Sonoco produces innovative packaging, including the Maxwell House "Flavor Lock
Pack".  The company announced its 36th year of dividend increases this week.
Photo: Flickr.com/Mark Turnauckas

Three companies announced dividend increases this week.  Although none of the increases were very large, all three companies have a forward yield of at least 3.2% with utility Southern Company yielding more than 5.1%.  In addition, eight more companies are expected to announce their annual increases next week.  Read on for the details….

Dividend Increases Announced This Week

People’s United Financial (PBCT)

Industry: Financial – Regional Banking

Dividend Payment: 17.50 cents per share – up 1.4% from prior level of 17.25 cents

Dividend Paid On: 5/15

Stock Goes Ex-Dividend (own the stock before this date to collect the dividend): 4/30

Number of Years of Dividend Increases: 25

Current Forward Yield: 3.84%

 

Southern Company (SO)

Industry: Utilities – Electric

Dividend Payment: 60 cents per share – up 3.4% from prior level of 58 cents

Dividend Paid On: 6/6

Stock Goes Ex-Dividend (own the stock before this date to collect the dividend): 5/18

Number of Years of Dividend Increases: 17

Current Forward Yield: 5.31%

 

Sonoco Products Company (SON)

Industry: Packaging & Containers

Dividend Payment: 41 cents per share – up 5.1% from prior level of 39 cents

Dividend Paid On: 6/8

Stock Goes Ex-Dividend (own the stock before this date to collect the dividend): 5/10

Number of Years of Dividend Increases: 36

Current Forward Yield: 3.17%

 

Dividend Increase Announcements Expected Next Week

Cullen/Frost Bankers (CFR)

Costco Warehouse Corporation (COST)

Franklin Electric Company (FELE)

W. W. Grainger (GWW)

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

UGI Corporation (UGI)

Xilinx (XLNX)

ExxonMobil (XOM)