Summit Financial Group increased its dividend by 10%. These 9 financial companies did too.

August's Biggest Dividend Increases

Dividends

PNNT:PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Industry: Asset Management

PennantPark Investment Corporation (PNNT) has announced its impressive financial results for the third quarter ending June 30, 2023. One of the standout achievements is the increase in its dividend, reflecting PennantPark Investment's commitment to delivering value to its shareholders. The dividend per share has been raised to $0.20, a positive move that signifies PNNT's strong financial performance and confidence in its future prospects.

This dividend increase can be attributed to several recent developments, including a notable rise in net investment income to $23.0 million for the quarter, equating to $0.35 per share. Furthermore, PNNT's adjusted net asset value per share increased by 3.1%, reaching $7.67, highlighting PennantPark Investment's prudent investment decisions and financial strength. The strategic investments in assets like PennantPark Senior Loan Fund, LLC (PSLF), have played a significant role in driving these positive outcomes.

Investors can find assurance in PNNT's sound financial footing and the commitment to optimizing returns, making it an intriguing choice in the world of dividend-focused stocks. With a diverse investment portfolio and strong performance metrics, PNNT seems poised to continue its growth trajectory and maintain its dividend prospects in the foreseeable future.

PennantPark Investment Corporation is a business development company specializing in direct and mezzanine investments across a wide range of industries, including real estate, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and more, primarily in the United States. They invest through various instruments, such as mezzanine debt, senior secured loans, equity securities, and debt transactions, typically ranging from $10 million to $50 million, with a focus on supporting middle-market companies. Additionally, PennantPark may also consider non-control equity and debt investments in its portfolio companies.

VRTS: VIRTUS INVESTMENT PARTNERS, INC.

Industry: Asset Management

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., a prominent multi-manager asset management firm, recently revealed a substantial 15% boost in its quarterly common stock cash dividend, now standing at $1.90 per share, up from the previous $1.65 per share. This impressive dividend increase marks the sixth consecutive year of such positive adjustments. George R. Aylward, Virtus Investment Partners's President and CEO, attributes this decision to the robust free cash flow generated by Virtus Investment Partners and Virtus Investment Partners's strong financial position, allowing them to prioritize capital management effectively. He emphasized the importance of returning capital to shareholders as a key facet of their overall strategy, alongside investments in business growth and maintaining financial leverage at appropriate levels.

This dividend increase comes as no surprise given Virtus Investment Partners's consistent commitment to enhancing shareholder value. Virtus Investment Partners's ability to generate ample free cash flow and maintain a flexible balance sheet has clearly contributed to this decision. Investors should keep an eye on Virtus Investment Partners, as its dedication to dividend growth reflects its overall financial health and commitment to rewarding shareholders. As always, future dividend declarations will be contingent on the Board of Directors' approval, but this move underscores Virtus Investment Partners's optimistic outlook and potential for long-term investors.

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc., headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, is a leading asset management company with 577 dedicated employees. They offer a wide range of investment products through various distribution channels, including open-end mutual funds, closed-end funds, ETFs, variable insurance funds, UCITS, and separately managed accounts. These products cater to both individual and institutional clients, distributed through intermediaries, on the NYSE, as investment options in variable annuities and life insurance products, and via private client accounts, serving high-net-worth clients and intermediary programs.

BCSF: BAIN CAPITAL SPECIALTY FINANCE, INC.

Industry: Asset Management

Bain Capital Specialty Finance, Inc. (BCSF) recently reported its second-quarter financial results, and there's great news for investors. Bain Capital Specialty Finance's net investment income increased by an impressive 20% quarter-over-quarter, driven by higher interest rates and a well-diversified portfolio of senior secured, floating rate loans. As a result of this strong performance and the continued stability of their high-quality portfolio, BCSF's Board of Directors has decided to raise its regular quarterly dividend by 10.5% to $0.42 per share for the third quarter of 2023. This marks the third dividend increase for shareholders in the past year.

This dividend increase is a clear reflection of BCSF's robust earnings and credit performance, and it demonstrates their commitment to delivering value to investors. With net asset value per share at $17.44 as of June 30, 2023, and a solid investment portfolio yielding 13.0%, BCSF seems well-positioned to continue providing attractive dividends to its shareholders. Bain Capital Specialty Finance's strategic investments in a diverse range of industries, coupled with its focus on floating rate securities, should help maintain its positive outlook in the evolving financial landscape. Investors can look forward to a brighter future with BCSF.

