Of the thousands of stocks that trade on U.S. exchanges, the list of Dividend Aristocrats includes only a handful of companies that have been able to raise their dividend payouts every year for a quarter century or longer. Yet the Aristocrats define dividend growth as any increase in the payout, no matter how small, and so some stocks demonstrate better growth prospects than others.
Until recently, Consolidated Edison (NYSE: ED ) was arguably one of those stocks that made the Aristocrats list on a technicality, as it had made minimal half-penny increases in its quarterly payout for more than 15 years. But this past year, the utility boosted its dividend by a full penny, and while that's small, it could be significant in signaling an acceleration of its dividend increases. Let's take a closer look at Consolidated Edison to see whether this faster dividend growth is likely to continue.
Dividend stats on Consolidated Edison
Current Quarterly Dividend Per Share
Top Retail Stocks To Watch For 2015: Hudson City Bancorp Inc.(HCBK)
Hudson City Bancorp, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Hudson City Savings Bank that provides a range of retail banking services. It offers a range of deposit accounts, including passbook and statement savings accounts, interest-bearing transaction accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, and time deposits, as well as IRA accounts and qualified retirement plans. The company?s loan portfolio primarily comprises one-to four-family first mortgage loans for residential properties; multi-family and commercial mortgage loans; construction loans; and consumer loans, such as fixed-rate second mortgage loans and home equity credit line loans, as well as collateralized passbook loans, overdraft protection loans, automobile loans, and secured and unsecured commercial lines of credit. As of December 31, 2009, it operated 95 branches located in 17 counties throughout the State of New Jersey; 10 branch offices in Westchester County, 9 branch offices in Suffolk Cou nty, 1 branch office each in Putnam and Rockland Counties, and 6 branch offices in Richmond County; and 9 branch offices in Fairfield County, Connecticut. The company was founded in 1868 and is based in Paramus, New Jersey.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Dan Caplinger]
Beyond the Dow, Hudson City Bancorp (NASDAQ: HCBK ) has dropped more than 5% after the bank and its proposed acquirer, M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB ) , said there would be a delay in completing their merger. M&T, which has slipped almost 4%, cited regulatory concerns from the Federal Reserve over its bank secrecy and anti-money-laundering programs. Despite the two banks' plan to extend their agreement until the end of January 2014, they aren't sure the merger will be complete even by then. Shareholders will still vote on the deal later this month, but the delay has to be disconcerting for investors on both sides.
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: Hickory Tech Corporation (HTCO)
Hickory Tech Corporation provides integrated communications services to business and residential customers in the Midwest. The company operates in two segments, Business Sector and Telecom Sector. The Business Sector segment offers integrated data services, such as fiber, data and Internet, voice and voice over Internet protocol, managed and hosted, data center, equipment, and total care support services. This segment also distributes telecommunications and data processing equipment, as well as provides network and equipment monitoring, maintenance, and equipment consulting services; and offers fiber-based transport for regional and national telecommunications carriers, wireless carriers, and other providers. It serves businesses primarily in the upper Midwest. The Telecom Sector segment offers network access services; and broadband services, such as residential and business DSL access, high-speed Internet, digital TV, and business Ethernet services. It also provides local telephone, long distance, and calling features services; and directory assistance, operator service, and long distance private lines. In addition, this segment offers directory publishing, customer premise equipment sales, bill processing, and add/move/change services. It owns and operates approximately 900 mile fiber optic network and facilities in Minnesota. Hickory Tech Corporation was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Mankato, Minnesota.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Marc Bastow]
Hickory Tech (HTCO), a communications provider in several Midwest states, announced a 3% dividend increase to 15 cents per share, payable Dec. 5 to shareholders of record as of Nov. 15.
HTCO Dividend Yield: 5.5%
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: New York Mortgage Trust Inc.(NYMT)
New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) in the United States. The company engages in acquiring, investing, financing, and managing mortgage-related assets. It primarily invests in agency residential adjustable-rate, hybrid adjustable-rate, and fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities (RMBS); non-Agency RMBS; prime adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts; commercial mortgage-backed securities; commercial mortgage loans; and other commercial real estate-related debt investments. The company has elected to be taxed as a REIT and will not be subject to federal income tax if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders. New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Amanda Alix]
More mREITs stay the course, but two trim payouts
Despite suffering many tumbles and bruises, several mREITs have announced that their dividends will be unchanged from the previous quarter. Several did so last week, and yesterday saw Hatteras Financial (NYSE: HTS ) , an agency-only trust, keeping its own $0.70 per share�payout the same. Hybrid New York Mortgage Trust (NASDAQ: NYMT ) also kept its dividend stable, at $0.27 per share, in line with its four most recent distributions.
