Dividend Scan: BNS, SPLS, MLR, PM, AYR, AMAT, CLDT

Analysts at Barclays Capital believe that General Motors Co (NYSE: GM) may resume paying dividends in 2013 after it fully funds its pension plans. Despite analysts' pessimistic opinion on GM and amid market's negative movement, several companies declared their future dividend plans. Some notable dividend payers are discussed here. Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE: BNS) lost 0.61 percent or $0.37 to $60.63. The bank raised its dividend by 3 cents to 52 cents per share, its first rise since 2008. Staples Inc (Nasdaq: SPLS) gained 0.20 percent or $0.04 to $20.29 as it raised its quarterly dividend by a penny to 10 cents per share. Miller Industries Inc (NYSE: MLR) raised its annual dividend by 20 percent to 12 cents per share from 10 cents a share. The dividend is payable on March 24, 2011 to shareholders of record on March 17, 2011. MLR gained 2.49 percent or $0.40 to $16.49. Phillip Morris International Inc (NYSE: PM) lost 0.09 percent or $0.06 to $64.19 despite declaring a quarterly dividend of $0.64 per common share, payable on April 11, 2011 to shareholders of record on March 24, 2011. Aircastle Limited (NYSE: AYR) declared its first quarter cash dividend of 10 cents per share, payable on April 15, 2011 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2011. AYR added 2.05 percent or $0.26 to $12.47. Applied Materials Inc (Nasdaq: AMAT) intends to raise its dividend to 8 cents per share from 7 cents a share. AMAT lost 2.34 percent or $0.37 to $15.42. Chatham Lodging Trust (NYSE: CLDT) declared a dividend of $0.175 per common share, payable on April 15, 2011 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2011. However, CLDT lost 0.72 percent or $0.12 to $16.63.... Read more