9 Stocks Not Missing Their Opportunity To Raise Dividends

At some point in the future will we look back at our actions today and refer to them as our greatest missed opportunity ? A successful dividend growth strategy takes time. Unfortunately, many income investors don’t have the luxury of time on their side and must focus on high-yield investments to meet current expenses. These high-yield investments are often accompanied by high-risk. For those with time, a solid long-term strategy focusing on quality stocks that grow their dividends will treat them well in their retirement years.

Below are several companies that did not miss missing this opportunity to raise their cash dividends:

Bunge Limited (BG) is an integrated global agribusiness and food company that has operations primarily in North and South America, and distribution capabilities worldwide. May 20th the company increased its quarterly dividend 9.5% to $0.23/share. The dividend is payable on September 2, 2010, to shareholders of record on August 19, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.79%.

Knight Transportation (KNX) is a short- to medium-haul truckload carrier that transports general commodities and temperature-controlled loads. May 20th the company raises its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.06/share. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record on June 4, 2010 and is expected to be paid on June 25, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.24%.

SEI Investments (SEIC) is a provider of investment processing, fund processing, and investment management business outsourcing solutions. May 25th the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.10/share. The dividend is payable on June 28 to shareholders of record on June 23. The ex-dividend date is June 21. SEIC is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.00%.

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is a leading health care services company providing health benefit services to over 32 million individuals across the U.S. May 26th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.125/share. The dividend will be paid on June 21, 2010 to all shareholders of record of UnitedHealth Group common stock as of the close of business on June 7, 2010. The ex-dividend date is June 3, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.74%.

Deere & Co. (DE) is the world’s biggest producer of farm equipment, and also is a large producer of construction machinery and lawn and garden equipment. May 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7% to $0.30/share. The dividend is payable August 2, 2010, to stockholders of record on June 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is June 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.14%.

McKesson Corp (MCK) provides pharmaceutical supply management and information technologies to a broad range of health care customers. May 26th the company increased its quarterly dividend 50% to $0.18/share. The dividend is payable on July 1, 2010, to shareholders of record on June 10, 2010. The ex-dividend date is June 8, 2010. MKC is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 25 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.04%.

H.J. Heinz (HNZ) produces a wide variety of food products worldwide, with a major presence in the U.S. in condiments, frozen potatoes, and convenience meals. May 27th the company raised their annualized common stock dividend in Fiscal 2011 by 12 cents, or 7.1%, to $1.80 from $1.68. The yield based on the new payout is 4.04%.

Cato (CATO) offers apparel and accessories, including sportswear, dresses, coats, shoes, lingerie, costume jewelry, and handbags for females in the southeastern U.S. May 27th the company increased its quarterly dividend by 12% to $0.185/share. The dividend is payable on June 28 to shareholders of record on June 14. The ex-dividend date is June 10. The yield based on the new payout is 3.06%.

Williams-Sonoma (WSM) sells high-quality products for the home via its retail stores and various direct-to-customer channels. May 27th the company raised its quarterly dividend 15% to $0.15/share. The dividend is payable on August 24, 2010 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 27, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 23, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.00%.

Selecting stocks with increasing dividends is critical for an income growth strategy. The above list contains stocks that recently raised their dividends, it is not a list of recommend buys. As always, due diligence should be performed before buying or selling any stock. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive cash dividend increases, see this list.