Dividends Value » GGG

2 Dividend Stocks Building Future Yield and 10 Going Ex-Dividend in January *

D4L — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 07:30:53 +0000

Driven by computers that cost more than the average person will earn in their lifetime the investment markets move at light speed. To keep pace hedge funds, mutual funds, institutional investors and multi-billion dollar money managers spend large sums of money on high-tech tools to give them an edge. So, what chance does a small individual investor have?

Not much of a chance if you let the Wall Street players define the rules. However, you might just slay the giant if you define the rules and focus on quality blue chip dividend growth stocks and long-term, buy-and-hold and investing strategy.

Below are two companies building future yield with increased cash dividends for their shareholders:

Spectra Energy (SE) in an integrated natural gas holding company engaged in gas gathering and processing, and gas transportation and storage, in the U.S. and Canada, and provides retail gas distribution to 1.3 million customers in Ontario, Canada. January 3rd the company increased its quarterly dividend 4% to $0.26/share. The dividend is payable on March 14, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 11, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 9, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 4.2%.

Bank of the Ozarks (OZRK) owns Bank of the Ozarks, which provides retail & commercial banking products and services via 70 banking and two loan production offices in AR, TX, NC (Dec. 31, 2007). January 3rd the company raised its quarterly cash dividend 6.25% to $0.17/share. The dividend is payable January 21, 2011 to shareholders of record as of January 14, 2011. The Company has increased its quarterly dividend in four of the last five quarters. OZRK is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.5%.

In addition to the above, the following stocks are will go Ex-dividend in January:

- Urstadt Biddle Properties (UBA) went Ex-dividend on 1/3/2011, Yield: 5.1%
- Erie Indemnity Company (ERIE) went Ex-dividend on 1/3/2011, Yield: 3.1%
- ABM Industries Inc. (ABM) went Ex-dividend on 1/4/2011, Yield: 2.1%
- AT&T Inc. (T) went Ex-dividend on 1/5/2011, Yield: 5.8%
- Sysco Corp. (SYY) went Ex-dividend on 1/5/2011, Yield: 3.5%
- NSTAR (NST) went Ex-dividend on 1/5/2011, Yield: 4.0%
- Universal Corp. (UVV) went Ex-dividend on 1/6/2011, Yield: 4.8%
- Graco Inc. (GGG) will go Ex-dividend on 1/14/2011, Yield: 2.1%
- Hormel Foods Corp. (HRL) will go Ex-dividend on 1/20/2011, Yield: 2.0%
- Pentair Inc. (PNR) will go on Ex-dividend on 1/27/2011, Yield: 2.1%

Selecting stocks with increasing dividends is critical for an income growth strategy. The above list contains stocks that recently raised their dividends or are ex-dividend in January; 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 T, SYY. See a list of all my income holdings here.

(Photo Credit)

15 Stocks Growing Their Cash Dividends *

D4L — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 07:30:44 +0000

Throughout history there have always been great companies that stand head-and-shoulders above their peers and the competition. They are loved by their shareholders, hated by the competition and known by all. Just as all great companies have have something in common, great dividend companies also have something in common – they consistently raise their dividends each year.

Below are several companies stepping it up with higher cash dividends:

Hillenbrand (HI) manufactures and sells gasketed caskets made of carbon steel, stainless steel, copper & bronze; offers a cremation marketing system for funeral service professionals. December 3rd the company increased its quarterly dividend 1.3% to $0.19/share. The dividend is payable December 31, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 13, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.9%.

Graco (GGG) is a U.S.-based global producer of industrial pumps, valves, meters, and accessories. December 3rd the company raised its quarterly dividend 5% to $0.21/share. The dividend is payable on February 2, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 18, 2011. The ex-dividend date is January 14, 2010. GGG is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.2%.

Erie Indemnity (ERIE) provides sales, underwriting, and policy issuance services to the policyholders of Erie Insurance Exchange in the United States. December 7th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7.3% to $0.515/share. The dividend is payable on Jan. 20 to shareholders of record on Jan. 5. The ex-dividend date is Jan. 3. ERIE is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.27%.

