Unlocking Value: Companies that Spark Investor Excitement with Significant Dividend Increases Last Week

Bain Capital increased its dividend by about 11% last week and these 8 other companies announced similar plans

Dividends

CCOI: COGENT COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.

Sector: Communication Services
Industry: Telecom Services

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. (CCOI) recently reported impressive service revenue results, showing a remarkable 56.1% increase for the three months ending June 30, 2023, compared to the previous quarter. This surge in revenue is a continuation of Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.'s upward trajectory, with a remarkable 61.5% boost from the same period in 2022. Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.'s dedication to expanding its offerings has played a crucial role in this growth, particularly evident in the Wireline Business, which raked in $78.0 million in revenue following the Sprint acquisition. Moreover, Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.'s strategic move to provide on-net services to buildings physically connected to its network has paid off, contributing to an on-net revenue increase of 9.9% from Q1 2023 and an impressive 14.0% rise compared to Q2 2022.

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.'s dynamic approach to service offerings is further demonstrated by its entry into optical wavelength and transport services through its fiber network, catering to both existing and new clients. This diversification has led to a wavelength revenue of $1.6 million for Q2 2023. Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.'s overall performance is solid, reflected in its non-GAAP gross profit, which surged by 11.4% from Q2 2022 to Q2 2023, reaching $102.5 million. This robust financial position enabled Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. to increase its quarterly dividend by $0.01 per share, an impressive 1.1% increase compared to Q2 2023. Despite the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on corporate operations, Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. remains optimistic about the rebound in office occupancy and the potential for increased sales once businesses return to their physical locations. This strategic outlook aligns with Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.'s commitment to growth and resilience in an ever-evolving market.

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries deliver high-speed Internet access, private networking, and data center colocation services across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. Cogent Communications Holdings caters to a diverse clientele including law firms, financial services, advertising, and other professional businesses, as well as telecom providers and content delivery networks. Operating through 54 data centers and serving over 2,800 buildings, Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. serves small to medium-sized businesses, communication providers, and bandwidth-intensive organizations globally. Established in 1999, Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

FOX: FOX CORPORATION

Sector: Communication Services
Industry: Broadcasting

Fox Corporation (FOXA) recently announced its financial results for the three and twelve months ending June 30, 2023. Lachlan Murdoch, the Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer, highlighted a strong performance, setting new records for annual revenue and EBITDA in Fiscal 2023. Noteworthy events such as Super Bowl LVII, the FIFA Men's World Cup, and growth at Tubi were instrumental in showcasing the prowess of Fox Corporation's portfolio. Fox's strategic focus and robust balance sheet are expected to drive further shareholder value in Fiscal 2024.

During the fourth quarter, Fox Corporation reported steady total quarterly revenues of $3.03 billion, with a 3% growth in affiliate fee revenues attributed to the Television segment. Advertising revenues, however, experienced a 4% decline due to factors like political advertising fluctuations and supply dynamics at FOX News Media. On a broader scale, the full year revealed a 7% increase in total revenues to $14.91 billion, with advertising revenues surging by 12%, driven by major sporting events and growth at Tubi.

These positive financial results have contributed to the decision to increase the semi-annual dividend. Fox Corporation's Board of Directors has authorized a dividend of $0.26 per Class A and Class B share, reflecting confidence in Fox Corporation's growth trajectory and ability to generate value for shareholders. Furthermore, the approval of a $7 billion stock repurchase program underscores its commitment to returning value to investors and reinforcing its market position.

In light of Fox Corporation's strong performance and strategic moves, Fox Corporation's increased dividend and ongoing share repurchase program could position Fox well for continued growth and attractiveness to investors in the future.

Fox Corporation, headquartered in New York, is a prominent U.S. news, sports, and entertainment enterprise. It operates across three segments: Cable Network Programming, producing and licensing news, business, and sports content for cable, satellite, and online platforms; Television, which acquires, markets, and distributes network programming including FOX Network and MyNetworkTV; and Other, Corporate and Eliminations, which owns FOX Studios in Los Angeles, offering production services and facilities. Established in 2018, Fox Corporation holds a substantial presence in the media landscape.

BBDC: BARINGS BDC, INC.

