Dividend growth investing is a long-term strategy. A growing dividend is a sign that the company is becoming more valuable. Companies that consistently increase dividends tend to have steadily rising share prices and the best way to benefit from this is to buy and hold the stocks. Diversification and a focus on blue-chip stocks provides insurance for the few companies that don't pan out.
Below are several companies that are increasing shareholder wealth by raising their cash dividends:
Peoples Bancorp Inc. (PEBO, Financial) operates as a holding company for Peoples Bank, National Association that provides financial products and services. January 26, the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.11 per share. The dividend is payable Feb. 21, 2012, to shareholders of record on Feb. 6, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.
Washington Banking Company (WBCO, Financial) operates as the bank holding company for Whidbey Island Bank that provides community commercial banking services in northwestern Washington. January 26, the company increased its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.06 per share. The dividend is payable on Feb. 22, 2012 to shareholder of record on February 6. The yield based on the new payout is 2.0%.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG, Financial) and its subsidiaries provide insurance brokerage and risk management services to various commercial, industrial, institutional, and governmental organizations. January 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 3% to $0.34 per share. The dividend is payable on April 13, 2012 to stockholders of record as of March 30, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 4.1%.
HCP Inc. (HCP, Financial) is a real estate investment trust that invests in properties serving the healthcare industry. January 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 4.2% to $0.50 per share. The dividend is payable February 22, 2012 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 6, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 4.8%.
Seagate Technology Public Limited Company (STX, Financial) designs, manufactures, markets, and sells hard disk drives for enterprise, client compute, and client non-compute market applications worldwide. January 26, the company increased its quarterly dividend 39% to $0.25 per share, an increase of 39%. The dividend is payable on March 1 to shareholders of record on February 15. The yield based on the new payout is 5.1%.
Parker Hannifin Corporation (PH, Financial) manufactures fluid power systems, electromechanical controls, and related components worldwide. January 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 5% to $0.39 per share. The dividend is dividend payable March 2, 2012 to shareholders of record as of Feb. 10, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.9%.
Old National Bancorp (ONB, Financial) operates as a holding company for Old National Bank, which provides financial services to individuals and commercial customers primarily in Indiana, eastern and southeastern Illinois, and central and western Kentucky. January 26, the company increased its quarterly dividend 28.6% to $0.09 per share. The dividend is payable March 15, 2012, to shareholders of record on March 1, 2012. The ex-date of the cash dividend is Feb. 28, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.0%.
Allete Inc. (ALE, Financial) primarily engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of coal-fired, hydro, wind, and biomass co-fired power in the U.S. January 26, the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.4% to $0.46 per share. The dividend is payable March 1 to common shareholders of record at the close of business Feb. 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 4.4%.
Eaton Corporation (ETN, Financial) operates as a power management company worldwide. January 26, the company increased its quarterly dividend 12% to $0.38 per common share. The dividend is payable Feb. 24, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 6, 2012. Eaton has paid dividends on its common shares every year since 1923. The yield based on the new payout is 3.1%.
Home BancShares Inc. (HOMB) operates as a holding company for the Centennial Bank that provides various commercial and retail banking, and related financial products and services. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend 85% to $0.10 per share. The dividend is payable March 7, 2012, to shareholders of record Feb. 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.5%.
SJW Corp. (SJW) engages in the production, purchase, storage, purification, distribution, wholesale, and retail sale of water. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend 2.9% to $0.1775 per share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 6, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.0%.
RPC Inc. (RES) provides a range of oilfield services and equipment primarily to independent oil and gas companies engaged in the exploration, production, and development of oil and gas properties. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.12 per share. The dividend is payable March 9, 2012 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 10, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.3%.
Ball Corporation (BLL) supplies metal packaging to the beverage, food, and household products industries worldwide. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend 43% to $0.10 per share. The dividend is payable March 15, 2012, to shareholders of record on March 1, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.1%.
Energen Corporation (EGN), an energy holding company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the continental U.S. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.7% to $0.14 per share. The dividend is payable March 1, 2012, to shareholders of record on February 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.0%.