Bain Capital Specialty Finance, Inc. is a business development company (BDC) focused on providing direct loans to middle-market companies. They primarily invest in senior first or second lien collateral, unitranche, mezzanine debt, and other junior investments, as well as make secondary purchases of middle-market corporate debt assets or portfolios. Their target companies typically have EBITDA ranging from $10 million to $150 million.

HTGC: HERCULES CAPITAL, INC.

Industry: Mortgage Finance

Hercules Capital, Inc. (HTGC) shared the news of its recent dividend increase. Hercules Capital, a leading specialty finance provider to innovative and growth-focused firms backed by prominent venture capital and private equity entities, announced a generous second-quarter 2023 cash distribution of $0.48 per share. This move is in line with Hercules' flexible distribution policy, which aims to distribute approximately 90% to 100% of its taxable quarterly income or potential annual income. Hercules Capital may opt for supplemental distributions during the year to ensure it distributes all its annual taxable income.

The decision to increase dividends could be attributed to Hercules' robust financial performance and consistent income generation. Notably, all distributions for the quarter ending June 30, 2023, were sourced from Hercules Capital's current and accumulated earnings and profits, instilling confidence in its ability to sustain the dividend growth. Additionally, with 87.39% of the second-quarter distributions qualified as "Qualified Interest Income" (QII), non-U.S. shareholders may benefit from exemptions on U.S. withholding tax when supported by appropriate documentation. This dividend increase underscores Hercules Capital's commitment to delivering value to its investors while maintaining financial prudence. Investors should keep a close watch on this stock, as its strong dividend prospects reflect its sound financial position and growth potential in the finance sector.

Hercules Capital, Inc. is a versatile business development company specializing in providing venture debt, senior secured loans, and growth capital to venture capital-backed companies at all stages, from startups to established firms. They offer various financing solutions for capital extension, management buy-outs, acquisitions, and corporate expansion, including cash flow-based asset financing and working capital lines of credit.

SYBT: STOCK YARDS BANCORP, INC.

Industry: Banks—Regional

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (SYBT) recently made a noteworthy move by increasing its cash dividend to $0.30 per common share. This marks the 16th consecutive dividend increase since 2012, resulting in an impressive cumulative rise of 125% over that period. Stock Yards Bancorp's Chairman and CEO, James A. Hillebrand, attributes this dividend boost to their solid franchise growth, which has fortified their ability to steadily reward shareholders while enhancing shareholder value. With a strong capital position and a history of consistent growth, Stock Yards Bancorp is positioning itself as a reliable choice for investors seeking dividend prospects. This move not only reflects their confidence in their financial strength but also their commitment to rewarding investors for their trust.

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, boasts assets totaling $7.73 billion and operates as a bank holding company since 1988, overseeing Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, an establishment with roots tracing back to 1904. Stock Yards Bancorp's consistent dividend increases, paired with its solid financial foundation, make it a compelling option for investors looking to harness the potential for long-term dividend growth. For more information, you can visit Stock Yards Bancorp's website at www.syb.com, where you'll find valuable insights into their financial performance and strategies.

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, offering a range of banking services across Louisville, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati. Their product offerings encompass various deposit and loan options, including commercial, real estate, and consumer loans. Additionally, Stock Yards Bancorp provides securities brokerage services in collaboration with a third-party broker-dealer, along with comprehensive financial planning, investment management, retirement, trust, and estate services. With a history dating back to its founding in 1904, Stock Yards Bancorp boasts 42 full-service banking locations, strategically positioned in the Louisville, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati metropolitan areas.

AFG: AMERICAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Industry: Insurance—Property & Casualty

American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG) recently made a noteworthy move by boosting its regular annual dividend from $2.52 to $2.84 per share of common stock. This 12.7% increase, slated to kick off in October 2023 with quarterly payments of $0.71 per share, underscores AFG's commitment to rewarding its shareholders. AFG's consistent dividend hikes over the past eighteen years, coupled with a robust ten-year compound annual growth rate of 12.4% in regular annual dividends paid, showcase American Financial Group's dedication to returning value to investors.

S. Craig Lindner and Carl H. Lindner III, AFG's Co-Chief Executive Officers, explained that this dividend boost aligns with American Financial Group's capital management strategy, reflecting their confidence in AFG's financial stability, liquidity, and long-term growth potential. This move, along with AFG's track record, positions American Financial Group as an attractive option for investors seeking both income and potential for capital appreciation in their portfolio. Keep an eye on AFG as it continues to demonstrate its commitment to shareholder value.

