Dividends Value » NWN

9 Dividend Stocks Enriching Their Shareholders *

D4L — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 07:30:48 +0000

In one form or another, I get the this question, “What do you think of the market? Where’s it headed?” Normally, I politely respond as expected, but occasionally I will startle the person with a reply like, “I don’t know. For me it really doesn’t matter much.” My investing goals are not defined by movements in the market. Instead of looking at the market and its direction, dividend investors should focus on quality, price and ultimate value of individual stocks.

Below are several companies enriching their shareholders by raising their cash dividends:

MFA Financial (MFA) is a real estate investment trust that invests in ARM-MBS, which are primarily secured by pools of mortgages on single family residences. October 1st the trust increased its quarterly quarterly dividend 18% to $0.225/share. The dividend is payable on October 29, 2010 to stockholders of record on October 12, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 7, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 11.39%.

American Financial Group (AFG) provides specialty and multi-line property and casualty insurance, and sells tax-deferred annuities. October 1st the company raised its quarterly dividend 18% to $0.1625/share. The dividend is payable on October 25, 2010 to holders of record on October 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 13, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.15%.

Thor Industries (THO) is engaged in manufacturing and selling a range of recreation vehicles, and small and mid-size buses. October 1st the company increased its quarterly dividend 43% to $0.10/share. The dividend is payable on October 29, 2010 to shareholders of record on October 18, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 14, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.15%.

WD-40 Company (WDFC) produces WD-40 and 3-IN-ONE Oil lubricants; Lava and Solvol heavy-duty hand cleaners; and X-14, 2000 Flushes, Carpet Fresh and Spot Shot household cleaning products. October 1st the company raised its quarterly dividend 8% to $0.27/share. The yield based on the new payout is 2.76%.

Northwest Natural Gas (NWN) provides service to some 590,000 residential, 61,000 commercial and 900 industrial sales customers in Oregon and southwestern Washington. October 4th the company increased its quarterly dividend 5% to $0.435/share. The dividend will be paid November 15, 2010, to shareholders of record on October 29, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 27, 2010. NWN is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 38 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.59%.

Senior Housing Properties (SNH) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) with 298 properties located in 35 states and Washington, D.C. October 4th the trust raised its quarterly dividend to $0.37/share. The dividend is payable on Oct. 15 to shareholders of record on Nov. 12. The ex-dividend date is Nov. 10. The yield based on the new payout is 6.11%.

West Pharmaceutical (WST) manufactures components and systems for injectable drug delivery and plastic packaging and delivery system components. October 4th the company increased its quarterly dividend 6.25% to $0.17/share. The dividend will be paid on November 3, 2010 to shareholders of record on October 20, 2010. WST is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.99%.

Collectors Universe (CLCT) provides value-added grading, authentication and information services and products to dealers and collectors of high-end collectibles. October 6th the company raised its quarterly dividend 8% to $0.325/share. The dividend is payable on November 19, 2010 to stockholders of record on November 5, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 1, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 9.3%.

Artesian Resources (ARTNA) distributes and sells water to residential, commercial, industrial, governmental, municipal, and utility customers in the state of Delaware. October 6th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.1892/share. The dividend is payable on November 19, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 8, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 4, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4%.

RPM International Inc. (RPM) makes specialty coatings and products for the structural waterproofing and corrosion control markets, as well as products for the consumer, do-it-yourself, and hobby markets. October 7th the company raised its quarterly dividend 2.4% to $0.21/share. The dividend is payable on October 29, 2010, to stockholders of record as of October 18, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 14, 2010. RPM is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 38 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 4.1%.

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

(Photo Credit)

http://dividendsvalue.com/4783/3-high-yield-telecom-dividend-stocks/

Stocks Trying To Entice Investors With Their Dividends *

D4L — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 07:30:13 +0000

The goals of an income portfolio are much different than those of a capital appreciation portfolio. The good news is an income portfolio consisting of quality dividend growth stocks can not only succeed, but excel during a market downturn. Dividend investors are focused on building a stream of steadily rising income from solid companies. While many panic when their portfolios decline, income investors see a downturn as an incredible buying opportunity as they are look for sustainable growing dividends.

This week only one stock rewarded their shareholders with higher cash dividends:

Computer Services (CSVI) provides service and software solutions for financial institutions. July 6th the company increased its quarterly dividend 15.8% to $0.1/share. The dividend is payable on September 24, 2010, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 1, 2010. The ex-dividend date is August 30, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.2%.

Members of the Dividend Achievers Index are comprised of companies incorporated in the United States or its territories, trade on the NYSE, NASDAQ or AMEX, and have increased their annual regular dividend payments for the last ten or more consecutive years. Several of these companies declared cash dividends this past week including:

Bank of the Ozarks (OZRK) provides retail & commercial banking products and services via 70 banking and two loan production offices in AR, TX, NC. July 2nd the company declares a $0.15/share quarterly dividend. The dividend is payable July 23, 2010 to shareholders of record as of July 16, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 14, 2010. Yield on the dividend is 1.7%. OZRK has paid a higher dividend for the last 12 consecutive years.

