In one form or another, I get the this question, "What do you think of the market? Where's it headed?" Normally, I politely respond as expected, but occasionally I will startle the person with a reply like, "I don't know. For me it really doesn't matter much." My investing goals are not defined by movements in the market. Instead of looking at the market and its direction, dividend investors should
focus on quality, price and ultimate value of individual stocks.
Below are several companies enriching their shareholders by raising their cash dividends:
MFA Financial (MFA) is a real estate investment trust that invests in ARM-MBS, which are primarily secured by pools of mortgages on single family residences. October 1st the trust increased its quarterly quarterly dividend 18% to $0.225/share. The dividend is payable on October 29, 2010 to stockholders of record on October 12, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 7, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 11.39%.
American Financial Group (AFG) provides specialty and multi-line property and casualty insurance, and sells tax-deferred annuities. October 1st the company raised its quarterly dividend 18% to $0.1625/share. The dividend is payable on October 25, 2010 to holders of record on October 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 13, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.15%.
Thor Industries (THO) is engaged in manufacturing and selling a range of recreation vehicles, and small and mid-size buses. October 1st the company increased its quarterly dividend 43% to $0.10/share. The dividend is payable on October 29, 2010 to shareholders of record on October 18, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 14, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.15%.
WD-40 Company (WDFC) produces WD-40 and 3-IN-ONE Oil lubricants; Lava and Solvol heavy-duty hand cleaners; and X-14, 2000 Flushes, Carpet Fresh and Spot Shot household cleaning products. October 1st the company raised its quarterly dividend 8% to $0.27/share. The yield based on the new payout is 2.76%.