American Financial Group, Inc. is a leading insurance holding company in the United States with a rich history dating back to 1872. Operating through three segments, including Property and Casualty Insurance, Annuity, and Other, American Financial Group offers a wide range of insurance products. Their property and casualty insurance cover buses, trucks, marine, agriculture, and commercial properties, while specialty casualty insurance includes excess and surplus, general liability, and more. They also provide financial insurance solutions and traditional annuities. American Financial Group, Inc. distributes its products through various channels, including independent agents and brokers. Additionally, American Financial Group has a presence in commercial real estate operations across multiple locations.

SMMF: SUMMIT FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

Industry: Banks—Regional

Summit Financial Group, Inc. (SMMF) has recently delighted its shareholders by announcing a substantial 10 percent increase in its dividend for the third quarter of 2023. This move reflects Summit Financial Group's commitment to rewarding its investors and signifies its confidence in its financial stability and future prospects.

This dividend hike can be attributed to Summit's strategic focus on in-market commercial lending and business banking services, particularly in dynamic markets across West Virginia, the D.C. metropolitan area, Virginia, Kentucky, Eastern Shore of Maryland, and Delaware. With a strong emphasis on efficient operations and core deposits in established locations, Summit has positioned itself for growth and profitability. Additionally, Summit Financial Group's investment in digital and mobile banking platforms has enhanced its retail financial services, further strengthening its financial position.

In light of this positive news, investors may find Summit Financial Group, Inc. (SMMF) an attractive option in their dividend portfolio, as Summit Financial Group's dedication to growth and shareholder value becomes increasingly evident.

Summit Financial Group, Inc. is a financial holding company for Summit Community Bank, Inc., offering comprehensive community banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in West Virginia and Virginia. Their services encompass a wide range, including deposit accounts, various loan types, mortgage lines of credit, as well as trust, wealth management, and cash management services. Established in 1987, Summit Financial Group, Inc. is headquartered in Moorefield, West Virginia, and operates through 32 banking offices as of December 31, 2019.

MAIN: MAIN STREET CAPITAL CORPORATION

Industry: Asset Management

Main Street Capital Corporation (MAIN) has recently delighted its investors by announcing a significant increase in its monthly cash dividends for the fourth quarter of 2023. Main Street Capital's Board of Directors declared a generous $0.705 per share for October, November, and December 2023, reflecting a noteworthy 2.2% boost compared to the previous quarter and an impressive 6.8% increase from the same period in 2022. This decision marks yet another instance of Main Street's consistent commitment to enhancing shareholder value, as it has continuously raised its regular monthly dividends per share since its initial public offering in October 2007, never once reducing the payout amount.

The dividend increase is underpinned by Main Street's strong financial performance and prudent fiscal management. It demonstrates Main Street Capital's confidence in its ability to generate robust cash flows and sustain growth, likely driven by recent developments in its portfolio companies and the broader economic environment. Furthermore, Main Street's additional declaration of a $0.275 per share supplemental cash dividend in September 2023, funded by undistributed taxable income, adds an extra layer of investor satisfaction. With a cumulative cash dividend payout of $38.54 per share since its IPO, Main Street continues to be an appealing choice for income-oriented investors seeking consistent returns.

This dividend policy aligns with Main Street's ongoing commitment to shareholder value and its solid financial foundation, making MAIN stock an attractive option for those seeking both income and capital appreciation. Investors are encouraged to explore Main Street's dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plan, which offers a convenient avenue for reinvesting dividends or acquiring additional shares in Main Street Capital. For more information, visit the Main Street website at https://ir.mainstcapital.com/dividend-reinvestment-and-direct-stock-purchase-plan.

Main Street Capital Corporation (MSCC) is a principal investment firm with a primary goal of maximizing portfolio return. They achieve this by generating current income through debt investments and capital appreciation from equity investments, including warrants and convertible securities. Specializing in customized financing for lower middle market and middle market companies, MSCC primarily invests in secured debt, equity, and related securities of these businesses. Their portfolio includes investments in both market segments, managed by MSC Adviser I, LLC as the External Investment Manager.

All data was sourced from LevelFields AI

Join LevelFields now to be the first to know about events that affect stock prices and uncover unique investment opportunities. Choose from events, view price reactions, and set event alerts with our AI-powered platform. Don't miss out on daily opportunities from 6,300 companies monitored 24/7. Act on facts, not opinions, and let LevelFields help you become a better trader.

Free Trial: Signup for 1 Free Alert Per Week

Add your email to get alerts & the report.

Get 1 free alert per week via email

Upgrade if you want more or platform access

We'll also send you a free report

or Click Here to get full access now

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.