Dividend investing is all the rage these days. One of the reasons is that dividend investors tend to earn the same amount of equity returns, but with lower risk and volatility. However, they should only seek safe dividends, which can grow at least as fast as inflation, so that they are not losing the
purchasing power of their money over time. Particularly appealing are companies which have a record of consistent dividend increases. Companies that make a point of raising dividends every year will continue to do so and typically have a long record that's built in with a remarkable degree or stability and predictability. When these companies announce a dividend increase, they show their confidence that the business model that has produced a long string of consecutive dividend increases is still working.
I have highlighted several companies, which have raised distributions for over five consecutive years, and which also announced dividend increases over the past week:
3M Company (
MMM) , together with its subsidiaries, operates as a diversified technology company worldwide. It operates in six segments: Industrial and Transportation; Health Care; Consumer and Office; Safety, Security and Protection Services; Display and Graphics; and Electro and Communications. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 4.80% to 55 cents/share. This marked the 53rd consecutive annual dividend increase for this
dividend king. This dividend growth stock has managed to increase distributions by 6.10% per year over the past decade. Yield: 2.40% (
analysis)
Diebold, Incorporated (
DBD) provides integrated self-service delivery and security systems and services primarily to the financial, commercial, government, and retail markets worldwide. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 3.70% to 28 cents/share. This marked the 58th consecutive annual dividend increase for this
dividend king. This dividend growth stock has managed to increase distributions by 5.70% per year over the past decade. Yield: 3.50%
Parker Hannifin Corporation (
PH) manufactures fluid power systems, electromechanical controls, and related components. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 10.30% to 32 cents/share. This marked the 55th consecutive annual dividend increase for this
dividend champion. This dividend growth stock has managed to increase distributions by 9% per year over the past decade. Yield: 1.40%
Beckman Coulter, Inc. (
BEC) provides biomedical testing instrument systems, tests, and supplies for clinical laboratories worldwide. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 5.60% to 19 cents/share. This marked the 18th consecutive annual dividend increase for this
dividend achiever. This dividend growth stock has managed to increase distributions by 8.40% per year over the past decade. Unfortunately, the company's dividend history will be cut short because it is being acquired by Danaher (DHR). Yield: 0.90%
Bemis Company, Inc. (
BMS) manufactures and sells flexible packaging products and pressure sensitive materials in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, and Asia. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 4.40% to 24 cents/share.