McGraw-Hill (MHP) Increases Quarterly Dividend 6.4% to $0.25; Yields 2.6%.

The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25, $1.00 annualized. The dividend is a 6.4% increase from the current rate of $0.235. The dividend will be payable on March 10, 2011, to shareholders of record on February 24, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 22, 2011. Yield on the dividend is 2.6%.... more

Cedar Shopping (CDR) Declares $0.09 Quarterly Dividend; 5.9% Yield

Cedar Shopping Centers, Inc. (NYSE: CDR) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the payment of a dividend of $0.09 per share, $0.36 annualized. The dividend is payable on February 22, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 12, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 10, 2011. Yield on the dividend is 5.9%.... more

McDonald's: A Fairly Valued Dividend Champion

Like any disciplined long term investor, I have a ‘wish list’ of stocks that I purchase on pullbacks. For me, McDonald's (MCD) has always been one of those companies. Not only is the food cheap and delicious, the stock is fairly valued and yielding a substantial dividend. Plus I’m an American. It’s engrained in our DNA to eat Big Macs.Whether you like it or not, McDonald’s hamburgers are as American as apple pie (which coincidentally you can get from its dollar menu). I know there are headwinds to the company, the health risks, rising input costs, market saturation, bad publicity, etc. Heck, even I saw Super Size Me. I’ll admit that guy put on a little weight, but he looked healthy enough… in that 17th century European Royalty sort of way.... more

Crosstex (XTEX) (XTXI) Raises Quarterly Cash Dividend

The Crosstex Energy companies announced the declaration of the quarterly distribution for Crosstex Energy, L.P. (Nasdaq: XTEX) (the Partnership) and the quarterly dividend for Crosstex Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTXI) (the Corporation) from the fourth quarter of 2010: The quarterly distribution on the Partnership’s common and preferred units will be $0.26 per unit payable February 11 to unitholders of record January 31. The quarterly dividend on the Corporation’s common stock will be $0.08 per share payable February 11 to stockholders of record January 31.... more

ADTRAN (ADTN) Posts Q4 EPS of $0.56, Tops Views; Declares $0.09 Quarterly Dividend; 0.9% Yield

ADTRAN Inc. (Nasdaq: ADTN) reported Q4 EPS of $0.56, $0.13 better than the analyst estimate of $0.43. Revenue for the quarter came in at $165.33 million versus the consensus estimate of $155.79 million. The Company also announced that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend for the fourth quarter of 2010. The quarterly cash dividend is $0.09 per common share, $0.36 annualized. The dividend is to be paid to holders of record at the close of business on February 3, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 1, 2011 and the payment date is February 17, 2011. Yield on the dividend is 0.9%.... more

TESSCO Tech. (TESS) Misses Q3 EPS by 44c; Lowers FY11 EPS Outlook; Declares $0.10 Quarterly Dividend; 2.5% Yield

TESSCO Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: TESS) reported Q3 EPS of $0.00, $0.44 worse than the analyst estimate of $0.44. Revenue for the quarter came in at $168 million versus the consensus estimate of $164.96 million. Revises FY11 EPS from $1.90 - $2.25 to a range of $1.20 - $1.27, versus the consensus of $1.46. The company will continue its quarterly dividend program with another $0.10 per common share, $0.40 annualized. The dividend is payable on March 2, 2011, to holders of record on February 16, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 14, 2011. Yield on the dividend is 2.5%.... more

EarthLink (ELNK) Declares $0.05 Quarterly Dividend; 2.3% Yield

EarthLink, Inc. (Nasdaq: ELNK) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock in the amount of $0.05 per share, $0.20 annualized. The dividend is to be paid on March 22, 2011 to shareholders of record on March 8, 2011. The ex-dividend date is March 4, 2011. Yield on the dividend is 2.3%.... more

Why Dividend Stock Investors Should Consider BDCs

Business Development Companies (BDCs) offer some attractive opportunities for dividend stock investors. BDCs are now paying dividends in the 7-11% range - a level which is harder and harder to find in the market. BDCs have some unique characteristics and investors often misunderstand the sector. BDCs typically lend to companies in the small to mid cap range and sometimes take an equity "kicker." Banks have reduced lending in this sector and so BDCs have some favorable opportunities to make loans on advantageous terms.... more

Deere: A Growth Stock Consistently Hiking Its Dividend

Over the past year, we have repeatedly stated how bullish we are of various commodities, especially rare earths, uranium and potash. Some investors believe that many commodities have run their course, and have minimal upside remaining while possessing considerable downside from current highs. Although we disagree with this thinking, we respect the conservative approach and help our clients find ‘de-risked’ plays to participate in bull markets. We believe that conservative investors who believe that the future may not be all roses for the fertilizer industry may find Deere & Company (DE) a suitable alternative. The company has been around since 1897, back when it was making plows for the family farm. Generations of farmers have used Deere & Company equipment to plow, plant and... more

Raytheon: A Defensive Stock for Dividend Growth Investors

Defense contractor Raytheon (RTN) has enjoyed a quick uptick, along with peers Lockheed Martin (LMT) and General Dynamics (GD), on an announcement by Defense Secretary Robert Gates that provides some clarity around expected budget cuts and program reductions. Defense contractors (strong companies trading at attractive valuations) have been on the radar screen for value investors recently on concerns that budget cuts and austerity worldwide will reduce their business. At recent prices in the 50 area, RTN is attractive to investors who hold a long term view that the need for defense is ongoing, both for the U.S. and the world. I established a small position in LMT back in late November, and started following RTN and GD as prospects to increase my exposure to the sector. John Reese mentioned... more