Dividends Value » QCOM

9 Dividend Stocks Sending More Cash To Shareholders *

D4L — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:30:22 +0000

We all are looking for the perfect dividend stock. In an utopian world, the perfect dividend stock would be one that is both high-yield and provide a high dividend growth rate. Its share price would appreciate ratable with its increasing dividend. All of this would be driven by increasing earnings and cash flow.

Though they are not perfect, the stocks below did recently reward their investors with higher cash dividends:

Entertainment Properties Trust (EPR) is a specialty real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in properties in select categories which require unique industry knowledge. March 10th the company increased its quarterly dividend 8% to $0.70/share. The dividend is payable April 15, 2011 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 6.0%.

Compass Diversified Holdings (CODI) is a public investment firm specializing in acquiring controlling stakes in small to middle market companies. March 10th the company increased its quarterly dividend 6% to to $0.36/share. The distribution is payable on April 12, 2011 to all holders of record as of March 29, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 9.8%.

Warwick Valley Telephone Company (WWVY) is a full service telecommunications company operating in portions of New York New Jersey, offering local, long distance, Internet and video services. March 10th the company increased its quarterly dividend 8% to $0.26/share. The dividend is payable on March 31, 2011 to shareholders of record as of March 21, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 6.9%.

Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN) is a business development company specializing in equity, equity related, and debt investments in small and lower middle market companies. March 9th the company increased its monthly dividend 4% to $0.13/share. The dividend is payable on April 15, 2011, to shareholders of record on March 24, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 8.1%.

Staples, Inc. (SPLS) is the world’s largest office products company offering a broad selection of office supplies, electronics, technology and office furniture as well as business services. March 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 11% to $0.10/share. The dividend is payable on April 14, 2011, to shareholders of record on March 25, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.0%.

Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT) provides nanomanufacturing technology solutions for the semiconductor, flat panel display, solar, and related industries worldwide. March 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 14% to $0.08 per share payable on the company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on June 22, 2011 to stockholders of record as of June 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.0%.

Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM) is a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies, products and services. March 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 13 percent to $0.215/share. The dividend is payable after March 25, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.5%.

Piedmont Natural Gas (PNY) is an energy services company primarily engaged in the distribution of natural gas to more than one million residential, commercial and industrial utility customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. March 4th the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.6% to $0.29/share. The dividend is payable April 15, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 25, 2011. this is the 33rd consecutive year the company has increased its dividend. The yield based on the new payout is 3.8%.

Myers Industries, Inc. (MYE) is an international manufacturer of polymer products for industrial, agricultural, automotive, commercial, and consumer markets. March 4th the company increased its quarterly dividend 8% to $0.07/share. The dividend is payable April 4, 2011, to shareholders of record as of March 10, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.

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

(Photo Credit)

11 Dividend Stocks Providing Positive Feedback *

D4L — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:30:15 +0000

What is the primary reason you invest in dividend stocks? For me, it is a means to build a growing income that can be relied on during retirement. One of the beauties of dividend investing is it provides you continuous feedback. As the years and decades go by you can see your earnings steadily grow as you invest your money in dividend stocks, and as an added bonus, great dividend stocks will increase their dividend payments each year.

This week several companies provided their shareholders positive feedback with increased cash dividends:

Southwest Gas Corp. (SWX) is engaged in the business of purchasing, distributing, and transporting natural gas in portions of Arizona, Nevada, and California. February 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 5.3% to $0.25/share. The dividend is payable June 1, 2010, to shareholders of record as of May 17, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.38%.

PPL Corp. (PPL) is a holding company for PPL Utilities also has holdings in the U.K. February 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 1.4% to $0.35/share. The dividend is payable on April 1 to shareholders of record on March 10. The ex-dividend date is March 8. PPL is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 11 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 4.83%.

Piedmont Natural Gas (PNY) distributes natural gas to 1,016,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in portions of North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. February 26th the company raised its quarterly dividend 3.7% to $0.28/share. The dividend is payable April 15, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 25, 2010. The ex-dividend date is March 23. PNY is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 32 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 4.25%.

The Andersons (ANDE) operates in the agriculture and transportation markets in the U.S. February 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 3% to $0.09/share. The dividend is payable April 22, 2010, to shareholders of record on April 1, 2010. The ex-dividend date is March 30, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.08%.

