You expect your employer to give you a salary increase periodically. Why wouldn't you expect the same from your investments? One of the most important aspects of a dividend stock is its ability to consistency raise dividends over time.
This week a few companies made their shareholders happy by giving them an increase in cash dividends:
Northwestern Corp. (NWE) provides electricity and natural gas in Montana, South
Dakota, and Nebraska. February 12th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.34/share. The dividend is payable on March 31, 2010, to common shareholders of record as of March 15, 2010, the ex-dividend date is March 11, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 5.42%.
Hubbell (HUB.A) produces electrical and electronic products for commercial, industrial, telecommunications, utility and residential applications. February 12the the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.36/share. The dividend will be paid on April 9, 2010 to shareholders of record on March 8, 2010. The ex-dividend date is March 4, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.19%.
Genuine Parts (GPC) is a leading wholesale distributor of automotive replacement parts, industrial parts and supplies, and office products. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 3% to $0.41/share. The dividend is payable April 1, 2010 to shareholders of record March 5, 2010. The ex-dividend date is March 3, 2010. GPC is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 54 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 4.03%.
Cooper Industries (CBE) is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of electrical products, tools, and hardware. February 16th the company increases its quarterly dividend to $0.27/share. The dividend will be paid on April 1, 2010 to shareholders of record as of February 26, 2010. The ex-dividend date is February 24, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.27%.
PSEG (PEG) is the holding company for Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G), with a service area that encompasses 70% of New Jersey. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.0% to $0.3425/share. The dividend rate is $1.37 annualized. The first dividend in 2010 is payable on March 31, 2010, to shareholders of record on March 10, 2010.