Dividend growth investing in its classic form focuses on identifying solid companies with a long record of growing their dividends each year; and an expectation that they will continue to do so into the future. The focus is not solely on yield but a combination of yield and dividend growth. Often it is the lower yield, higher growth, security that will provide the best return over time.
Here are several stocks living up to shareholders' expectations by raising their cash dividends:
Sunoco, Inc. (SUN) refines and markets petroleum products, and manufactures chemicals in the United States. February 2nd the company increased its quarterly dividend 33% to $0.20 per share. The dividend is payable March 8, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.4%.
CME Group Inc. (CME) operates the CME, CBOT, NYMEX, and COMEX regulatory exchanges worldwide. February 2nd the company increased its quarterly dividend 59% to $2.23 per share. The dividend is payable on March 26, 2012, to shareholders of record as of March 9, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.4%.
Bemis Company, Inc. (BMS) manufactures and sells flexible packaging products and pressure sensitive materials. February 2nd the company increased its quarterly dividend 4.2% to $0.25 per share compared to the previous quarterly dividend of 24 cents per share. The cash dividend is payable on March 1, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 15, 2012. This marks the 29th consecutive year that the Company has increased its dividend payment. The yield based on the new payout is 3.2%.
Microchip Technology Incorporated (MCHP) engages in the design, development, manufacture, and market of semiconductor products for embedded control applications. February 2nd the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.349 per share. The dividend is payable on March 6, 2012, to stockholders of record on February 21, 2012. Microchip initiated quarterly cash dividend payments in the third quarter of fiscal year 2003. The yield based on the new payout is 3.7%.
Preferred Apartment Communities, Inc. (APTS) is a Maryland corporation formed primarily to acquire and operate multifamily properties in select targeted markets throughout the United States. February 2nd the company increased its quarterly dividend 4% to $0.13 per share. The dividend is payable April 16, 2012 to all common stockholders of record as of March 30, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 8.5%.
Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of games and toys, and other entertainment offerings worldwide.February 2nd the company increased its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.36 per share. The dividend is payable on May 15, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 1, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 4.1%.
TECO Energy, Inc. (TE) an electric and gas utility company engages in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric energy. February 2nd the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.5% to $0.22 per share. The dividend is payable Feb.