With interest rates moving higher over the past year, many investors are looking at short-term Treasury debt, as volatility and a weakening stock market have made some market participants very nervous. However, many long-term horizon investors still turn to equities not only for the growth potential but also for solid and dependable dividends that help to provide an income stream. What this equates to is total return, which is one of the most powerful investment strategies going.<\/p>\n
We like to remind our readers about the impact total return has on portfolios because it is one of the best ways to help improve the chances for overall investing success. Again, total return is the combined increase in a stock\u2019s value plus dividends. For instance, if you buy a stock at $20 that pays a 3% dividend, and it goes up to $22 in a year, your total return is 13%: 10% for the increase in stock price and 3% for the dividends paid.<\/p>\n
The following four top companies are Wall Street favorites and are expected to raise their dividends this week. Their stocks are rated Buy at some of the top firms on Wall Street as well. While it is always possible that not all four do raise their dividends, top analysts expect them to. Generally, this expectation is based on past increases in each firm\u2019s dividend payouts.<\/p>\n
It is important to remember that no single analyst report should be used as a sole basis for any buying or selling decision.\n<\/p>\n
This company already pays a big dividend, so shareholders will applaud an increase this week for sure.\u00a0Cousins Properties Inc. (NYSE: CUZ) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) based in Atlanta.<\/p>\n
Acting through its operating partnership, Cousins Properties L.P., the company primarily invests in Class A office towers located in high-growth Sun Belt markets. Founded in 1958, Cousins creates shareholder value through its extensive expertise in the development, acquisition, leasing and management of high-quality real estate assets.<\/p>\n
The company has a comprehensive strategy in place based on a simple platform, trophy assets and opportunistic investments. It posted solid results last month for the full year of 2022, in which funds from operations per share beat analysts\u2019 expectations and revenues rose nicely year over year.<\/p>\n
Shareholders now receive a 6.08% yield. The company is expected to lift its $0.32 per share dividend to $0.33.\u00a0Baird has a $32 target price on Cousins Properties stock. The consensus target is $28, and the shares closed on Monday at $19.85.\n\t\t<\/p>\n
While it is probably off the radar for many investors, this company makes some of the most popular brands of clothing and apparel. Oxford Industries Inc. (NYSE: OXM)designs, sources, markets and distributes products of lifestyle and other brands worldwide.<\/p>\n
The company offers men\u2019s and women\u2019s sportswear and related products under the Tommy Bahama brand; women\u2019s and girl\u2019s dresses and sportswear, scarves, bags, jewelry and belts, as well as footwear and children\u2019s apparel, under the Lilly Pulitzer brand; and men\u2019s shirts, pants, shorts, outerwear, ties, swimwear, footwear and accessories, as well as women and youth products, under the Southern Tide brand.<\/p>\n
The company also designs, sources, markets and distributes premium childrenswear, including bonnets, hats, apparel, swimwear and accessories, as well as men\u2019s apparel, including pants, shorts and tops, online and through wholesale specialty retailers.<\/p>\n
Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor<\/b><\/p>\n
Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn\u2019t have to be hard. SmartAsset\u2019s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you\u2019re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.<\/p>\n