It is very easy for a CEO to get on a conference call and talk about confidence in the future while communicating glowing projections, but do they really believe what they are saying? Are there any actions that would make you believe what they are saying? Senior management purchasing company stock is a strong indicator of confidence in the future. Another indicator is sticking with a dividend plan, including regular increases.
Below are several select companies with a management confident enough to increase their cash dividends:
First Pactrust Bancorp, Inc. (BANC) operates as a holding company for Pacific Trust Bank that provides retail banking services primarily in San Diego and Riverside Counties, California. December 1st the company increased its quarterly dividend 4.3% to $0.12 per share. The dividend is payable on January 3, 2012 to shareholders of record as of December 16, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 4.4%.
OGE Energy Corp. (OGE) operates as an energy and energy services provider that offers physical delivery and related services for electricity and natural gas primarily in the south central United States. December 1st the company increased its quarterly dividend 4.7% to $0.3925 per share. The dividend is payable Jan. 30, 2012, to shareholders of record Jan. 10, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.0%.
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (MAA), a real estate investment trust (REIT), engages in acquiring, owning, and operating apartment communities primarily in the Sunbelt region of the United States. December 1st the company increased its quarterly dividend 5.2% to $0.66 per share. The dividend is payable on January 31, 2012 to shareholders of record on January 13, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 4.6%.
Ecolab Inc. (ECL) develops and markets products and services for the hospitality, foodservice, healthcare, and industrial markets primarily in the United States. December 1st the company increased its quarterly dividend 14% to $0.20 per share. The dividend is payable January 17, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 20, 2011.