When people learn that I am an income investor, the reaction is often a desire to discuss high-yield investments. Many people commonly confuse income investing with high-yield investing. The two are not the same. High-yield investing often carries a greater degree of risk than I am willing to accept. For me, I will continue to focus on high-quality dividend stocks at lower, but growing, yields.Below are several dividend stocks that recently grew their yields by paying higher cash dividends:
Landauer (LDR) provides analytical services to determine occupational and environmental radiation exposure internationally. November 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.55/share. The dividend is payable on January 3, 2011 to shareholders of record on December 10, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.3%.
Alexandria Real Estate (ARE) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused principally on science-driven cluster formation. November 29th the company raised its quarterly dividend 29% to $0.45/share. The dividend is payable on January 17, 2011 to shareholders of record on December 31, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 29, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.7%.
J & J Snack Foods (JJSF) manufactures nutritional snack foods, as well as distributes frozen beverages to the food service and retail supermarket industries in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. November 29th the company increased its quarterly dividend 9.3% to $0.1175/share. The dividend is payable on January 5, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 13, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.0%.
Citizens Holding (CIZN) serves east central and south Mississippi through 23 banking locations. November 30th the company raised its quarterly dividend 4.8% to $0.22/share. The dividend is payable December 31, 2010, to shareholders of record as of December 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 13, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.8%.
Educational Development (EDUC) operates as the exclusive U.S. trade publisher of the line of educational children's books produced in the United Kingdom by Usborne Publishing Limited. November 30th the company increased its quarterly dividend 25% to $0.15/share. The dividend is payable on December 17 to shareholders of record on December 10. The ex-dividend date is Dec. 8. The yield based on the new payout is 9.38%.
MTS Systems (MTSC) supplies mechanical testing systems and industrial position sensors in North America, Europe, and Asia. November 30th the company raised its quarterly dividend 33% to $0.20/share. The dividend is payable January 3, 2011, to shareholders of record as of December 13, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 9, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.1%.
Deere & Co. (DE) the world's biggest producer of farm equipment, is also a large maker of construction machinery and lawn and garden equipment. December 1st the company increased its quarterly dividend 16.7% to $0.35/share. The dividend is payable February 1, 2011 to stockholders of record on December 31, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 29, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.8%.
Enbridge (ENB) transports crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbons; and engages in gas utility operations that serve residential, commercial, industrial customers in Canada. December 1st the company raised its quarterly dividend 15% to $0.49/share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2011 to shareholders of record on February 15, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 11, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.4%.
Walt Disney (DIS) is a media and entertainment conglomerate with diversified global operations in theme parks, filmed entertainment, television broadcasting and merchandise licensing. December 1st the company increased its annual dividend to $0.40/share. The dividend is payable on January 18, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business December 13, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 9. The yield based on the new payout is 1.1%.
Regal Entertainment (RGC) operates 6,801 screens in 552 theatres in 39 states and the District of Columbia. December 1st the company raised its regular quarterly dividend 17% to $0.21/share. The yield based on the new payout is 6.10%.
Knoll (KNL) is a designer and manufacturer of workplace furnishings, textiles and fine leathers. December 1st the company increased its quarterly dividend 300% to $0.06/share. The dividend is payable December 31, 2010 to all shareholders of record on December 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 13, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.5%.
Toro (TTC) designs, makes, and markets outdoor maintenance and beautification products for home, recreation, and commercial landscapes. December 1st the company raised its quarterly dividend 11.1% to $0.20/share. The dividend is payable on January 11, 2011 to shareholders of record on December 17, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 15, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.3%.
Lincoln Electric (LECO) is a manufacturer and reseller of welding and cutting products. December 2nd the company increased its quarterly dividend 10.7% to $0.31/share. The dividend is payable on Jan. 14 to shareholders of record on Dec. 31. The ex-dividend date is Dec. 29. The yield based on the new payout is 1.97%.
OGE Energy (OGE) delivers and manages electricity and natural gas primarily in the south central United States. December 2nd the company raised its quarterly dividend 3.5% to $0.375/share. The dividend is payable January 28, 2011, to shareholders of record January 10, 2011. The ex-dividend date is January 6, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.4%.
Eastman Chemical (EMN) manufactures and markets chemicals, fibers and polyester plastics used in consumer and industrial products. December 2nd the company increased its quarterly dividend 7% to $0.47/share. The dividend is payable January 3, 2011, to stockholders of record as of December 13, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 9, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.3%.
Ecolab (ECL) is the leading worldwide marketer of cleaning, sanitizing, and maintenance products and services for the hospitality, institutional, and industrial markets. December 2nd the company raised its quarterly dividend 13% to $0.17/share. The dividend is payable on Jan. 18 to shareholders of record on Dec. 21. The ex-dividend date is Dec. 17. ECL is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.46%.
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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