4 Recent Dividend Increases

What separates income investors from dividend investors is the concept of a growing dividend. This dividend growth is the life-blood of a thriving dividend portfolio. The income derived from a quality, well-diversified portfolio is much more predictable than capital gains and the good companies routinely raise their dividends well in excess of the inflation rate.

Recently, the following companies announced increased cash dividends:

RPM International (RPM) makes specialty coatings and products for the structural waterproofing and corrosion control markets. January 5th the company increased its quarterly dividend 2.5% to $0.205/share. The dividend is payable on January 29, 2010 to stockholders of record as of January 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is January 13, 2009. RPM is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 37 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 4.04%.

Calumet Specialty Products (CLMT) operates refineries in Louisiana and facilities in Pennsylvania and Texas with product distribution throughout North America. January 5th the company raised its quarterly distribution to $0.455/unit. The distribution is payable on February 12, 2010 to holders of record of such units at the close of business on February 2, 2010. ex-dividend date is January 29, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 9.63%.

Robbins & Myers (RBN) supplies engineered equipment and systems for critical applications in global energy, industrial, chemical and pharmaceutical markets. January 5th the company bumped its quarterly dividend to $0.0425/share. The dividend is payable on February 19, 2010 to shareholders of record as of January 21, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 0.72%.

Pentair (PNR) makes and markets water and fluid control devices, and electrical and electronic enclosures. January 7th the company increased its quarterly cash dividend 6% to $0.18/share. The the dividend is payable in the first quarter of 2010. PNR is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 34 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.26%.

Raising its dividend each year is the first step for a "Good" dividend stock to becoming a "Great" dividend stock. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive cash dividend increases, see this list.

Full Disclosure: No position in the aforementioned securities. See a list of all my income holdings here.

(Photo Credit)


Related Articles:

• Who is David Dodd and Why Should We Listen to Him
• Investment Dating Before Marriage
• Warren Buffett Quotes
• High Yield, High Risk Dividend Stocks
• Best Stocks For 2010