Members of the Federal Reserve surprised investors last week with commentary that suggested the next interest rate hike could happen as soon as June. The stock market traded lower throughout the week on the news, but that didn’t stop a number of companies from raising their dividend payments.
Last week, eight notable dividend stocks increased their payouts, including a major bank, several consumer products companies, a low-cost airline and a large insurer.
Here are eight dividend stocks increasing payouts.
Clorox Co (CLX) raised its quarterly dividend by 4% to 80 cents per share from 77 cents. The consumer products manufacturer will send its dividends out on Aug. 12 to shareholders of record as of July 27. CLX shares trade ex-dividend on July 25.
CLX Dividend Yield: 2.48%
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) increased its quarterly dividend by 9% to 48 cents per share from 44 cents. Shareholders of record as of July 6 will receive dividends from the investment banking and financial services firm on July 31. The company’s shares go ex-dividend on July 1.
JPM Dividend Yield: 3.01%
Leggett & Platt, Inc. (LEG) tacked on two pennies to its quarterly dividend, raising it by 6% from 32 cents per share to 34 cents. Shareholders of record as of June 15 will receive dividends from the manufacturer of consumer and commercial engineered components on July 15. LEG shares become ex-dividend on June 13.
LEG Dividend Yield: 3.94%
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) increased its dividend by 13%, raising its quarterly payment to 90 cents per share from 80 cents. The global security company will pay shareholders of record as of June 6 on June 22. The stock’s shares trade ex-dividend on June 2.
NOC Dividend Yield: 1.69%
Monro Muffler Brake Inc (MNRO) drove its quarterly dividend up from 15 cents per share to 17 cents, representing a healthy 13% increase. Shareholders of record as of June 3 will receive higher dividends from the automotive repair company on June 13. MNRO shares become ex-dividend on June 1.
MNRO Dividend Yield: 1.09%
Southwest Airlines Co (LUV) flew its quarterly dividend 33% higher, sending its payment up from 7.5 cents per share to 10 cents. Shareholders of record as of June 8 will receive dividends from the airline on June 29. LUV shares will be ex-dividend on June 6.
LUV Dividend Yield: 0.94%
Chubb Ltd (CB) sent its quarterly dividend higher by two pennies, raising it by 3% from 67 cents per share to 69 cents. The insurance provider will pay its higher dividend to shareholders of record as of June 30 on July 21. CB shares trade ex-dividend on June 28.
CB Dividend Yield: 2.18%
Cato Corp (CATO) announced a 10% raise to its quarterly dividend, bringing its payout up from 30 cents per share to 33 cents. The specialty retailer of fashion apparel will send its higher dividends out on June 20 to shareholders of record as of June 6. CATO shares will trade ex-dividend on June 2.
CATO Dividend Yield: 3.52%
As of this writing, Simply Safe Dividends was long CB.
