As earnings season comes near the end, there are still companies increasing their dividends. These companies raised their payouts and also have a Bullish outlook based on the equity summary score.
H.J. Heinz Co. (HNZ) scaled back its long-term growth rates slightly as the ketchup-maker plans to invest more into its business amid a challenging global environment. H.J. Heinz Co. (HNZ) announced that its fiscal fourth-quarter profit fell $175.3 million, or 54 cents, compares to $223.9 million, or 69 cents a share a year ago. Heinz fourth-quarter sales rose to $3.05 billion, from $2.89 billion a year ago. HNZ was downgraded by several brokerages including S&P from 5-stars to 4-stars. Still Heinz raised the annualized common stock dividend by $0.14 to $2.06 per share, an increase of 7.3%. HNZ has a dividend yield of 3.85%. HNZ has an equity summary score of 7.8 out of 10 for a Bullish outlook.
Portland General Electric (POR), headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 825,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon. POR declared a quarterly common stock dividend of 27 cents per share, up from last quarter’s dividend of 26.5 cents per share. This is the sixth consecutive annual increase since going public in 2006, POR has a dividend yield of 4.29%. POR has an equity summary score of 8.0 out of 10 for a Bullish outlook.
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (MMC), a professional services company, provides advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy, and human capital. MMC announced its quarterly dividend of 23 cents per share, an increase of about 5% over its prior dividend in April of 22 cents. The dividend is payable on August 15 to shareholders of record on July 11. MMC has a dividend yield of 2.85%. MMC has an equity summary score of 7.6 out of 10 for a Bullish outlook.
W. R. Berkley Corporation (WRB), an insurance holding company, operates as commercial lines writers in the property casualty insurance business primarily in the United States. WRB raised its quarterly dividend 13% as the specialty insurer looks to boost shareholder value. The one-cent increase brings WRBs quarterly payout to $0.9 per share and a 0.93% dividend yield. WRB has an equity summary score of 7.5 out of 10 for a Bullish outlook.
In other dividend news, McDonalds Corporation (MCD) maintained its quarterly dividend of 70 cents per share (8.9 out of 10 for Bullish outlook). McKesson Corporation (MCK) maintained its quarterly dividend of 20 cents per share (8.9 out of 10 for Bullish outlook). Molson Coors Brewing Company (TAP) maintained its quarterly dividend of 32 cents per share (8.4 out of 10 for Bullish outlook). Yum Brands Incorporated (YUM) maintained its quarterly dividend of 28.5 cents per share (7.4 out of 10 for Bullish outlook).