Atlanta Gas Light is one of Southern Company's many subsidiaries. Photo: Flickr.com/John S. Quarterman
Three companies – including a future Dividend Aristocrat – announced their annual increases this week. People’s United Financial raised its dividend for the 25th consecutive year this week, putting it on track to join the elite S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index at the end of January 2018. And with its 16th year of dividend growth, utility company Southern Company now has a forward yield of more than 4.6%.
Dividend Increases Announced This Week
People’s United Financial (PBCT)
Industry: Regional Banking
Dividend Payment: 17.25 cents per share – up 1.5% from prior level of 17 cents
Dividend Paid On: 5/15
Stock Goes Ex-Dividend (own the stock before this date to collect the dividend): 4/27
Number of Years of Dividend Increases: 25
Current Forward Yield: 3.92%
Industry: Utilities – Diversified
Dividend Payment: 58 cents per share – up 3.6% from prior level of 56 cents
Dividend Paid On: 6/6
Stock Goes Ex-Dividend (own the stock before this date to collect the dividend): 5/11
Number of Years of Dividend Increases: 16
Current Forward Yield: 4.64%
Industry: Packaging & Containers
Dividend Payment: 39 cents per share – up 5.4% from prior level of 37 cents
Dividend Paid On: 6/9
Stock Goes Ex-Dividend (own the stock before this date to collect the dividend): 5/10
Number of Years of Dividend Increases: 35
Current Forward Yield: 2.93%