Sector: Financial Services
Industry: Credit Services

Barings BDC, Inc. has revealed its impressive second-quarter 2023 financial results, marking a significant milestone for Barings BDC, Inc. The firm's Board of Directors announced a remarkable increase in its quarterly cash dividend, which now stands at $0.26 per share. This increase underscores Barings BDC, Inc.'s commitment to providing value to its shareholders. The positive financial performance can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the diligent management of Barings BDC, Inc.'s investment portfolio. Notably, during the second quarter, Barings BDC, Inc. experienced a robust 1.5% surge in net asset value per share, buoyed by a diverse portfolio of middle market loans that have been astutely underwritten to withstand fluctuations in interest rates. Moreover, Barings BDC's Chief Executive Officer, Eric Lloyd, highlighted the resilient credit characteristics within their holdings, further driving investor confidence. As Barings BDC, Inc. continues to foster stability and growth, the dividend increase of 4.0% reflects the Board's optimism about Barings BDC, Inc.'s future prospects, positioning Barings BDC favorably in the market.

Barings BDC, Inc. (NYSE: BBDC) is a publicly traded, externally managed investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Barings BDC, Inc. seeks to invest primarily in senior secured loans to private U.S. middle-market companies that operate across a wide range of industries. It specializes in mezzanine, leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, ESOPs, change of control transactions, acquisition financings, growth financing, and recapitalizations in lower middle market, mature, and later stage companies. Barings BDC, Inc.'s investment activities are managed by its investment adviser, Barings LLC, a leading global asset manager based in Charlotte, NC with over $335 billion of AUM firm-wide.

PNNT: PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Sector: Financial Services
Industry: Asset Management

PennantPark Investment Corporation (PNNT) recently disclosed its financial results for Q3 2023, revealing its commitment to growth and strong performance. PennantPark Investment's net investment income amounted to $23.0 million, translating to $0.35 per share, with core net investment income per share at $0.22. Notably, PennantPark Investment declared distributions of $0.20 per share for the quarter. Bolstered by its robust financial performance, PNNT announced an impressive 5.0% increase in its quarterly distribution, now standing at $0.21 per share. This boost is attributed to its resilient credit performance and exceptional returns from its PennantPark Senior Loan Fund (PSLF) Joint Venture.

Furthermore, PennantPark Investment unveiled a strategic change in its distribution schedule, transitioning from monthly to monthly payouts, effective from October. This shift aligns with PNNT's dedication to delivering value and enhancing investor satisfaction. The change is reinforced by the firm's belief in the stability of its net investment income to support this adjustment. The decision reflects PennantPark Investment's forward-thinking approach and its emphasis on responding to investor preferences. With a diversified portfolio and a consistent track record, PNNT's dividend prospects appear promising, buoyed by strong credit performance and the ongoing success of its PSLF Joint Venture.

PennantPark Investment Corporation is a business development company. It specializes in direct and mezzanine investments in middle market companies. It invests in the form of mezzanine debt, senior secured loans, and equity investments. The fund typically invests in building and real estate, hotels and gaming, electronics, healthcare, education and childcare, financial services, printing and publishing, consumer products, business services, energy and utilities, distribution, oil and gas, media, environmental services, aerospace and defense, manufacturing industries and retail. It invests in equity securities and debt transactions through preferred stock, common stock, warrants, options, subordinated loans, mezzanine loans, and senior secured loans. It seeks to invest in companies based in the United States. The fund seeks to invest between $10 million and $50 million in its portfolio companies. Its mezzanine loans, senior secured loans, and other investments in its portfolio companies are between $15 million and $50 million. The fund may also make non-control equity and debt investments.

BCSF: BAIN CAPITAL SPECIALTY FINANCE, INC.

Sector: Financial Services
Industry: Asset Management

Bain Capital Specialty Finance, Inc. (BCSF) has just revealed its financial outcomes for the second quarter ending June 30, 2023. Notably, Bain Capital Specialty Finance's Board of Directors has decided to increase its dividend by 10.5%, bringing it to $0.42 per share for the third quarter of 2023. This step follows a remarkable 20% surge in net investment income quarter-over-quarter, attributed to the continued positive impact of higher interest rates on its diverse portfolio, primarily consisting of senior secured, floating rate loans. The CEO, Michael Ewald, emphasized that this dividend enhancement represents the third increment in the last year, highlighting Bain Capital Specialty Finance's robust earnings and the consistent credit performance across its high-quality asset pool. This move toward higher dividends could potentially attract investors looking for solid returns in the current market environment.