Hanover Insurance (THG) offers insurance and financial products and services in the areas of risk management and asset management. February 26th the company raised its quarterly dividend 33% to $0.25/share. The dividend is payable March 22, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 8, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.34%.

Fred’s (FRED) operates about 650 company-owned general merchandise stores and markets goods and services to 24 franchised Fred’s stores in the southeastern U.S. February 26th the company raised its quarterly dividend 33% to $0.04/share. The dividend is payable on March 15, 2010, to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2010. The ex-dividend date is March 3, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.50%.

Qualcomm (QCOM) focuses on developing products and services based on its advanced wireless broadband technology. March 1st the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.19/share and announced that it will buyback up to $3 billion in common stock. The yield based on the new payout is 1.95%.

General Dynamics (GD) is the world’s sixth largest military contractor and also one of the world’s biggest makers of corporate jets. March 3rd the company increased its quarterly dividend 10.58% to $0.42/share. The dividend is payable May 7, 2010, to shareholders of record on April 9. The ex-dividend date is April 7, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.30%.

Wal-Mart (WMT) operates a chain of discount department stores, wholesale clubs, and combination discount stores and supermarkets; and is the largest retailer in North America. March 4th the company raised its annual dividend 11% to $1.21/share. The next quarterly dividend will be paid on April 5, 2010 to shareholders of record on March 12, 2010. The ex-dividend date is March 10. WMT is a Dividend Aristocrat and has raised its dividend for 36 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.24%. [Analysis]

American Greetings (AM) is the world’s largest publicly owned greeting card company with operations in more than 70 countries. March 4th the company raised its quarterly dividend by 17% to $0.14/share. The quarterly dividend will be paid on April 5, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 23, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.71%.

WGL Holdings (WGL) provides natural gas service in theWashington, DC, metropolitan area and surrounding regions, including Maryland and Virginia. March 4th the company raised its quarterly dividend 2.7% to $0.3775/share. The new dividend is payable May 1, 2010, to shareholders of record on April 9, 2010. The ex-dividend date is April 7, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.52%.

Not all dividend paying companies take pride in raising their dividends each year. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive cash dividend increases, see this list.

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

(Photo Credit)

Best Stocks For 2010 *

D4L — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:30:13 +0000

I always enjoy this time of year. The Christmas music, decorations, family gatherings, holiday plays and stock picks. Stock picks? Yes, ’tis the season for stock predictions! Virtually every financial writer will pen an article selecting his or her top picks for the upcoming year. I enjoy reading them and the logic behind the picks. As a long-term buy and hold investor, generally most aren’t useful for me; nevertheless, I find them entertaining and sometimes there is a gem to be found.

Andrea Tse, in an article from TheStreet.com believes consumer-goods stocks are poised to grow next year as the economy lifts and consumer spending rebounds. Here are her 6 picks for 2010:

Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG) - A leading international supplier of products for the lawn and garden market.
Clorox (CLX) – A manufacturer and marketer of consumer products including Clorox bleach, Armor All, STP, Kingsford, Hidden Valley, etc. CLX is a Dividend Aristocrat that has increased its dividend for the last 32 consecutive years.
Procter & Gamble (PG) – A leading consumer products company that markets its household and personal care products in more than 180 countries. PG is a Dividend Aristocrat that has increased its dividend for the last 53 consecutive years. [Analysis]
Philip Morris International (PMI) – An international tobacco company.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) – A leader in the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer products industries. JNJ is a Dividend Aristocrat that has increased its dividend for the last 47 consecutive years. [Analysis]
PepsiCo (PEP) – a major international producer of branded beverage and snack food products. PEP is a Dividend Aristocrat that has increased its dividend for the last 37 consecutive years. [Analysis]

Fortune says it’s unlikely that equities will enjoy a repeat of the mass revival of 2009. But, they believe these 10 companies should prosper even if the markets don’t:

MasterCard (MA) – A global leader in credit card transaction processing and brand licensing providing services in over 210 countries and territories.
Amedisys (AMED) – A provider of home health care and hospice services in the eastern, southern and southeastern U.S.
Qualcomm (QCOM) – Focuses on developing products and services based on its advanced wireless broadband technology.
Petrohawk Energy (HK) – Independent oil and gas company that is engaged in the acquisition, production, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties.
Baxter International (BAX) – Global medical products and services company provides critical therapies for people with life-threatening conditions.
Quanta (PWR) – Provides specialized contracting services, offering end-to-end network solutions to the electric power, gas, telecommunications and cable television industries.
Salesforce.com (CRM) – A leading provider of on-demand customer relationship management applications.
American Tower (AMT) – Operates the largest independent portfolio of wireless communications and broadcast towers in North America.
Renhe (RNHEF) – Develops air-raid shelters in China.
Vornado (VNO) – REIT that owns a diverse group of properties, including Northeast retail properties, New York City office buildings, and other interests. VNO is a Dividend Achiever that has increased its dividend for the last 37 consecutive years.

