to increase our distribution to unitholders. The addition of North Baja to our portfolio of high quality energy infrastructure assets further enhances our ability to deliver solid, sustainable cash distributions.” The current yield based on the new distribution is 7.76%.

Park Electrochemical (PKE) designs, develops, manufactures, markets and sells digital and radio frequency/microwave printed circuit materials for telecommunications and Internet infrastructure. This last week the company increased its quarterly cash dividend 25% to $0.10/share. The dividend is payable November 5, 2009 to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 7, 2009. The current yield based on the new dividend is 1.79%.

There are many companies that continue to consistently raise their dividends. For stocks with a long string of consecutive dividend increases, see this list.

Full Disclosure: No position in the aforementioned stock. See a list of all my income holdings here.