This dividend hike seems to be supported by BCSF's sound financial position. In Q2 2023, the net investment income per share reached $0.60, contributing to an annualized NII yield on book value of 13.9%. Additionally, the net income per share was $0.45, leading to an annualized return on book value of 10.4%. Bain Capital Specialty Finance's net asset value per share stood at $17.44 as of June 30, 2023, indicating a positive trajectory. These figures showcase BCSF's prudent investment approach and efficient portfolio management.

Bain Capital Specialty Finance's portfolio composition and performance also contribute to this dividend increase decision. BCSF's investment portfolio, valued at $2,385.3 million as of June 30, 2023, demonstrated a weighted average yield on fair value of 13.0%, with a substantial portion (94.1%) of debt investments being in floating rate securities. The portfolio's strategic allocation across various investment types, including senior secured loans, subordinated debt, and equity interests, presents a diversified and balanced risk profile. Moreover, Bain Capital Specialty Finance's focus on high-quality assets is reflected in the low non-accrual status of its investments. With BCSF's strong financials and well-managed portfolio, investors might find the enhanced dividend yield appealing amidst the prevailing market conditions.

Bain Capital Specialty Finance, Inc.'s decision to increase its dividend by 10.5% for the third quarter of 2023 reflects its robust earnings and strong credit performance. Bain Capital Specialty Finance's strategic portfolio management, combined with its focus on high-quality investments and a diversified asset mix, has positioned it for sustained growth. This dividend enhancement could capture the attention of investors seeking stable returns and the potential for long-term value appreciation.

Bain Capital Specialty Finance, Inc. operates as a business development company (BDC) specializing in direct loans to middle-market companies. The fund seeks to invest in senior investments with a first or second lien on collateral, senior first lien, stretch senior, senior second lien, unitranche, mezzanine debt, junior securities, other junior investments, and secondary purchases of assets or portfolios that primarily consist of middle-market corporate debt. It typically invests in companies with EBITDA between $10 million and $150 million.

BMI: BADGER METER, INC.

Sector: Industrials
Industry: Electrical Equipment & Parts

In a recent move that underscores its robust financial standing, Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI) has announced a noteworthy 20% surge in its quarterly common stock dividend. Shareholders are set to benefit from this enhanced payout, which will now stand at $0.27 per share, up from the previous $0.225 per share. The augmented dividend payout reflects Badger Meter, Inc.'s steadfast commitment to its investors and the unwavering confidence it holds in its earnings and cash flow sustainability.

Kenneth C. Bockhorst, the Chairman, President, and CEO of Badger Meter, Inc., emphasized Badger Meter's strong financial performance as the driving force behind this significant dividend increase. Over the past five years, Badger Meter, Inc. has demonstrated its dedication to its shareholders by almost doubling the annual dividend rate from a mere $0.60 in 2018 to the current $1.08 per share. This move is in line with Badger Meter, Inc.'s well-defined capital allocation strategy, providing stability and assurance to its investor community. With an impressive track record of 31 consecutive years of dividend growth, Badger Meter, Inc. exemplifies its commitment to both shareholder value and financial fortitude.

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Badger Meter, Inc. is a global leader in flow measurement, control, and communication solutions. With a history dating back to 1905, Badger Meter offers a wide range of products, including mechanical water meters, flow instrumentation products, and related software technologies, catering to municipal water utilities, original equipment manufacturers, and various industries like water/wastewater, HVAC, oil and gas, and chemical. Their innovative offerings include the ORION suite for automatic meter reading and BEACON advanced metering analytics, enhancing customer engagement and water usage management.

MLM: MARTIN MARIETTA MATERIALS, INC.

Sector: Basic Materials
Industry: Building Materials

In a recent development, Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (MLM) has revealed a remarkable 12 percent surge in its quarterly cash dividend, marking a significant step forward for Martin Marietta Materials. This impressive hike elevates the dividend from $0.66 per share to $0.74 per share on its outstanding common stock, amounting to an annualized cash dividend of $2.96 per share. Shareholders can anticipate the dividend's payment on September 29, 2023, with a record date set for September 1, 2023.

This latest dividend increase reflects Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.'s steadfast commitment to its shareholders, marking the eighth consecutive year of such positive adjustments. Ward Nye, the Chairman, President, and CEO, emphasized Martin Marietta Materials's enduring dedication to delivering substantial and sustainable dividends. This is rooted in Martin Marietta Materials's prudent capital allocation strategies, which are supported by its consistent track record of disciplined operational practices, robust financial standing, and impressive free cash flow generation. As Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. focuses on both capital returns and long-term growth, this move underscores its dedication to creating enduring shareholder value.

