Dividend stocks are sometimes referred to as defensive stocks since many investors flee to them in an economic downturn. Their dividends, if sustainable, provide a minimum level of positive return. This cushions the downward pressure from the market. Better yet, great dividend companies not only sustain their dividends in a downturn - they actually raise them.
Below are several stocks displaying confidence in the future by increasing their cash dividends:
United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS), a package delivery company, provides transportation, logistics, and financial services in the United States and internationally. February 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend 9.6% to $0.57 per share. The dividend is payable March 7, 2012, to shareholders of record on Feb. 21, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.0%.
Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) operates as an oil and gas exploration and production company primarily in the United States. February 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend 17% to $0.54 per share. The dividend is payable on April 15, 2012, to stockholders of record as of March 9, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.1%.
3M Company (MMM) operates as a diversified technology company worldwide. February 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7% to $0.59 per share. The dividend is payable on March 12, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 17, 2012. 3M has paid dividends to its shareholders without interruption for more than 95 years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.7%.
Lorillard, Inc. (LO) engages in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States. February 9th the company increased its quarterly dividend 19% to $1.55 per share. The dividend is payable on March 9, 2012 to stockholders of record as of March 1, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 5.0%.
Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (DPS), an integrated brand owner, engages in the manufacture and distribution of non-alcoholic beverages in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. February 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 6.3% to $0.34 per share. The dividend is payable on April 6, 2012, to shareholders of record as of close of business on March 19, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.6%.
Omnicom Group Inc. (OMC) and its subsidiaries provide advertising, marketing, and corporate communications services. February 8th the company increased its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.30 per share. The dividend is payable on April 2, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2012.