I try to assemble my dividend portfolio by mixing three distinct types of dividend growth stocks. The first group consists of higher yielding companies which have lower dividend growth expectations. The second group includes companies in the sweet spot, which have average yields anywhere around 2.50% - 4% and average to above average dividend growth. The third group includes companies which have lower current yields, but offer the possibility of high dividend growth. When combining expected dividend growth with current yields, I determine the type of company I am reviewing, and also decide whether it is worth pursuing at some point in the future. I uncover those companies by screening the list of dividend champions or by reviewing the list of dividend increases for the week. I also use my process of reviewing recent dividend increases to monitor the performance of any companies I already own.
There were five companies last week I decided to review briefly in this blog post. I focused on the companies with at least a ten year streak of dividend growth and the right mix between dividend yield and dividend growth:
The Clorox Company (CLX) manufactures and markets consumer and professional products worldwide. The company operates in four segments: Cleaning, Household, Lifestyle, and International. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 4% to 77 cents/share. This marked the 38th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend champion. The current rate of dividend increase is lower than the ten year average raise of 10.40%/year. The company had a disappointing dividend raise in 2014 as well. The last time it had two years of dividend growth below 4%/year was in 2005 and 2006. Subsequently, the dividend is up by 165% since 2005. The stock is overvalued at 24.20 times forward earnings and yields 2.90%. Given the low recent growth, and overvaluation, I would not consider adding to my position in the company. I last analyzed Clorox in early 2014. I would refresh it after full year earnings are released in the latter part of 2015.
The Southern Company (SO), together with its subsidiaries, operates as a public electric utility company. It is involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity through coal, nuclear, oil and gas, and hydro resources in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 3.30% to 54.25 cents/share. This marked the 16th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. The latest dividend increase was slightly lower than the ten year average dividend growth of 3.90%/year. The high current yield compensates for the slow rate of dividend growth however. The stock is attractively valued at 15.40 times forward earnings and yields 5%. I will add the stock to my list for further research.
FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS) provides integrated financial information and analytical applications to investment community in the United States, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 12.80% to 44 cents/share.This marked the 17th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. The latest dividend increase was slightly lower than the ten year average dividend growth of 23.80%/year. The stock is overvalued at 29.50 times earnings and yields 1.10%. This is the type of company in the initial stage of dividend growth that can deliver high future yields on cost for patient dividend investors. I will monitor the situation, but would like to acquire the stock at 20 times earnings or less. It is on my list to post an analysis on in the foreseeable future.
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (FELE), together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and distributes water and fuel pumping systems worldwide. It operates in two segments, Water Systems and Fueling Systems. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 8.30 to 9.75 cents/share. This marked the 23rd consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. The latest dividend increase was in line with the ten year average dividend growth rate of 8.40%/year. The stock is fully valued at 19.80 times earnings and yields a low 1.10%. I have heard interesting things about the company, which is why I am adding it to my list for further research.
Full Disclosure: Long CLX
Relevant Articles:
- Types of dividend growth stocks
- Three stages of dividend growth
- Clorox (CLX) Delivers a Disappointing Dividend Increase
- How to read my weekly dividend increase reports
- Do not despise the days of small beginnings