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Don't Ignore These 3 Recent Dividend Hikes

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Investors often pay close attention to dividend increases, as they can reflect a company's financial health and stability. It’s typically a positive sign to see these increases, as it suggests that the company is performing well and has a solid foundation to sustain future growth.

And recently, we’ve seen several companies – Pool Corp. (POOL - Free Report) , Sociedad Quimica y Minera (SQM - Free Report) , and Marriott International (MAR - Free Report) – announce increases to their payouts.

For those interested in reaping income from their investments, let’s take a closer look at each.

Sociedad Quimica y Minera

Sociedad Quimica Y Minera is one of the world's largest lithium producers, with one of the industry's least impactful water, carbon, and energy footprints. The company’s annual dividend presently yields a sizable 11.4%, crushing the Zacks Basic Materials sector average.

Impressively, the company has grown its dividend payout by nearly 60% over the last five years. 

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

It’s worth noting that shares trade below the 50-day moving average, with them now heading up toward that level again. As we can see in the circle below, shares faced rejection the last instance it brushed up against the average.  

Based on the previous reaction, it could be beneficial for investors to wait to see if shares can break through and reclaim the 50-day moving average.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Pool Corp.

Pool Corp. is the world's largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies, equipment, and related products. The company’s annual dividend currently yields 1.2%, with its payout growing by more than 20% over the last five years.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Shares are cheap on a relative basis, with the current 22.7X forward earnings multiple sitting well beneath the 30.8X five-year median and highs of 36.3X in 2022.

The stock carries a Style Score of “C” for Value.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Marriott International

Marriott International is a worldwide operator, franchisor, and licensor of hotel, residential, and timeshare properties. Currently, the stock yields 1.9% annually and carries a favorable Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), with earnings expectations increasing across all timeframes.

Zacks Investment Research

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The company posted a big beat in its latest release, exceeding the Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate by 12% and delivering a positive 6.4% sales surprise. As shown below, the company’s top line has recovered nicely from pandemic lows.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Bottom Line

Dividend increases are a positive announcement that investors can receive, providing a solid level of reassurance.

Typically, we’ll see companies boost payouts when business is fruitful and they’re confident in their future prospects.

And all three companies above – Pool Corp. (POOL - Free Report) , Sociedad Quimica y Minera (SQM - Free Report) , and Marriott International (MAR - Free Report) – have recently boosted their payouts.


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Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) - free report >>

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