Lawson Products (LAWS) manufactures, sells and distributes production and specialized component parts to the original equipment marketplace (OEM). December 7th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.12/share. The dividend is payable January 18, 2011, to stockholders of record on January 4, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.1%.

CapLease (LSE) invests primarily in single tenant commercial real estate assets. December 8th the company raised its quarterly dividend 8% to $0.065/share. The dividend is payable on January 18, 2011 to stockholders of record as of December 31, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 29, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.2%.

Nucor (NUE) is largest minimill steelmaker in the U.S., Nucor has one of the most diverse product lines of any steelmaker in the Americas. December 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 0.7% to $0.3625/share. The dividend is payable on February 11, 2011 to stockholders of record on December 31, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 29, 2010. NUE is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 38 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.5%.

Stryker (SYK) makes specialty surgical and medical products such as orthopedic implants, endoscopic items, and hospital beds. December 8th the company increases its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.18/share. The dividend is payable on January 31, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 29, 2010. SYK is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.4%.

One Liberty (OLP) invests primarily in improved commercial real estate under long-term net leases. December 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.33/share. The dividend is payable January 4, 2011 to stockholders of record on December 23, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 21, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 8.2%.

Western Union (WU) is a leading independent provider of consumer money transfer services. December 8th the company raised its quarterly dividend 17% to $0.07/share. The dividend is payable December 31, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 20, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 16, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.5%.

Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) is the world’s second largest copper producer and a major producer of gold and molybdenum. December 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.50/share, announced a $1.00/share supplemental dividend and also announced a 2-for-1 stock split. The yield based on the new payout is 1.8%.

W. P. Carey (WPC) is an investment firm that provides long-term sale-leaseback and build-to-suit transactions for companies worldwide and manages a global investment portfolio. December 9th the company raised its quarterly dividend 0.5% to $0.51/share. The dividend is payable on January 15, 2011 to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 29, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 6.9%.

Taubman Centers (TCO) is the general partner of The Taubman Realty Group L.P., an operating partnership that owns, operates and develops regional shopping centers across the U.S. December 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend 5.4% to $0.4375/share/share. The dividends are payable on Dec. 31 to shareholders of record on Dec. 17. The ex-dividend date is Dec. 15. The yield based on the new payout is 3.63%.

C.H. Robinson (CHRW) is a global provider of multimodal transportation and logistics solutions has a network of over 230 offices in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. December 9th the company raised its quarterly dividend 16% to $0.29/share. The dividend is payable on January 3, 2011, to shareholders of record on December 20, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 16, 2010. CHRW is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.5%.

Edison Int’l (EIX) is the holding company for Southern California Edison. Other businesses include electric power generation, financial investments, and real estate development. December 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend 1.6% to $0.32/share. The dividend is payable January 31, 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 3.4%.

IAMGOLD (IAG) is a Canada-based mining and exploration company. December 9th the company raised its quarterly dividend 33% to $0.08/share. The dividend is payable January 14, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of trading on December 24, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 22, 2010. In future, the Company plans to pay its dividend semi-annually. The yield based on the new payout is 1.9%.

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

(Photo Credit)

8 Dividend Stocks Delivering Tangible Value *

D4L — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:30:38 +0000

A stock dividend, also known as a “scrip dividend”, is a dividend payment made with stock instead of cash. Sometimes when companies are tight on cash, they will declare and pay a stock dividend in lieu of a cash dividend. Most shareholders feel like they are getting something. But are they really? In short, a stock dividend is nothing more than a glorified stock split. At the end of the process, the shareholder has more shares that are worth less. Like a stock split, you can not create value by issuing paper and getting nothing in exchange.

An increasing cash dividend keeps pressure on management to ensure the company is well run. If there are too many missteps, eventually the dividend will slip. Here are several stocks where management recently met the challenge by delivering real and tangible value in the form of increased cash dividends:

Graco (GGG) is a U.S.-based global producer of industrial pumps, valves, meters and accessories. December 4th the company increased its quarterly dividend 5% to $0.20/share. The dividend is payable on February 3, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 19, 2010. The ex-dividend date is January 15, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 2.80%.

