Top U.S. Companies Boost Dividends, Providing Shareholders with Increased Income
Income is a crucial aspect of stock market investing that can offer a more consistent return compared to relying solely on stock price appreciation. Recently, several major U.S. companies have raised their dividends, giving shareholders a welcome income boost. Let’s take a closer look at these dividend increases and what they mean for investors.
1. Honeywell
Honeywell International (NASDAQ:) is an industrial conglomerate that provides services to various industries, including aerospace, generating $13.6 billion in revenue in 2023. The company recently increased its quarterly dividend by 5 cents to $1.13 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.2%.
2. Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:) announced an 8-cent increase to its quarterly dividend, bringing the total to $0.83 per share, representing a 10% increase. While the dividend yield is 0.8%, the company also approved a new share buyback program worth up to $60 billion.
3. Accenture
Accenture (NYSE:), a leading consulting firm, raised its dividend by 15% in September. Although this increase aligns with the stock price appreciation, it did not impact the company’s dividend yield, which now stands at 1.7%.
4. Altria Group
Altria Group (NYSE:), known for its tobacco products, increased its dividend by 4.1% in August, resulting in a quarterly dividend of $1.02 per share and an impressive dividend yield of 8%.
5. McDonald’s
McDonald’s (NYSE:) raised its quarterly dividend by 10 cents, bringing the annual dividend payments to $7.08 per share. The company’s dividend yield is now 2.3%, slightly lower than some of its competitors.
6. T-Mobile
T-Mobile (NASDAQ:) announced a significant increase in its quarterly dividend, boosting it by 35% to $0.88 per share. This move resulted in a dividend yield of 1.7%, making it more competitive among telecom companies.
7. Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments (NASDAQ:) raised its quarterly dividend by 6 cents per share, with an annual amount of $5.44 and a dividend yield of 2.5%, higher than many other semiconductor companies.
8. Verizon
Verizon (NYSE:) increased its dividend, marking the 18th consecutive year of dividend raises. The company’s dividend yield is now over 6%, providing attractive income for investors.
9. JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:) raised its quarterly dividend by over 8%, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.2%. While slightly below some other big U.S. banks, it still offers a competitive income opportunity.
10. Intuit
Intuit (NASDAQ:) announced a hefty 16% increase in its quarterly dividend, totaling $1.04 per share. Despite a lower dividend yield of 0.7%, the company’s dividend growth is notable.
These dividend increases reflect the financial health and confidence of these companies, providing investors with additional income potential. As a shareholder, it’s essential to evaluate dividend-paying stocks as part of a diversified investment strategy to enhance portfolio returns and build long-term wealth.