A vision is taking the time to contemplate and anticipate, in detail, what the future will bring. A financial vision needs to consider future earnings, savings and economic issues such as inflation. Then based on your vision, you formulate an action plan to ensure the best possible outcome given your unique circumstances. You can’t have a retirement plan until you have a retirement vision. It would seem to me that there are a lot or retirement plans out there but very few retirement visions.A portion of my retirement planning includes dividend growth investments. Here are a few select companies that have recently followed through on their vision of providing increased cash dividends to their shareholders:
Flowers Foods (FLO) is one of the largest producers and marketers of bakery products in the United States. June 4th the company increased its quarterly dividend 14.3% to $0.20/share. The dividend is payable on July 2 to shareholders of record on June 18. The ex-dividend date is June 16. The yield based on the new payout is 3.22%.
Universal Health Realty (UHT) invests in healthcare and human service related facilities. June 4th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.605/share. The dividend is payable on June 30, 2010 to shareholders of record as of June 16, 2010. The ex-dividend date is June 14, 2010. UHT is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 23 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 7.59%.
Tri-Continental (TY) one of the largest publicly traded diversified U.S. closed-end funds. June 4th the fund increased its quarterly distribution 11% to $0.05/share. The dividend is payable on July 1 to shareholders of record on June 14. The ex-dividend date is June 10. The yield based on the new payout is 1.77%.
Communications Systems (JCS) provides modular connecting and wiring devices for voice and data communications and media and rate conversion products for telecommunications networks. June 7th the company raised its quarterly dividend 7% to $0.15/share. The dividend is payable on July 1 to shareholders of record on June 21. The ex-dividend date is June 17. The yield based on the new payout is 5.75%.
Caterpillar (CAT) is the the world's largest producer of earth-moving equipment, is also a big maker of electric power generators and engines used in petroleum markets. June 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.44/share. The dividend is payable August 20, 2010, to stockholders of record at the close of business, July 20, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 16. CAT is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 17 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.10%.
Target (TGT) operates about 1,490 Target and 250 SuperTarget general merchandise stores across the U.S. June 9th the company raised its quarterly dividend 47% to $0.25/share. The dividend is payable on September 10 to shareholders of record on August 20. The ex-dividend date is August 18. TGT is a Dividend Aristocrat and has raised its dividend for 43 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.90%.
American Eagle (AEO) is a specialty retailer of casual apparel, accessories and footwear primarily for young men and women between the ages of 15 and 25. June 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.11/share. The dividend is payable on July 9, 2010 to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 28, 2010. The ex-dividend date is June 24. The yield based on the new payout is 3.60%.
Del Monte (DLM) is one of the largest producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market. Also produces private label food and pet products. June 10th the company raised its quarterly dividend 80% to $0.09/share. The yield based on the new payout is 2.29%.
National Fuel Gas (NFG) is an integrated energy company with six operating segments: utility, pipeline & storage, exploration & production, international, energy marketing, and timber. June 10th the company raised its quarterly dividend 3% to $0.345/share. The dividend is payable on July 15 to shareholders of record on June 30. The ex-dividend date is June 28. NFG is a Dividend Champion and has raised its dividend for 40 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.80%.
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.
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