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., a natural resource-based building materials company, supplies aggregates and heavy building materials to the construction industry in the United States and internationally. It offers crushed stone, sand, and gravel products; ready mixed concrete and asphalt; paving products and services; Portland and specialty cement used in the infrastructure projects, and nonresidential and residential construction markets, as well as in the railroad, agricultural, utility, and environmental industries. Martin Marietta Materials also manufactures and markets magnesia-based chemical products for the industrial, agricultural, and environmental applications; and dolomitic lime primarily for customers in the steel and mining industries, as well as provides road paving construction services. Its chemical products are used in flame retardants, wastewater treatment, pulp and paper production, and other environmental applications. Martin Marietta Materials was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.

DK: DELEK US HOLDINGS, INC.

Sector: Energy
Industry: Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing

Delek US Holdings, Inc. (DK) has announced its impressive financial results for the second quarter of 2023. Avigal Soreq, the President and CEO, highlighted the strong performance of the refining segment, driven by robust wholesale and asphalt businesses due to local market demand. The logistics segment also excelled, benefiting from its strategic Permian position. Notably, Delek US Holdings's commitment to value creation for shareholders is evident as it raised the quarterly dividend for the fourth consecutive time to $0.235 per share. This dividend increase reflects Delek US Holdings, Inc.'s dedication to delivering competitive and sustainable returns to its investors. Additionally, Delek US Holdings's focus on operational efficiency and improving its asset reliability underscores its commitment to long-term growth.

Analyzing the financials, Delek US Holdings, Inc. reported adjusted net income of $65.2 million for Q2 2023, compared to $271.4 million in the previous year. This dip is attributed to lower refining crack spreads, with benchmark crack spreads down by 49.2% from the prior year. Despite this, the logistics segment's adjusted EBITDA rose to $90.9 million in Q2 2023, powered by contributions from the Midland Gathering system and the acquisition of 3 Bear Delaware Holding. These results suggest Delek US Holdings, Inc.'s strategic focus on diversifying its operations and capitalizing on favorable market conditions. With a strong cash balance of $821.6 million as of June 30, 2023, and a prudent net debt position, Delek US Holdings appears well-positioned to navigate its growth trajectory while consistently rewarding its shareholders.

Delek US Holdings, Inc. is a prominent player in the integrated downstream energy sector in the U.S., with operations divided into Refining, Logistics, and Retail segments. The Refining segment operates four independent refineries and two biodiesel facilities, producing a wide range of petroleum-based products distributed via owned and third-party terminals. In the Logistics realm, Delek US Holdings manages crude oil and refined product transportation, storage, and distribution through an extensive pipeline network and terminals. The Retail segment adds to its portfolio by owning and leasing convenience store sites primarily in Texas and New Mexico, offering fuels, food products, beverages, and merchandise. Established in 2001 and headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, Delek US Holdings, Inc. caters to a diverse clientele, including oil companies, refiners, distributors, and retail fuel operators.

SRC: SPIRIT REALTY CAPITAL, INC.

Sector: Real Estate
Industry: Reit—Diversified

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc. (NYSE: SRC), a dynamic net-lease real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in vital single-tenant real estate assets. In an exciting move, Spirit Realty Capital recently unveiled a noteworthy boost in its quarterly common stock cash dividend. On August 9, 2023, Spirit's forward-thinking Board of Directors greenlit a 1% increment, elevating the quarterly dividend from $0.6630 per share to $0.6696 per share. This enhancement translates to an impressive annualized rate of $2.6784 per share, underscoring Spirit Realty Capital's commitment to rewarding its valued investors. Eligible stockholders, marked by the September 29, 2023 record date, can anticipate receiving this enhanced dividend on October 13, 2023.

Spirit Realty Capital, Inc. (NYSE: SRC) is a premier net-lease REIT that primarily invests in single-tenant, operationally essential real estate assets, subject to long-term leases. As of September 30, 2020, our diverse portfolio of 1,778 owned properties, with an aggregate leasable area of 37.2 million square feet in 48 states, included retail, industrial and office buildings leased to 296 tenants across 28 retail industries.

All data was sourced from LevelFields AI

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