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: Cummins Inc.(CMI)
Cummins Inc. designs, manufactures, distributes, and services diesel and natural gas engines, electric power generation systems, and engine-related component products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Engine, Power Generation, Components, and Distribution. The Engine segment offers a range of diesel and natural gas powered engines under the Cummins and other customer brand names for the heavy-and medium-duty truck, bus, recreational vehicle, light-duty automotive, agricultural, construction, mining, marine, oil and gas, rail, and governmental equipment markets. This segment also provides new parts and service, as well as remanufactured parts and engines. The Power Generation segment offers power generation systems, components, and services, including diesel, natural gas, gasoline, and alternative-fuel electrical generator sets for use in recreational vehicles, commercial vehicles, recreational marine applications, and home stand-by or residential applications. This segment also provides components that make up power generation systems, such as engines, controls, alternators, transfer switches, and switchgears. The Components segment supplies filtration products, turbochargers, aftertreatment systems, intake and exhaust systems, and fuel systems for commercial diesel applications. This segment offers filtration and exhaust systems for on-and off-highway heavy-duty and mid-range equipment, as well as supplies filtration products for industrial and passenger car applications. This segment also develops after treatment and exhaust systems to help customers meet emissions standards and fuel systems. The Distribution segment provides parts and services, as well as service solutions, including maintenance contracts, engineering services, and integrated products. The company sells its products to original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and other customers. Cummins Inc. was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Columbus, Indiana.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Sean Williams]
This week, we'll turn our attention to a company that literally keeps America trucking, Cummins (NYSE: CMI ) , and I'll show you why it and its dividend could drive your portfolio to big gains.
- [By Anna Prior]
Cummins Inc.(CMI) appointed the president of its engines business, Rich Freeland, as its chief operating officer, and the company also unveiled a 25% dividend increase and the buyback of as much as an additional $1 billion of its stock.
- [By Bryan Murphy]
Look out Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:CDTI), and Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI), you may want to take notice too. Little HydroPhi Technologies Group, Inc. (OTCMKTS:HPTG) is about to make a big splash in your pool, which could make life very difficult and much easier (respectively) for the two of you. How's that? In simplest terms, all signs point to HydroPhi Technologies' diesel efficiency working quite well, saving those who use it money, while simultaneously saving the environment.
- [By Ben Levisohn]
2Q14 Machinery results are likely to reflect what we view as a still mixed but improving macroeconomic environment that we think could support pockets of strength in Machinery end markets. In particular, we think both North American truck and North American energy markets continue to improve while global construction markets look supportive of continued solid/better-than-expected results (mostly from improved margin) in Caterpillar’s Construction segment. Solid truck, energy and construction markets seem supportive of earnings for Caterpillar as well as truck suppliers Cummins (CMI) and Allison Transmission Holdings (ALSN)…
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: PPL Corporation(PPL)
PPL Corporation, an energy and utility holding company, generates and sells electricity; and delivers natural gas to approximately 5.3 million utility customers primarily in the northeastern and northwestern U.S. The company operates in four segments: Kentucky Regulated, International Regulated, Pennsylvania Regulated, and Supply. The Kentucky Regulated segment engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity; and the distribution and sale of natural gas to approximately 1.3 million customers in Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. The International Regulated segment owns and operates electricity distribution businesses in the United Kingdom that deliver electricity to 7.7 million customers. The Pennsylvania Regulated segment delivers electricity to approximately 1.4 million customers in eastern and central Pennsylvania. The Supply segment owns and operates power plants to generate electricity using coal, uranium, natural gas, oil, and water res ources; markets and trades electricity and other purchased power to wholesale and retail markets; and acquires and develops domestic generation projects. It controls or owns a portfolio of generation assets of approximately 11,000 megawatts in Montana and Pennsylvania. As of December 31, 2010, the company?s distribution system included 649 substations with a capacity of 25 million kVA, 28,838 circuit miles of overhead lines, and 24,131 cable miles of underground conductors in the United Kingdom. It also operated 377 substations with a capacity of 31 million kVA, 33,122 circuit miles of overhead lines, and 7,368 cable miles of underground conductors in Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1920 and is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Justin Loiseau]
Since 2008, sales have fallen nearly 20%, while diluted EPS is down 83%. Southern, a slightly larger company, has seen sales drop 3% while diluted EPS headed 19% higher. PP&L (NYSE: PPL ) , a slightly smaller utility than Dominion, has managed to boost revenue over 50%, but diluted EPS is just 5% above its 2008 level.
- [By Justin Loiseau]
Corporate musical chairs
AES (NYSE: AES ) announced Friday that it has added former PPL (NYSE: PPL ) CEO and Chairman James Miller to its board of directors. "Jim brings to AES' Board substantial experience in the energy industry, both in the U.S. and internationally, including in regulated utilities and competitive power markets," said AES Chairman Charles Rossotti in a statement.
