Value Investing News

There are winners and there are champions in every walk of life. The difference is subtle, but very real. A champion is driven for success and will not let anything stand in its way. Some dividend stocks can be classified as champions.

Several companies announced their intent to increase distributions to shareholders. I have separated the dividend raisers of the past week in three groups: dividend achievers, champions and aristocrats; master limited partnerships; and potential dividend achievers

Pfizer’s (PFE) 50% dividend cut, along with General Electric (GE) and Dow Chemical (DOW) trying to convince their shareholders that they won’t cut their dividends dominates the business news. What is being overlooked is the steady stream of companies raising their dividends, as good companies do.

As more companies like Intel, Microsoft, IBM and Google released quarterly results and provided guidance for future quarters. Other companies such as Bank of America set a negative tone with their most recent dividend cut, while others like General Electric provided reassurance that their dividend and triple A rating are safe and will be maintained.