If income investing were as simple as picking the stock with the highest yield, everyone would be an expert. Most assume (rightfully so) that yield is heavily influenced by risk, but much more goes into determining yield. The industry the company operates in, legal considerations (REITs and MLPs), maturity and growth potential all have an effect on an individual stock's yield, along with the company's ability to grow its dividend.
Below are several companies confident and secure enough in their business to increase their cash dividends:
Air Products (APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. March 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 18% to $0.58/share. The dividend is payable on May 9, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 1, 2011. This marks the 29th consecutive year that Air Products has increased its dividend payment. The yield based on the new payout is 2.7%.
Independent Bank Corp. (INDB) is a full-service community bank serving southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island. March 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 6% to $0.19/share dividend which is payable on April 8, 2011, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 28, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.0%.
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., (WASH) offers a full range of financial services, including commercial banking, small business banking, personal banking, and wealth management and trust services. March 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 4.8% to $0.22/share. The dividend will be paid on April 14, 2011 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 4.0%.
Patterson Companies, Inc. (PDCO) is a value-added distributor serving the dental, companion-pet veterinarian and rehabilitation supply markets. March 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.12/share. The dividend is payable on April 28, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 11, 2011.