After years of a low interest rate environment, many investors have turned to equities not only for the growth potential but also for solid and dependable dividends, which 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%: a 10% for the increase in stock price and 3% for the dividends paid.<\/p>\n
Five\u00a0companies are expected to raise their dividends this week,\u00a0so we screened our 24\/7 Wall St. research universe and found that all are rated Buy at some of the top analysts. While it is always possible that not all of them do indeed raise their dividends, analysts expect them to, and the data is based generally on past increases in the firm\u2019s dividend payouts.<\/p>\n
It is important to remember, though, that no single analyst report should be used in making a buying or selling decision.\n<\/p>\n
This stock has rallied smartly of the 2021 lows and is an awesome safe haven for conservative investors. Eastman Chemical Co. (NYSE: EMN) engages in the provision of specialty chemicals. It operates through the following segments.<\/p>\n
The Additives and Functional Products segment includes chemicals for products in the transportation, consumables, building and construction, animal nutrition, crop protection, energy, personal and home care, and other markets. The Fiber segment offers cellulose acetate tow for use in filtration media, primarily cigarette filters.<\/p>\n
The Advanced Materials segment of Eastman Chemical produces and markets its polymers, films and plastics with differentiated performance properties for value-added end uses in transportation, consumables, building and construction, durable goods, and health and wellness markets.<\/p>\n
The Chemical Intermediates segment consists of large-scale and vertical integration from the cellulose and acetyl, olefins and alkylamines streams to support operating segments with advantaged cost positions.<\/p>\n
Shareholders currently receive a 2.50% annual dividend. The company is expected to raise the dividend to $0.75 per share from $0.69.<\/p>\n
Wells Fargo has a $142 price target on Eastman Chemical stock, while the consensus target is $130.\u00a0 Shares closed trading on Friday at $110.50.\n\t\t<\/p>\n