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: Altria Group(MO)
Altria Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, smokeless products, and wine in the United States and internationally. It offers cigarettes under the Marlboro, Virginia Slims, Parliament, Benson & Hedges, Basic, and L&M brands; smokeless tobacco products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, Husky brands, and Marlboro snus brands; and machine-made large cigars and pipe tobacco. The company also produces and sells blended table wines under the Chateau Ste Michelle and Columbia Crest names; and distributes Antinori and Villa Maria Estate wines and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte in the United States. In addition, it maintains a portfolio of leveraged and direct finance leases in rail and surface transport, aircraft, electric power, real estate, and manufacturing. The company sells its tobacco products to wholesalers, including distributors; large retail organizations, such as chain stores; and the armed services. Altria Group, Inc. markets its wine products to restaurants, wholesale clubs, supermarkets, wine shops, and mass merchandisers. The company was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Sean Williams]
Things aren't much better here, either
Domestically, Altria (NYSE: MO ) and Reynolds American (NYSE: RAI ) have performed well, all things considered, with both stocks near an all-time high (adjusting for Altria's spinoff of Philip Morris International). However, the underlying fundamentals of the U.S. tobacco business aren't nearly as good as their stock prices would indicate. Altria laid off 15% of its workforce and Reynolds American 10% in response to falling cigarette volume. Furthermore, in President Obama's budget proposal, the federal cigarette tax would be raised 93% to $1.94 per pack, making it even more burdensome on American consumers to purchase a pack of cigarettes.� - [By Selena Maranjian]
Other companies didn't do as well last year, but could see their fortunes change in the coming years. Domestic tobacco giant Altria (NYSE: MO ) , for example, gained 8% and yields 4.8%. This company has an impressive history, but its growth prospects are more constrained these days, due to rising taxes, regulations, competition from discount cigarettes, and a shrinking smoker base. In its latest quarter, revenue shrank 3% while earnings rose 5%. Meanwhile, the latest news in the tobacco industry is that the FDA might tighten regulations on (or even ban�) menthol cigarettes, which many see as a gateway smoke for young people. A ray of hope for tobacco companies is the growth of electronic cigarettes.
Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: Genuine Parts Company (GPC)
Genuine Parts Company distributes automotive replacement parts, industrial replacement parts, office products, and electrical/electronic materials in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico. The company operates in four segments: Automotive Parts Group, Industrial Parts Group, Office Products Group, and Electrical/Electronic Materials Group. The Automotive Parts Group segment distributes automotive replacement parts for imported vehicles, trucks, SUVs, buses, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, farm vehicles, small engines, farm equipment, and heavy duty equipment. This segment also distributes accessory items used in the automotive aftermarket, such as repair shops, service stations, fleet operators, automobile and truck dealers, leasing companies, bus and truck lines, mass merchandisers, farms, industrial concerns, and individuals. It owns and operates automotive parts distribution centers and automotive parts stores under the NAPA name. The Industrial Parts G roup segment distributes industrial replacement parts and related supplies, such as bearings, mechanical power transmission, industrial automation, hose, hydraulic and pneumatic components, industrial supplies, and material handling products. This segment serves various industries, including the food, forest products, primary metal, paper, mining, automotive, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries. The Office Products Group segment involves in the wholesale distribution of a line of office and other business related products that are used in the daily operation of businesses, schools, offices, and institutions. The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group segment distributes insulating and conductive materials, assembly tools, test equipment, and custom fabricated parts. This segment provides distribution services to original equipment manufacturers, motor repair shops, and assembly markets. The company was founded in 1928 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Grace L. Williams]
At Genuine Parts (GPC), CEO and Chairman Thomas Gallagher bought 5,000 shares of the auto and industrial parts company for $420,000, marking his first transaction on record in 10 years. Gallagher bought after the company�� earnings beat estimates. InsiderScore notes that the last purchase at the company was in December 2012 and comments:
- [By WWW.GURUFOCUS.COM]
Genuine Parts Co. (1.3%) (GPC)(GPC - $86.85 - NYSE) is an Atlanta based distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts, office products, and electrical and electronic components. We expect GPC's well known NAPA Auto Parts group to benefit as an aged vehicle population, which includes the highest percentage of off warranty vehicles in history, helps drive sales of automotive aftermarket products over the next several years. Additionally, economic indicators remain supportive of the company's industrial and electrical parts distribution businesses amid steady economic expansion. Finally, GPC's management has shown consistent dedication to shareholder value via share repurchases and dividend increases.From Mario Gabelli (Trades, Portfolio)'s Gabelli Asset Fund's first quarter 2014 shareholder commentary.Also check out: Mario Gabelli Undervalued Stocks Mario Gabelli Top Growth Companies Mario Gabelli High Yield stocks, and Stocks that Mario Gabelli keeps buying Currently 0.00/512345
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes)
- [By Lawrence Meyers]
Genuine Parts Company (GPC) is a $12 billion company with 1,100 Napa Auto Parts stores in the US, Canada, and Mexico.�It holds $250 million in debt and $197 million in cash. �Free cash flow improved to $800 million in FY12 from $600 million in FY11. GPC has a projected long term-growth rate of 10%, and trades at a FY13 P/E of 19, so I consider it vastly overvalued.
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