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:

Brinker (EAT) operates or franchises over 1,700 casual dining restaurants, including more than 1,500 Chili's, and owns a minority interest in Romano's Macaroni Grill. March 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 27% to $0.14/share. The yield based on the new payout is 2.95%.

Todd Shipyards (TOD) a shipyard and dry dock facilities in the Pacific Northwest. March 29th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.075/share. The dividend is payable June 23, 2010 to all shareholders of record as of June 8, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.83%.

Wayne Savings (WAYN) is the holding company for two bank subsidiaries that operate banking offices in Ohio. March 29th the company increases its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.06/share. The dividend is payable on April 28, 2010 to stockholders of record as of April 14, 2010. The ex-dividend date is April 12, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.84%.

Oxford Industries (OXM) produces branded and private label apparel for men, women, and children. March 30th the company raised its quarterly dividend 22% to $0.11/share. The dividend is payable on April 30, 2010 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is April 13, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.16%.

In addition to the above dividend raisers, two Dividend Achiever declared regular quarterly cash dividends. March 26th AT&T (T) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.42/share with a 6.50% yield [Analysis]. The dividend is payable on May 3, 2010, to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 9, 2010. Also, McCormick & Company (MKC) on March 31st declared a quarterly dividend of $0.26/share with a 2.70% yield. The dividend is payable April 26, 2010, to shareholders of record on April 12, 2010. The ex-dividend date is April 8, 2010.

It is a cute trick to turn one dollar into five, but great dividend stocks grow their payout on a consistent basis. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive cash dividend increases, see this list.

Full Disclosure: Long T. See a list of all my income holdings here.

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