RPM Int’l (RPM) makes specialty coatings and products for the structural waterproofing and corrosion control markets, as well as products for the consumer, do-it-yourself, and hobby markets. July 6th the company declared a $0.205/share quarterly dividend. The dividend is payable on July 30, 2010, to stockholders of record as of July 16, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 13, 2010. Yield on the dividend is 4.6%. RPM has paid a higher dividend for the last 37 consecutive years.

Northwest Natural Gas (NWN) is a U.S. gas distribution utility serving Oregon and southwest Washington. July 6th the company declared a $0.415/share quarterly dividend. The dividend will be paid August 13, 2010, to shareholders of record on July 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 28, 2010. Yield on the dividend is 3.7%. NWN has paid a higher dividend for the last 38 consecutive years.

H.B. Fuller (FUL) is an international manufacturer of adhesives, sealants, paints and specialty construction products. July 7th the company declared a $0.07/share quarterly dividend. The dividend is payable on August 5, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 22, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 20, 2010. Yield on the dividend is 1.4%. FUL has paid a higher dividend for the last 41 consecutive years.

Eaton Vance Corp. (EV) is a Boston-based holding company is primarily engaged in investment management. July 7th the company declares a $0.16/share quarterly dividend. The dividend is payable August 13, 2010 to shareholders of record on July 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 28, 2010. Yield on the dividend is 2.2%. EV has paid a higher dividend for the last 30 consecutive years.

Colgate-Palmolive (CL) is a major consumer products company markets oral, personal and household care, and pet nutrition products in more than 200 countries and territories. July 8th the company declared a $0.53/share quarterly dividend. The dividend is payable on August 13, 2010, to shareholders of record on July 26, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 22, 2010. Yield on the dividend is 2.6%. CL has paid a higher dividend for the last 47 consecutive years.

Tanger Factory Outlet (SKT) develops, acquires, owns, operates and manages factory outlet shopping centers in the United States. July 8th the company declared a $0.3875/share quarterly dividend. The dividend is payable to holders of record on July 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 28, 2010. Yield on the dividend is 3.6%. SKY has paid a higher dividend for the last 17 consecutive years.

Selecting stocks with increasing dividends is critical for an income growth strategy. The above list contains stocks that recently raised or maintained 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 CL. See a list of all my income holdings here.

(Photo Credit)

9 Stocks With a Sustainable Dividend *

D4L — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 07:30:23 +0000

To succeed as a dividend growth investor you must identify and purchase stocks with sustainable dividend growth. Put another way, targeted companies must be both capable and willing to grow their dividends. Obviously, we can not look into the future and see who will and will not perform. However, there are critical bits of information that we can evaluate today that often foreshadow the company’s future behavior. Here are some of the more relevant ones:

Years Of Consecutive Dividend Increases

Inertia is powerful force. Once a company has established a track record of growing its dividend over the decades and developed a shareholder base that expects higher dividends each year, it becomes increasing difficult for management to cut or fail to raise their dividend. No CEO of this type of company wants a dividend cut to occur on his or her watch. There are precious few Dividend Aristocrats remaining and those left enjoy their elite status.

Strong Financial Condition

Dividends are paid with cash, not earnings. The distinction is subtle, but very real. In its pursuit of theoretical perfection, the accounting profession has adulterated the financial statements to the point that it has become very difficult for non-accountants to interpret them. For example, 2009 was a tough year for Nucor (NUE). Its consolidated statement of earnings showed a loss of $237 million, down from 2008′s earnings of $1.8 billion. This decrease in earnings of $2 billion looks devastating until you consider flip over to the consolidated statements of cash flows and realize NUE’s management ran the business to maximize cash generation. The $2 billion decrease in earnings only equated to $688 million dollar decrease in free cash flow and while earnings were negative, free cash flow remained positive at $792 million, more than enough to cover the $443 million dividend payments.

Consider another example. In 2009 Eli Lilly’s (LLY) net earnings improved $6.4 billion, but its free cash flow decreased $2.8 billion. This oddity was primarily the result of how in-process research and development was accounted for. Here is an excerpt from their 2009 10-k describing the accounting:

Most of these acquisitions included IPR&D, which represented compounds, new indications, or line extensions under development that had not yet achieved regulatory approval for marketing. There are several methods that can be used to determine the estimated fair value of the IPR&D acquired in a business combination. We utilized the “income method”, which applies a probability weighting to the estimated future net cash flows that are derived from projected sales revenues and estimated costs. These projections are based on factors such as relevant market size, patent protection, historical pricing of similar products, and expected industry trends. The estimated future net cash flows are then discounted to the present value using an appropriate discount rate. This analysis is performed for each project independently. Pursuant to the existing rules, these acquired IPR&D intangible assets totaling $4.71 billion and $340.5 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, were expensed immediately subsequent to the acquisition because the products had no alternative future use. The ongoing expenses with respect to each of these products in development are not material to our total research and development expense currently and are not expected to be material to our total research and development expense on an annual basis in the future.

In effect LLY realized a $4.7 billion dollar non-cash charge in 2008, which was an add-back to operating cash flow. There was no similar charge in 2009, thus the substantial increase in earnings.