Brandywine Realty Trust (BDN) is a real estate investment trust that owns, manages or has ownership interests in office and industrial properties. December 8th the company raised its quarterly dividend by 50% to $0.15/share. The dividend is payable on January 20, 2010 to holders of record on January 6, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 5.87%.

Western Union (WU) is a leading independent provider of consumer money transfer services. December 9th the company boosted its quarterly dividend 600% to $0.06/share. The dividend is payable December 30, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 21, 2009. The ex-dividend date is December 17, 2009. The company also authorized a new $1 billion share repurchase authorization. The new $1 billion, three year share repurchase authorization is effective as of January 1, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.27%.

Valspar (VAL) manufactures and distributes a wide range of paints and coatings for architectural, industrial, packaging, automotive refinish and other markets. December 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7% to $0.16/share. The dividend is payable January 15, 2010 to all common stockholders of record on December 31, 2009. The ex-dividend date is December 29. VAL is a Dividend Achiever and has increased its dividend for 29 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.29%.

DPL Inc. (DPL) is a utility that serves more than 500,000 electric retail customers in west central Ohio. December 9th the company raised its quarterly dividend 7% to $0.3025/share. The yield based on the new payout is 4.27%.

Horace Mann (HMN) markets and underwrites personal lines of property and casualty and life insurance and retirement annuities in the U.S. December 9th the company boosted its quarterly dividend 52% to $0.08/share. The dividend is payable on December 31, 2009 to shareholders of record as of December 21, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 2.66%.

Erie Indemnity (ERIE) provides sales, underwriting, and policy issuance services to the policyholders of Erie Insurance Exchange in the United States. December 10th the company increased its quarterly dividend $0.48/share. The dividend is payable January 20, 2010, to shareholders of record as of January 5, 2010, with a dividend ex-date of December 31, 2009. ERIE is a Dividend Achiever and has increased its dividend for 19 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 5.15%.

Edison International (EIX) is the holding company for Southern California Edison; businesses include electric power generation, financial investments, and real estate development. December 10th the company boosted its quarterly dividend 2% to $0.315/share. The dividend is payable January 31, 2010, to shareholders of record on December 31, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 3.55%.

When a company raises its cash dividend, management is making a positive statement on their view of the future. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive cash dividend increases, see this list.

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

(Photo Credit)

10 Companies Increasing Dividends and Long-Term Returns *

D4L — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:30:00 +0000

It is well-documented that a significant portion of the historical equity returns are a result of reinvested dividends. In Triumph of the Optimists: 101 Years of Global Investment Returns (2002), the authors looked at equity returns from capital gains and dividends from 1900 to 2000. They determined that performance in any given year was driven by capital appreciation, but long-term returns were largely the result of reinvested dividends.

Here are 10 companies looking to increase their long-term returns by raising their cash dividends:

Interactive Data (IDC) Raises Qtr. Dividend 33% to $0.20/Share (3.48%)
Graco (GGG) Boosts Qtr. Dividend by 3% to $0.19/Share (3.50%)
Hillenbrand (HI) Raises Qtr. Dividend 1.4% to $0.185/Share (4.51%)
Triangle Capital Corporation (TCAP) Increases Dividend 33.3% To $0.40 Per Share (15.46%)
Nucor (NUE) Raises Qtr. Dividend by 9.4% to $0.35/Share (3.14%)
Progress Energy (PGN) Boosts Qtr. Dividend to $0.62/Share (6.20%)
DPL Inc. (DPL) Raises Qtr. Dividend by 3.6% to $0.285/Share (5.49%)
Valspar (VAL) Boosts Dividend from $0.14 to $0.15/Share
Erie Indemnity (ERIE) Raises Qtr. Dividends 2.3% (4.72)
Harsco (HSC) Raises Qtr. Dividend by 2.6% to $0.20/Share (3.20%)

NUE was reviewed on 9/1/2008 with a 5 Star-Buy rating. After running the remaining companies through my D4L-PreScreen.xls model, the Dividend Achiever PGN with a NPV of MMA Differential of $4,626 is one that I own and have on my watch list. None of the other companies’ NPV of MMA Differentials were close enough to warrant a more complete evaluation.

Disclosure: Long NUE and PGN.

(Photo: Steve Woods)