National Penn Bancshares Inc. (NPBC) operates as the bank holding company for National Penn Bank that provides commercial banking products and services to residents and businesses. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.05 per share. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record as of Feb. 4, 2012 on Feb. 17, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.3%.
Applied Industrial Technologies Inc. (ATI, Financial) distributes industrial products for maintenance, repair, and operational needs of machinery and equipment in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend 11% to $0.21 per share. The dividend is payable on Feb. 29, 2012, to shareholders of record on Feb. 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.2%.
Provident Financial Holdings Inc. (PROV) operates as the holding company for Provident Savings Bank, F.S.B. that provides community banking and mortgage banking services to consumers and small to mid-sized businesses. January 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 33% to $0.04 per share. Shareholders of the company's common stock at the close of business on Feb. 15, 2012 will be entitled to receive the cash dividend. The cash dividend will be payable on March 9, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.7%.
Healthcare Services Group Inc. (HCSG) provides housekeeping, laundry, linen, facility maintenance and dietary services to nursing homes, retirement complexes, rehabilitation centers and hospitals in the U.S. January 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 0.8% to $0.16125 per common share, payable on March 16, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business Feb. 24, 2012. This represents the 35th consecutive regular quarterly cash dividend payment, as well as the 34th consecutive increase since our initiation of regular quarterly cash dividend payments in 2003. The yield based on the new payout is 3.6%.
Rollins Inc. (ROL) provides pest and termite control services to residential and commercial customers in North America. January 24, the company increased its quarterly divided 14.3% to $0.08 per share. The dividend is payable March 9, 2012 to stockholders of record at the close of business Feb. 10, 2012. This marks the tenth consecutive year the Board has increased its dividend a minimum of 12% or greater. The yield based on the new payout is 1.4%.
Bar Harbor Bankshares (BHB) operates as the holding company for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust that provides various banking products and services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations and municipalities. January 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.8% to $0.285 per share. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record as of the close of business Feb. 15, 2012 and will be paid on March 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.8%.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC, Financial) engages in the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods primarily in the U.S. January 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 9.3% to $0.47 per share. The increased dividend is payable on March 10, to stockholders of record on February 3. The yield based on the new payout is 2.5%.
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc. (BSET) engages in the manufacture, marketing and retail of branded home furnishings in the U.S. January 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 43% to $0.05 per share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business Feb. 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.6%.
Spectra Energy Partners LP (SEP, Financial) operates as an investment arm of Spectra Energy Corp. Spectra Energy Partners LP, through its subsidiaries, engages in the transportation of natural gas through interstate pipeline systems, and the storage of natural gas. January 23, the company increased its quarterly distribution 1.1% to $0.47 per unit. This is the 17th consecutive quarter that Spectra Energy Partners has increased its quarterly cash distribution. The cash distribution is payable on Feb. 14, 2012, to unitholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 2, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 5.6%.
Twin Disc Inc. (TWIN) engages in the design, manufacture and sale of marine and heavy duty off-highway power transmission equipment. January 23rd the company increased its quarterly dividend 12.5% to $0.09 per share. The dividend is payable payable March 1, 2012, to shareholders of record on Feb. 10, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.1%.
Wisconsin Energy Corporation (WEC) engages in the generation, distribution, and sale of electric energy and steam. January 21st the company increased its quarterly dividend 15.4% to $0.30 per share. The dividend is payable March 1, 2012, to stockholders of record on Feb. 14, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.5%.
Dominion Resources Inc. (D, Financial) engages in producing and transporting energy in the United States. January 20th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7.1% to $0.5275 cents per share of common stock. Dividends are payable on March 20, 2012, to shareholders of record March 2, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 4.2%.
Selecting stocks with increasing dividends is critical for an income growth strategy. The above list contains stocks that recently raised their dividends and those expected to in 2012; 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 HCP. See a list of all my dividend growth holdings here.
