In a down-market when many people are rushing to buy gold, I take comfort that I already have mine. No, not that kind, but something much better! A growing stream of dividend income from solid companies. While everyone else is panicked about their portfolio's decline, I see a downturn as an incredible buying opportunity. Lower prices, rising yields and growing dividends, its hard to beat that combination.
Below are several select companies that recently announced dividend increases:
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (CHRW), a third-party logistics company, provides multimodal freight transportation services and logistics solutions to companies in various industries worldwide. December 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 13.4% to $0.33 per share. The dividend is payable January 3, 2012, to shareholders of record on December 20, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.0%.
Edison International (EIX) engages in the supply of electric energy. December 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 1.6% to $0.325 per share. The dividend is payable January 31, 2012 to shareholders of record on December 30, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.4%.
BCE Inc. (BCE), a communications company, provides wireline voice and wireless communications services, Internet access, data services, and video services to residential, business, and wholesale customers in Canada. December 8th the company increased its annual dividend 5% to $2.17 per share. The dividend is payable on April 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 5.5%.
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) provides various insurance and reinsurance products to insureds and reinsureds worldwide. December 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 4% to $0.24 per share. The dividend is payable on January 17, 2012 to the shareholders of record at the close of business on December 30, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.1%.
U-Store-It Trust (CUBE) operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT). December 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 14% to $0.08 per share. The dividend is payable on January 15, 2012 to shareholders of record on January 5, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.2%.
National Health Investors, Inc. (NHI), a real estate investment trust (REIT), invests in health care properties, primarily in the long-term care industry in the United States. December 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 5.7% to $0.65 per share. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record on December 31, 2011 and payable on January 31, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 6.1%.
Dynex Capital, Inc. (DX) operates as a mortgage real estate investment trust (REIT).