25 Dividend Stocks Raising Their Yield On Cost

There are income investors and Dividend Growth investors. While the distinction is rather simple, it slips past many casual observers. Income investors are investing for maximum current income, while dividend growth investors are looking to maximize income over an extended period of time - usually sacrificing current income for potential greater future earnings. Unlike fixed income investments, a growing dividend means a growing yield on cost. This week several companies raised their shareholders yield on cost by increasing their cash dividends: The Coca-Cola Company (KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7% to $0.47/share. This is equivalent to an annual dividend of $1.88 per share, up from $1.76 per share in 2010. The first quarterly dividend is payable April 1, 2011, to shareowners of record as of March 15, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%. Silgan Holdings Inc. (SLGN) is a leading manufacturer of consumer goods packaging products. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.11/share. The dividend is payable on March 17, 2011 to the holders of record of the common stock of the Company on March 3, 2011. The Company began paying a cash dividend in 2004 and has increased its quarterly dividend every year since. The yield based on the new payout is 1.2%. T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (TROW) is a global investment management organization with $482.0 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2010. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 15% to $0.31 per share payable March 29, 2011 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 15, 2011. This will mark the 25th consecutive year since the firm's initial public offering that the company will have increased its annual dividend payout. The yield based on the new payout is 1.8%. Lorillard, Inc. (LO) is the the third largest manufacturer of cigarettes in the United States. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 16% to $1.30/share. The dividend is payable on March 11, 2011 to stockholders of record as of March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 6.6%. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (GPI) is a Fortune 500 automotive retailer. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.11/share. The dividend will be paid on March 15, 2011, to stockholders of record on March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.1%. National Health Investors, Inc. (NHI) is a healthcare real estate investment trust that specializes in the financing of healthcare real estate by purchase and leaseback transactions and by mortgage loans. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 4.2% to $0.615/share. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record on March 31, 2011 and payable on May 10, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 5.3%. Emclaire Financial Corp. (EMCF) is an independent, nationally chartered, FDIC-insured community commercial bank headquartered in Emlenton, Pennsylvania. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 14.3% to $0.16/share. The dividend is payable on March 18, 2011, to shareholders of record on March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.6%. Williams' (WMB) is a large-scale infrastructure company with a business focus on enabling producers and end-users to optimize the value of North America's significant resource plays.... Read more