James Altucher in an article on Daily Finance presented his 10 favorites for 2010:

Assured Guaranty (AGO) – Provides financial guaranty insurance and reinsurance, as well as mortgage guaranty coverage.
Wellcare Health Plans (WCG) – Provides managed care services targeted exclusively to government-sponsored health care programs.
Potash (POT) – One of the world’s largest diversified fertilizer companies and the world’s largest potash producer.
Cash America (CSH) – Owns and operates pawnshops in the United States.
Becton Dickison (BDX) - Provides a wide range of medical devices and diagnostic products used in hospitals, doctors’ offices, research labs and other settings. BDX is a Dividend Aristocrat that has increased its dividend for the last 37 consecutive years. [Analysis]
Hillenbrand (HI) – Hillenbrand is the largest supplier of products to the funeral service industry.
Telecom Corp. of New Zealand (NZT) – Provides telecommunications and information technology products and services to residential and business customers in New Zealand and Australia.
STEC (STEC) – Designs, makes and markets custom and open-standard memory solutions based on Flash memory and dynamic random access memory DRAM technologies.
Alvarion (ALVR) – Sells wireless broadband connectivity infrastructure products that allow telecom carriers and service providers to deliver high-speed data and voice services.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) – International pharmaceutical company formed in December 2000 through the merger of British drugmakers GlaxoWellcome and SmithKline Beecham.

As a long-term, buy-and-hold income investor, many of the stocks in the above lists don’t meet my criteria for a buy. Dividend investors are looking for stocks that will perform well over the long run, not just 2010. As such, I prefer to start with this list of stocks.

Full Disclosure: Long CLX, JNJ, PEP, PG. See a list of all my income holdings here.

(Photo Daniela Baack)

As Financials Wither, One Titan Stands Strong *

D4L — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:30:48 +0000

Last week we mentioned that JPMorgan (JPM), the second-largest U.S. bank, slashed its dividend by 87% to $0.05. Possibly that wasn’t quite enough to keep keep big brother happy, so JPM took their quarterly dividend down to $0.01/share. The dividend is to be paid on Friday, April 3, 2009 to common stockholders of record as of Friday, March 20, 2009. JPM closed down 8.14% – it is always good to deliver bad news twice.

Wednesday, following in JPM’s footsteps, U.S. Bancorp (USB) slashed its dividend by 88% to $0.05/share. U.S. Bancorp Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Richard K. Davis said, “The decision to reduce our quarterly dividend was thoughtfully considered and very difficult, given the importance of the dividend to our shareholders.” USB closed down 12.48% after the announcement. Then dropped another 18.2% on Thursday.

While the financials continue to wither, some companies are designed to flourish in these difficult economic times. Yesterday, Wal-Mart (WMT) reported that same store sales, ex-fuel, for the month rose 5.1%, and its Board increased the quarterly dividend 15% to $0.2725/share. WMT’s dividend now yields around 2%. This is the 35th consecutive year WMT has raised its dividend. CEO Mike Duke said, “The strength of our operations and the resulting strong financial position allow us to increase our dividend payout to shareholders again this year. Our free cash flow remains strong enough to fund Wal-Mart’s growth around the world, make strategic acquisitions and fund returns to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.”

Other companies are poised to perform by raising their cash dividends to shareholders. Here are several that have recently done just that:

Qualcomm (QCOM) lifts its qtr. dividend 6% to $0.17/share (yield 1.84%)
General Dynamics (GD) boosts its qtr. dividend 8.6% to $0.38/share (yield 3.48%)
WGL Holdings (WGL) raises its quarterly dividend 3.5% to $0.3675/share (yield 4.68%)

For more companies around the world with a long string of consecutive dividend increases, see Dividends Value’s Stock Ideas page.

Full Disclosure: Long WMT

(Photo: Steve Woods)