Related Posts
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- 4 Secrets To Finding The Best Dividend Stocks
- 7 Undervalued, Big-Name Stocks To Consider For Your Dividend Portfolio
- 5 Dividend Stocks In Need Of A Market Correction
- My Top And Bottom Performing Dividend Growth Stocks
Below are several companies that are increasing shareholder wealth by raising their cash dividends:
Peoples Bancorp Inc. (PEBO, Financial) operates as a holding company for Peoples Bank, National Association that provides financial products and services. January 26, the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.11 per share. The dividend is payable Feb. 21, 2012, to shareholders of record on Feb. 6, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.
Washington Banking Company (WBCO, Financial) operates as the bank holding company for Whidbey Island Bank that provides community commercial banking services in northwestern Washington. January 26, the company increased its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.06 per share. The dividend is payable on Feb. 22, 2012 to shareholder of record on February 6. The yield based on the new payout is 2.0%.
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG, Financial) and its subsidiaries provide insurance brokerage and risk management services to various commercial, industrial, institutional, and governmental organizations. January 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 3% to $0.34 per share. The dividend is payable on April 13, 2012 to stockholders of record as of March 30, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 4.1%.
HCP Inc. (HCP, Financial) is a real estate investment trust that invests in properties serving the healthcare industry. January 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 4.2% to $0.50 per share. The dividend is payable February 22, 2012 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 6, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 4.8%.
Seagate Technology Public Limited Company (STX, Financial) designs, manufactures, markets, and sells hard disk drives for enterprise, client compute, and client non-compute market applications worldwide. January 26, the company increased its quarterly dividend 39% to $0.25 per share, an increase of 39%. The dividend is payable on March 1 to shareholders of record on February 15. The yield based on the new payout is 5.1%.
Parker Hannifin Corporation (PH, Financial) manufactures fluid power systems, electromechanical controls, and related components worldwide. January 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 5% to $0.39 per share. The dividend is dividend payable March 2, 2012 to shareholders of record as of Feb. 10, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.9%.
Old National Bancorp (ONB, Financial) operates as a holding company for Old National Bank, which provides financial services to individuals and commercial customers primarily in Indiana, eastern and southeastern Illinois, and central and western Kentucky. January 26, the company increased its quarterly dividend 28.6% to $0.09 per share. The dividend is payable March 15, 2012, to shareholders of record on March 1, 2012. The ex-date of the cash dividend is Feb. 28, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.0%.
Allete Inc. (ALE, Financial) primarily engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of coal-fired, hydro, wind, and biomass co-fired power in the U.S. January 26, the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.4% to $0.46 per share. The dividend is payable March 1 to common shareholders of record at the close of business Feb. 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 4.4%.
Eaton Corporation (ETN, Financial) operates as a power management company worldwide. January 26, the company increased its quarterly dividend 12% to $0.38 per common share. The dividend is payable Feb. 24, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 6, 2012. Eaton has paid dividends on its common shares every year since 1923. The yield based on the new payout is 3.1%.
Home BancShares Inc. (HOMB) operates as a holding company for the Centennial Bank that provides various commercial and retail banking, and related financial products and services. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend 85% to $0.10 per share. The dividend is payable March 7, 2012, to shareholders of record Feb. 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.5%.
SJW Corp. (SJW) engages in the production, purchase, storage, purification, distribution, wholesale, and retail sale of water. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend 2.9% to $0.1775 per share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 6, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.0%.
RPC Inc. (RES) provides a range of oilfield services and equipment primarily to independent oil and gas companies engaged in the exploration, production, and development of oil and gas properties. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.12 per share. The dividend is payable March 9, 2012 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 10, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.3%.
Ball Corporation (BLL) supplies metal packaging to the beverage, food, and household products industries worldwide. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend 43% to $0.10 per share. The dividend is payable March 15, 2012, to shareholders of record on March 1, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.1%.
Energen Corporation (EGN), an energy holding company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the continental U.S. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.7% to $0.14 per share. The dividend is payable March 1, 2012, to shareholders of record on February 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.0%.
National Penn Bancshares Inc. (NPBC) operates as the bank holding company for National Penn Bank that provides commercial banking products and services to residents and businesses. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.05 per share. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record as of Feb. 4, 2012 on Feb. 17, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.3%.
