4 Major Corporations Increasing Dividends

Last week saw even more notable dividend increases as companies from many sectors showed confidence not only in their ability to generate increasing profits, but also to share the wealth with their owners.

BB&T Corporation (BBT), which is a financial holding company, announced that its Board has approved a 2.20% increase in its quarterly dividend from $0.46 to $0.47 per common share. BB&T Corporation is a dividend aristocrat which has consistently increased its dividends for 38 consecutive years. The stock currently yields 6.30%. Check out my analysis of BBT from this link.

Eli Lilly (LLY), which engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of pharmaceutical products, announced that its Board has approved a 4.3% increase in its quarterly dividend from $0.47 to $0.49 per common share. Eli Lilly is a dividend aristocrat which has consistently increased for 42 consecutive years.. The stock currently yields 5.30%.

Waste Management, Inc. (WMI), which provides integrated waste services in the United States and internationally, announced that its Board has approved a 7.40% increase in its quarterly dividend from $0.27 to $0.29 per common share. Waste Management, Inc. has consistently increased its dividends since 2004. The stock currently yields 3.40%.

Boeing (BA), which engages in the design, development, manufacture, sale, and support of commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight, and launch systems and services worldwide, announced that its Board has approved a 5% increase in its quarterly dividend from $0.40 to $0.42 per common share. Boeinghas consistently increased its dividends since 2004. The stock currently yields 4.10%.

None of the stocks that raised their dividends fit my entry criteria at this time. I would add LLY and BBT to my screen in case their payouts become more reasonable.

Comments

[BlueOkie:]

What is your entry criteria?

2008 Dec 23 08:51 AM

[Dirk:]

Since BB&T has its piggy lil snout in the TARP slop pail, the term that springs to mind is "fraudulent conveyance"

2008 Dec 23 12:35 PM

[Dividend Gr...:]

50% or less payout ratio, or if over not too over its 10 year average

3% dividend yield

At least 5% dividend growth

Consecutive increases for 25 years in a row ( or 10 years but that would be a reduced position most probably)

On Dec 23 08:51 AM BlueOkie wrote:

> What is your entry criteria?

2008 Dec 23 06:20 PM