Have you ever noticed those that most vehemently attack a buy-and-hold strategy really don't understand how the strategy works? They confuse a buy-and-hold strategy with day-trading with a longer duration. A true implementation of buy-and-hold includes a focus on blue-chip stocks with a sustainable advantage, along with a reasonable asset allocation framework. One sign of a blue-chip stock is a long string of dividend increases.
Below are several companies that have recently raised the bar by increasing their cash dividends:
Belo Corp. (BLC) operates as a television company owning 20 television stations. March 1st the company increased its quarterly dividend 60% to $0.08 per share. The dividend is payable on June 1, 2012, to shareholders of record on May 11, 2012 for each outstanding share of Series A common stock and Series B common stock. The yield based on the new payout is 4.4%.
Taubman Centers, Inc. (TCO) operates as a real estate investment trust. March 1st the company increased its quarterly dividend 2.8% to $0.4625 per share. The dividend is payable March 30, 2012 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.7%.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) operates retail stores in various formats worldwide. March 1st the company increased its quarterly dividend 9% to $0.3975 per share. The dividend is payable April 4, 2012 to shareholders of record on March 12, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.7%.
Excel Trust, Inc. (EXL) engages in financing, developing, leasing, owning and managing community and power centers, grocery anchored neighborhood centers and freestanding retail properties. February 29th the company increased its quarterly dividend 1.6% to $0.1625 per share. The dividend is payable April 16, 2012 to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 5.4%.
Weingarten Realty Investors (WRI) operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT). The company engages in the management, acquisition, and development of real estate. February 29th the company increased its quarterly dividend 5.5% to $0.29 per share. The dividend is payable on March 15, 2012 to shareholders of record on March 12, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 4.5%.
Old Republic International Corporation (ORI) provides various insurance and mortgage guaranty products in North America. February 29ththe company increased its quarterly dividend 1.4% to $0.1775 per share. The dividend is payable March 20, 2012, to shareholders of record on March 12, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 6.5%.
Deere & Company (DE) provides products and services primarily for agriculture and forestry worldwide. February 29th the company increased its quarterly dividend 12% to $0.46 per share. The dividend is payable on May 1, 2012 to stockholders of record on March 30, 2012.