When it comes to selecting dividend stocks, one of the most important items to look for is consistency in raising dividends. Sure it is easy to increase dividends when the economy is booming and business is good, but to be consistent a company has to persevere and continue to increase dividends even during the tough times.Below are several companies that have recently increased their cash dividends to shareholders:
Philip Morris Int'l (PM), comprising the international operations spun off by Altria in early 2008, is the largest publicly traded manufacturer and marketer of tobacco products. September 10th the company increased its quarterly dividend 10.3% to $0.64/share. The dividend is payable on Oct. 8 to shareholders of record on Sept. 24. The ex-dividend date is Sept. 22. The yield based on the new payout is 4.67%.
Colony Financial (CLNY) is a real estate finance company that was organized to acquire, originate and manage a diversified portfolio of real estate-related debt instruments. September 13th the company raised its quarterly dividend 19% to $0.25/share. The dividend will be paid on October 14, 2010, to stockholders of record on September 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is September 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 5.43%.
LaSalle Hotel Properties (LHO) is a hotel real estate investment that acquires and develops hotel properties, particularly upscale and luxury full-service hotels in major urban markets. September 14th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.11/share. The dividend is payable on October 15, 2010 to common shareholders of record on September 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is September 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.91%.
PACCAR (PCAR) is a heavy-duty truck manufacturer produces the well-known Peterbilt and Kenworth brand heavy-duty highway trucks. September 14th the company raised its quarterly dividend 33% to $0.12/share. The dividend is payable December 6, 2010, to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 19, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 15, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.06%.
Yum! Brands (YUM) operates, franchises, has interests in or licenses the largest number of fast food restaurants in the world, with more than 37,000 units in over 110 countries, including the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell chains. September 14th the company increased its quarterly dividend 19% to $0.25/share. The dividend is payable on Nov. 5 to shareholders of record on Oct. 15. The ex-dividend date is Oct. 13. The yield based on the new payout is 2.17%.
UDR (UDR) is a real estate investment trust, which specializes in apartment properties, owns about 46,000 apartment homes throughout the U.S. September 15th the company raised its quarterly dividend 2.8% to $0.185/share. The dividend is payable on November 1, 2010 to UDR common stock shareholders of record as of October 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 13, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.47%.
Marsh & McLennan (MMC) is a global professional services concern provides risk and insurance services, investment management and consulting services through its operating companies. September 15th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.21/share. The dividend is payable on Nov. 15 to shareholders of record on Oct. 8. The ex-dividend date is Oct. 6. The yield based on the new payout is 3.49%.
BioMed Realty Trust (BMR) is a real estate investment that acquires, develops and manages laboratory and office space for the life science industry. September 15th the company raised its quarterly dividend 13.3% to $0.17/share. The dividend is payable on October 15, 2010 to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is September 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.64%.
Kroger (KR) is a supermarket operator with about 2,500 stores in 31 states and it also operates convenience stores, jewelry stores, supermarket fuel centers, and food processing plants. September 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 10.5% to $0.105/share. The dividend is payable on December 1, 2010 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 11, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.93%.
International Bancshares Corp. (IBOC) provides commercial and retail banking services in Texas and Oklahoma; it also facilitates international trade primarily along the U.S. border with Mexico. September 16th the company raised its quarterly dividend 11.8% to $0.19/share. The dividend is payable on October 18, 2010, to shareholders at the close on September 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is September 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.40%.
Corporate Office Properties (OFC) owns, manages, leases, acquires and develops suburban office properties located in Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. and other select markets. September 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend by 5.1% to $0.4125/share. The dividend is payable on October 15 to shareholders of record on Sept. 30. The ex-dividend date is Sept. 28. OFC is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 13 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 4.38%.
Texas Instruments (TXN) is one of the world's largest manufacturers of semiconductors, this company also produces handheld graphing and scientific calculator products. September 16th the company raised its quarterly dividend 8% to $0.13/share. The dividend is payable on November 22 to shareholders of record on November 1. The ex-dividend date, then, will be on October 28. The yield based on the new payout is 2.08%.
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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