6 Dividend Stocks Working Hard During The Holidays
Many of us in the U.S. got a few days off this week in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Even though I didn't work, my dividend growth stocks were hard at work providing me an additional income stream. Several companies last week provided their shareholders a Thanksgiving bonus in the form of higher cash dividends.
Though not much was happening at the office, there were still many working for me today. Not people, but my Dividend Stocks. It is great to know that while I was relaxing with family and watching the big game, those stocks were hard at work providing me an additional income stream.
Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a healthcare company that delivers health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, animal health, and consumer care products. On November 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 2.2% to $0.46 per share. The dividend is payable on January 8, 2016 to stockholders of record as on December 15, 2015, with an ex-dividend date of December 11, 2015. The yield based on the new payout is 3.5%.
Ship Finance International Limited (NYSE:SFL) owns and operates vessels and offshore related assets in Bermuda, Cyprus, Malta, Liberia, Norway, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Marshall Islands. On November 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 2.3% to $0.45 per share. The dividend is payable on December 30, 2015 to stockholders of record as on December 10, 2015, with an ex-dividend date of December 8, 2015. The yield based on the new payout is 10.7%.
McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC) manufactures, markets, and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the food industry worldwide. On November 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 7.5% to $0.43 per share. The dividend is payable on January 15, 2016 to stockholders of record as on December 31, 2015, with an ex-dividend date of December 29, 2015. The yield based on the new payout is 2.0%.
The Valspar Corporation (NYSE:VAL) develops, manufactures, and distributes a range of coatings, paints, and related products worldwide. On November 24, the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.33 per share. The dividend is payable on December 16, 2015 to stockholders of record as on December 7, 2015, with an ex-dividend date of December 3, 2015. The yield based on the new payout is 1.6%.
Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX), a medical technology company, develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products worldwide. On November 23rd, the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.66 per share. The dividend is payable on December 31, 2015 to stockholders of record as on December 10, 2015, with an ex-dividend date of December 8, 2015. The yield based on the new payout is 1.8%.
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) produces and markets various meat and food products worldwide. The company operates in five segments: Grocery Products, Refrigerated Foods, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Specialty Foods, and International & Other. On November 23, the company increased its quarterly dividend 16% to $0.29 per share. The dividend is payable on February 16, 2016 to stockholders of record as on January 19, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of January 14, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 1.7%.
Selecting stocks with increasing dividends is critical for an income growth strategy. The above list contains stocks that recently raised their dividends; it is not a list of recommend buys. As always, due diligence should be performed before buying or selling any stock. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive cash dividend increases, see this list.
Disclosure: Full Disclosure: Long MCD in my Dividend Growth Portfolio. See a list of all more