Dividends Value » IPCC

20 CEO’s Showing Confidence With Increased Dividends *

D4L — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 07:30:26 +0000

A person’s character is determined by how they behave when no one else is looking and during difficult times. In much the same way, we can learn a lot about a company’s management when they face adversity. One metric I look at closely during a downturn is cash generation relative to earnings. The ability of a company to grow its dividend throughout the economic cycle is highly dependent on the management’s ability to generate cash in a downturn.

Below are several select companies with a management confident enough to increase their cash dividends:

Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (CLMS) is a globally diversified investment firm offering equity, convertible, defensive equity, fixed- income and alternative investment strategies, among others. February 3rd the company increased its quarterly dividend 27% to $0.095/share. The dividend is payable on March 4, 2011 to shareholders of record on February 18, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.3%.

Aetna (AET) is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 35.4 million people. February 4th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.15/share, up from an annual dividend of $0.04/share. The dividend is payable on April 29, 2011 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 14, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.6%.

Temple-Inland Inc. (TIN) is a manufacturing company focused on corrugated packaging and building products. February 4th the company increased its quarterly dividend 18% to $0.13/share, payable March 15, 2011, to shareholders of record March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.2%.

Bemis Company, Inc. (BMS) is a major supplier of flexible packaging and pressure sensitive materials used by leading food, consumer products, healthcare, and other companies worldwide. February 4th the company raised its quarterly dividend 4.3% to $0.24/share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 15, 2011. This marks the 28th consecutive year that the Company has increased its dividend payment. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.

Avista Corp. (AVA) is an energy company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. February 4th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.275/share. The common stock dividend is payable March 15, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 18, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 4.7%.

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (JKHY) is a leading provider of computer systems and electronic payment solutions primarily for financial services organizations. February 4th the company increased its quarterly dividend 11% to $0.105/share. The dividend is payable on March 10, 2011, to stockholders of record as of February 22, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.3%.

Owens & Minor, Inc. (OMI) is a leading national distributor of name-brand medical and surgical supplies and a healthcare supply-chain management company. February 7th the company increased its quarterly dividend 13% to $0.20/share. The dividend is payable on March 31, 2011, to shareholders of record as of March 15, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.6%.

Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP (BWP) provides interstate transportation and storage of natural gas. February 7th the partnership raised its quarterly distribution to $0.52/unit. The distribution is payable on February 24, 2011, to unitholders of record as of February 17, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 6.3%.

Infinity Property and Casualty Corporation (IPCC) is a national provider of personal automobile insurance with a concentration on nonstandard auto insurance. February 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 28.6% to $0.18/share. The dividend is payable on March 25, 2011 to holders of record on March 11, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.2%.

Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. (NHP) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests primarily in healthcare real estate in the United States. February 8th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.48/share. The dividend will be paid on March 4, 2011 to stockholders of record on February 18, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 5.1%.

L-3 Communications (LLL) is a prime contractor in C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems, aircraft modernization and maintenance, and government services. February 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 12.5% $0.45/share. This is the seventh consecutive annual increase in L-3’s quarterly dividend rate. The board has also declared the next dividend payable on March 15, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.2%.

3M (MMM) operates as a diversified technology company worldwide. February 8th the company raised its quarterly dividend 5% to $0.55/share. The dividend is payable on March 12, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 18, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.5%.

The Northeast Utilities (NU) engages in the energy delivery business for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and western Massachusetts. February 8th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.275/share. The dividend is payable on March 31, 2011, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.3%.

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (WYN) encompasses approximately 7,210 franchised hotels and approximately 612,700 hotel rooms worldwide. February 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend 25% to $0.15/share. The yield based on the new payout is 2.0%.

Service Corporation International (SCI) is the largest provider of deathcare products and services in North America. February 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend 25% to $0.05/share. The dividend is payable on April 29, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 15, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.2%.

Diebold, Inc. (DBD) is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery and security systems and services. February 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.7% to $0.28/share. The dividend is payable on March 7 to shareholders of record on February 21. This marks the company’s 58th consecutive annual increase. The yield based on the new payout is 3.5%.

Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY), the fourth largest U.S. oil and gas company, is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Middle East/North Africa and Latin America regions. February 9th the company raised its quarterly dividend 21% to $0.46 per share quarterly dividend will be payable on April 15, 2011, to stockholders of record as of March 10, 2011. Oxy has raised the dividend every year since 2002, raising it 268 percent over the period. The increase brings the company’s compound annual dividend growth rate since 2002 to 15.6 percent. Oxy has paid quarterly dividends continuously since 1975. The yield based on the new payout is 1.9%.

Thomson Reuters (TRI) is the world’s leading source of information for businesses and professionals in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare, science, and media markets worldwide. February 10th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.31/share. The dividend is payable on March 15, 2011 to shareholders of record as of February 22, 2011. This dividend increase marks the 18th consecutive annual dividend increase by the company. The yield based on the new payout is 3.1%.

Textainer Group Holdings Limited (TGH) is the world’s largest lessor of intermodal containers based on fleet size. February 10th the company raised its quarterly dividend 7.4% to $0.29/share. In continuing our record of providing shareholders with sizeable and increasing cash distributions, we have now raised our quarterly payout a total of seven times since going public in October 2007 for a cumulative dividend of $3.29 per common share. The yield based on the new payout is 3.4%.

AGL Resources Inc. (AGL) is an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves approximately 2.3 million customers in six states. February 10th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.45 per share is effective for the dividend payable March 1, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 18, 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 MMM. 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)

Nine Companies Bucking The Trend And Raising Dividends *

D4L — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:30:09 +0000

What if you don’t want to spend your retirement managing and worrying about your portfolio? Put it on Auto Pilot, specifically on a Dividend Investing Auto Pilot. 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.

Here are several companies rewarding their shareholders with higher cash distributions through increased dividends:

HCP (HCP) Raises Qtr. Dividend 1% to $0.46/share (8.00% yield)
Aqua America (WTR) Bumps Quarterly Dividend 8% to $0.135 (2.57% yield)
Avon Products (AVP) Increases Dividend 5% (3.86% yield)
Black Hills Corp. (BKH) Raises Qtr. Dividend (5.97% yield)
Infinity Property and Casualty (IPCC) Bumps Dividend to $0.12/share (1.22% yield)
Ross Stores (ROST) Increases Qtr. Dividend by 16% to $0.11/share (1.24% yield)
J.B. Hunt Transport (JBHT) Boosts Qtr Dividend 10% to $0.11 (1.64% yield)
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Bumps Quarterly Dividend (1.95% yield)
L-3 Communications (LLL) Raises Qtr. Dividend by 17% to $0.35, (1.51% yield)

Retirement is not when you want to start learning how to dividend invest. There is a degree of art to dividend investing. Start young, time is always a great ally.

Full Disclosure: Long HCP

(Photo: Steve Woods)