18 Companies on Dividend Death Watch

I recently wrote that “One nice thing about compiling the Dividend Champions list of companies that have paid higher dividends for at least 25 straight years (which can be found here: http://dripinvesting.org/Tools/Tools.asp ) is that I get to see which companies are nearing the anniversaries of their previous dividend increases. Since most of these firms raise their payout about the same time every year, we can say with some confidence that they are likely to do so again.” The flip side of that coin is that I also get to see which companies are in danger of being deleted because they have gone too long without an increase. Although companies can remain on the list even without an increase in the current year (as long as the total dividends exceed what was paid in the prior year), the fourth-quarter declaration can spell the end of the line for some firms. Consequently, I'm watching the following companies for possible deletion if they fail to announce an increase before year-end. (Dates in parentheses are the Pay Dates of their last increases and length of streak).... Read more