As more and more large cap companies unveiled their results, there were many dividend announcements as well. Other large cap companies such as Intel, Microsoft, IBM and Google released quarterly results and provided guidance for future quarters. Other companies such as Bank of America set a negative tone with their most recent dividend cut, while others like
General Electric provided reassurance that their dividend and triple A rating are safe and will be maintained. Despite the negative news several notable dividend increases occurred over the past week. This has been the most dividend increases I have seen since I began
reviewing weekly changes in dividend policies for US publicly traded entities in 2008.
Polaris Industries Inc. (PII) announced that its Board has approved a 3% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.39 per common share. Polaris Industries Inc. is a
dividend achiever, which has consistently increased its dividends for 14 years. The stock currently yields 6.40%.
Pall Corporation (PLL) announced that its Board has approved an 11.50% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.145 per common share. Pall Corporationis has consistently increased its dividends since 2005. The stock currently yields 2.00%.
Canadian National Railway (CNI) announced that its Board has approved a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend. Canadian National Railway is an international
dividend achiever, which has consistently increased its dividends for 13 consecutive years. The stock currently yields 2.30%. The company has managed to double its dividends every four to five years since 1996.
Westamerica Bancorporation (WABC) announced that its Board has approved an increase in its quarterly dividends from $0.35 to $0.36 per common share. Westamerica Bancorporation is a
dividend achiever, which has consistently increased its dividends for 17 years. The stock currently yields 3.10%.
ALLETE, Inc. (ALE), which engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and marketing of electrical power, announced that its Board has approved a 2.3% increase in its quarterly dividends to $0.44 per common share.