When evaluating a company’s financial you must also consider competing uses for the free cash flow generated. Many companies generate significant free cash flow, but often that cash is already spoken for in the form of debt obligations. One of the key metrics I look for when evaluating a company is a debt to total capital ratio of 45% or less.

9 Stocks With a Sustainable Dividend

Using my D4L-Data spreadsheet to screen the 170+ stocks that I follow, I limited my search to stocks with the following characteristics:

- Years of consecutive dividend increases > 30 years
- Yield > 3.0%
- Debt to total capital < 45%
- Free Cash Flow Payout < 60%

Below are several stocks that meet the above criteria:

Company	Analysis	Yield	Div. Gro.	Debt/Cap.	FCF Pay.
Diebold, Inc. (DBD)	–	3.69%	57	34.73%	28.10%
Leggett & Platt, (LEG)	Link	4.47%	38	32.48%	29.34%
V.F. Corporation (VFC)	–	3.10%	36	23.73%	30.01%
RPM International (RPM)	Link	4.11%	37	41.42%	33.46%
Northwest Natural (NWN)	-	3.63%	37	9.79%	39.54%
Genuine Parts Co. (GPC)	Link	4.04%	54	15.74%	40.59%
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)	Link	3.62%	48	22.33%	41.42%
Abbott Laboratories (ABT)	Link	3.62%	38	41.86%	42.99%
Automatic Data (ADP)	Link	3.30%	34	0.72%	47.64%

Bonus: Look For A Favorable Industry

Some industries are more stable than others. When the economy turns down and we are concerned about our job, we may discontinue our pest control or lawn service, but we will likely not stop taking our blood pressure medicine. Non-cyclical industries typically include pharmaceuticals, utilities, defense and certain consumer goods. A company’s ability to grow its dividend is directly related to its ability to grow free cash flow.

Full Disclosure: Long ABT, ADP, GPC, JNJ, LEG, LLY, NUE, NWN. See a list of all my income holdings here.

(Photo Credit)

Ten Dividend Stocks With 50+ Years of Consecutive Increases *

D4L — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:30:27 +0000

In every field there are winners and there are champions. 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. Not surprisingly, I went to the Dividend Champions list to find these ten dividend stocks that stand alone with 50+ years of consecutive dividend increases. They are presented here in descending rank:

#10. Integrys Energy Group (TEG) – 51 Years

This utility holding company serves about 485,000 regulated electric and 1,674,000 regulated gas customers. The company also operates an unregulated energy supply and services business. Yesterday, TEG increased its quarterly dividend 1.5% to $0.68. The current yield is 6.81%.

#9. 3M Company (MMM) – 51 Years

This diversified global company has operations in electronics, health care, industrial, consumer and office, telecommunications, safety and security, and other markets. Last week MMM declared a 2% quarterly dividend increase to $0.54/share. The current yield is 4.13%.

#8. Emerson Electric (EMR) – 52 Years

This company primarily makes backup power equipment for telecom and Internet providers and users, climate control components, and electric motors. EMR last increased its quarterly dividend 10% in November 2008. The current yield is 4.12%.

#7. Parker-Hannifin Corp. (PH)- 52 Years

This company is a global maker of industrial pumps, valves and hydraulics. Its products are used in everything from jet engines to trucks and autos and utility turbines. PH last increased its quarterly dividend 19% in November 2008. The current yield is 2.46%.

#6. Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) – 52 Years

This leading consumer products company markets household and personal care products in more than 180 countries. PG last increased its quarterly dividend 14% in April 2008. The current yield is 3.13%

#5. Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) – 53 Years

This company is a leading wholesale distributor of automotive replacement parts, industrial parts and supplies, and office products. GPC last increased its quarterly dividend 7% in March 2008. The current yield is 4.83%

#4. Northwest Natural Gas (NWN) – 53 Years

This U.S. gas distribution utility serves Oregon and southwest Washington. NWN last increased its quarterly dividend 5% in October 2008. The current yield is 3.60%

#3. Dover Corp. (DOV) – 53 Years

This company manufactures a broad range of specialized industrial products and sophisticated manufacturing equipment. DOV last increased its quarterly dividend 25% in August 2008. The current yield is 3.37%

#2. American States Water (AWR) – 54 Years

This utility primarily serves water customers in California, as well as in Arizona. It also provides electric service to a small section of San Bernardino County. AWR has not increased its dividend since November 2007. If it remains flat during 2009, AWR will lose its spot on this list. The current yield is 2.73%

And finally, the defending national champion of dividend increases…

#1. Diebold Inc. (DBD) – 55 Years

This company develops, makes, and services self-service transaction systems, electronic & physical security systems, and software used to equip bank facilities, voting terminals. This month DBD increased its quarterly dividend 4% to $0.26/share to keeps its streak alive. The current yield is 4.20%.

Earlier this month there were 11 companies eligible for this list. Unfortantely, Masco (MAS) cashed in a half century of excellence and cut its dividend.

This list is a great starting point for additional analysis. Over the next several weeks, I plan on prescreening those on the list I had not previously looked at. If any look promising, I will provide a more comprehensive evaluation in the future.

Full Disclosure: Long TEG, PG