Applied Industrial Technologies Inc. (ATI, Financial) distributes industrial products for maintenance, repair, and operational needs of machinery and equipment in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. January 25, the company increased its quarterly dividend 11% to $0.21 per share. The dividend is payable on Feb. 29, 2012, to shareholders of record on Feb. 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.2%.
Provident Financial Holdings Inc. (PROV) operates as the holding company for Provident Savings Bank, F.S.B. that provides community banking and mortgage banking services to consumers and small to mid-sized businesses. January 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 33% to $0.04 per share. Shareholders of the company's common stock at the close of business on Feb. 15, 2012 will be entitled to receive the cash dividend. The cash dividend will be payable on March 9, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.7%.
Healthcare Services Group Inc. (HCSG) provides housekeeping, laundry, linen, facility maintenance and dietary services to nursing homes, retirement complexes, rehabilitation centers and hospitals in the U.S. January 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 0.8% to $0.16125 per common share, payable on March 16, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business Feb. 24, 2012. This represents the 35th consecutive regular quarterly cash dividend payment, as well as the 34th consecutive increase since our initiation of regular quarterly cash dividend payments in 2003. The yield based on the new payout is 3.6%.
Rollins Inc. (ROL) provides pest and termite control services to residential and commercial customers in North America. January 24, the company increased its quarterly divided 14.3% to $0.08 per share. The dividend is payable March 9, 2012 to stockholders of record at the close of business Feb. 10, 2012. This marks the tenth consecutive year the Board has increased its dividend a minimum of 12% or greater. The yield based on the new payout is 1.4%.
Bar Harbor Bankshares (BHB) operates as the holding company for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust that provides various banking products and services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations and municipalities. January 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.8% to $0.285 per share. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record as of the close of business Feb. 15, 2012 and will be paid on March 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.8%.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC, Financial) engages in the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods primarily in the U.S. January 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 9.3% to $0.47 per share. The increased dividend is payable on March 10, to stockholders of record on February 3. The yield based on the new payout is 2.5%.
Bassett Furniture Industries Inc. (BSET) engages in the manufacture, marketing and retail of branded home furnishings in the U.S. January 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 43% to $0.05 per share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business Feb. 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.6%.
Spectra Energy Partners LP (SEP, Financial) operates as an investment arm of Spectra Energy Corp. Spectra Energy Partners LP, through its subsidiaries, engages in the transportation of natural gas through interstate pipeline systems, and the storage of natural gas. January 23, the company increased its quarterly distribution 1.1% to $0.47 per unit. This is the 17th consecutive quarter that Spectra Energy Partners has increased its quarterly cash distribution. The cash distribution is payable on Feb. 14, 2012, to unitholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 2, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 5.6%.
Twin Disc Inc. (TWIN) engages in the design, manufacture and sale of marine and heavy duty off-highway power transmission equipment. January 23rd the company increased its quarterly dividend 12.5% to $0.09 per share. The dividend is payable payable March 1, 2012, to shareholders of record on Feb. 10, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.1%.
Wisconsin Energy Corporation (WEC) engages in the generation, distribution, and sale of electric energy and steam. January 21st the company increased its quarterly dividend 15.4% to $0.30 per share. The dividend is payable March 1, 2012, to stockholders of record on Feb. 14, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.5%.
Dominion Resources Inc. (D, Financial) engages in producing and transporting energy in the United States. January 20th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7.1% to $0.5275 cents per share of common stock. Dividends are payable on March 20, 2012, to shareholders of record March 2, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 4.2%.
Selecting stocks with increasing dividends is critical for an income growth strategy. The above list contains stocks that recently raised their dividends and those expected to in 2012; 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 HCP. See a list of all my dividend growth holdings here.
Related Posts
- 11 Higher Yielding, Lower Risk Stocks To Perk Up Your Dividend Income
- 4 Secrets To Finding The Best Dividend Stocks
- 7 Undervalued, Big-Name Stocks To Consider For Your Dividend Portfolio
- 5 Dividend Stocks In Need Of A Market Correction
- My Top And Bottom Performing Dividend Growth Stocks
