Friday, September 16, 2011

10 Dividend Stocks Increasing Dividends Like A Champion

There are winners and there are champions in every walk of life. The difference is subtle, but very real. A champion is driven for success and will not let anything stand in its way. Some dividend stocks can be classified as champions. A bad economy, tight credit markets and a dark cloud of uncertainty are enough send some dividend companies running for the exit. However, these are the times that champions stand firm.

This week a few companies answered the call and rewarded their shareholders with higher cash dividends:

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TXN) engages in the design and sale of semiconductors to electronics designers and manufacturers worldwide. September 15th the company increased its dividend 31% to $0.17 per share. The dividend is payable on payable November 21, 2011, to stockholders of record on October 31, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.5%.

Umpqua Holdings Corporation (UMBQ) operates as the bank holding company for Umpqua Bank that provides commercial and retail banking services to corporate, institutional, and individual customers. September 15th the company increased its quarterly dividend 40% to $0.07 per share. The dividend is payable on October 14, 2011 to shareholders of record as of September 30, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.8%.

Newcastle Investment Corp. (NCT) operates as a real estate investment and finance company that invests in and manages a portfolio consisting primarily of real estate securities. September 14th the company increased its quarterly dividend 50% to $0.15 per share. The dividend is payable on October 28, 2011 to shareholders of record on October 3, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 10.3%.

YUM! Brands, Inc. (YUM) operates as a quick service restaurant company in the United States and internationally. September 14th the company increased its quarterly dividend 14% to $0.285 per share. The dividend is payable on November 4, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 14, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.1%.

Developers Diversified Realty Corporation (DDR) operates as a real estate investment trust and engages in acquiring, developing, redeveloping, owning, leasing, and managing shopping centers. September 14th the company increased its quarterly dividend 50% to $0.06 per share. The dividend is payable October 11, to shareholders of record on September 27. The yield based on the new payout is 2.1%.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (CBRL) primarily engages in the operation and development of the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurant. September 13th the company increased its quarterly dividend 13.6% to $0.25 per share. The dividend is payable on November 7, 2011 to shareholders of record as of October 21, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.5%.

Flexsteel Industries, Inc. (FLXS) manufactures, imports, and markets residential and commercial upholstered and wooden furniture products. September 12th the company increased its quarterly dividend 33% to $0.10 per share. The dividend is payable on October 6, 2011 to shareholders of record as of September 22, 2011. Flexsteel has paid cash dividends each year since 1938 on its common stock. This is the 279th consecutive cash dividend. The yield based on the new payout is 2.7%

Frisch's Restaurants, Inc. (FRS) operates restaurants in the United States. September 12th the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.2% to $0.16 per share. The dividend is payable on October 10, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 26, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.6%.

Brady Corporation (BRC) manufactures and markets identification solutions and specialty products that identify and protect premises, products, and people. September 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend 2.8% to $0.185 per share. The dividend is payable on October 31, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 10, 2011. This dividend represents the 26th consecutive annual increase in dividends. The yield based on the new payout is 2.7%.

The Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB) engages in finding, producing, gathering, processing, and transporting natural gas. September 6th the company increased its quarterly dividend 25% to $1.00 per share. The dividend is effective with Williams' quarterly dividend to be paid in December 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.8%.

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 dividend growth holdings here.

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