Last month, H&R Block increased their quarterly dividend by 10% and these 5 other consumer cyclical companies announced similar plans
Dividends
September 4, 2023
Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. (NYSE: ETD) recently announced its fiscal 2023 full-year and fourth-quarter results, demonstrating robust financial performance. Ethan Allen Interiors reported consolidated net sales of $791.4 million for the fiscal year, with a gross margin of 60.7% and adjusted operating margin of 16.9%. Notably, its adjusted diluted EPS stood at $4.03.
One significant highlight is Ethan Allen Interiors's decision to increase its dividend payouts. Ethan Allen distributed $46.4 million in cash dividends during the fiscal year and has declared a special cash dividend of $0.50 per share, in addition to the regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.36 per share, both payable on August 31, 2023. This demonstrates Ethan Allen Interiors's commitment to returning capital to shareholders, highlighting its strong balance sheet and operational success.
The dividend increase is underpinned by Ethan Allen Interiors's favorable financial position, including total cash and investments of $172.7 million and no outstanding debt as of June 30, 2023. Ethan Allen's strategic initiatives to strengthen its vertically integrated enterprise and product offerings have also contributed to its dividend prospects. Despite economic challenges and shifting consumer focus in the post-COVID-19 era, Ethan Allen Interiors remains cautiously optimistic due to its ongoing efforts in talent development, marketing, technology, and social responsibility. This positive outlook suggests continued growth potential and the sustainability of its dividend policy. Investors may find Ethan Allen an attractive option in the current market landscape.
Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. is a prominent interior design and home furnishings company with a presence in the United States, Mexico, Honduras, and Canada. With operations divided into Wholesale and Retail segments, Ethan Allen Interiors offers an extensive range of products, including furniture, upholstery, home accents, and more, all under the Ethan Allen brand. Their products are sold through various channels, including home furnishing retail networks, independent retailers, and their website, ethanallen.com. Established in 1932 and headquartered in Danbury, Connecticut, Ethan Allen Interiors operates around 302 design centers as of June 30, 2021.
H&R Block, Inc. (HRB) recently announced its fiscal year 2023 financial results, showcasing steady growth. Despite facing several challenges, H&R Block reported a revenue of $3.5 billion, reflecting a 0.3% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, earnings per share from continuing operations grew by 9% to $3.56, while adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations increased by the same percentage, reaching $3.82.
One of the key highlights is H&R Block's decision to boost its quarterly dividend by 10%, now standing at $0.32 per share. This dividend increase signifies HRB's confidence in its business and a commitment to returning value to shareholders. Importantly, this marks the seventh consecutive year of dividend increases, with a total dividend growth of 60% since 2016. This move is backed by H&R Block's robust free cash flow and a history of share repurchases, where they have bought back 37% of their shares since 2016.
Looking ahead to fiscal year 2024, HRB anticipates continued growth in revenue, EBITDA, and adjusted earnings per share. Despite headwinds, HRB remains optimistic, driven by its successful DIY strategy, pricing power in the Assisted channel, positive customer satisfaction metrics, and the Small Business segment's growth. With its strong financial performance and strategic initiatives, HRB appears well-positioned for the future, making it an attractive option for investors seeking dividend prospects and potential long-term growth.
H&R Block, Inc. is a Kansas City-based company that specializes in income tax services across the United States, Canada, and Australia. They offer in-person assisted tax return preparation through their retail offices and franchisees, as well as online DIY tax preparation software and services. They also provide various financial products and solutions, including refund transfers, prepaid Mastercards, tax identity protection, refund advance loans, and small business financial services. Established in 1955, H&R Block is a trusted name in tax preparation and financial solutions.
Greif, Inc. (GEF.B))), a global leader in industrial packaging solutions, has just announced a significant increase in its quarterly cash dividends, demonstrating its commitment to delivering value to shareholders. Greif's Board of Directors has declared dividends of $0.52 per share for its Class A Common Stock and $0.78 per share for its Class B Common Stock. This move highlights Greif's robust free cash flow generation and dedication to enhancing shareholder returns.
Larry Hilsheimer, Greif's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, expressed Greif's enthusiasm for the dividend increase, emphasizing its role in their capital allocation strategy. This decision aligns with Greif's focus on shareholder value while concurrently pursuing near-term M&A and other growth initiatives.
Investors should mark their calendars for October 2, 2023, as the dividends will be payable to stockholders of record on September 15, 2023. This dividend increase, in conjunction with Greif's growth strategies, is a noteworthy development that may pique the interest of both current and potential investors in Greif's stock.
Greif, Inc. is a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, operating across four key segments: Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services, Paper Packaging & Services, Flexible Products & Services, and Land Management. The Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services division supplies a range of packaging solutions, including drums, containers, closure systems, and related services to various industries, while the Paper Packaging & Services segment focuses on containerboards and corrugated products for packaging and automotive sectors. The Flexible Products & Services unit specializes in flexible intermediate bulk containers for agriculture and food industries. Additionally, Greif is involved in land management activities, primarily timber harvesting and sales. Founded in 1877 and headquartered in Delaware, Ohio, Greif was previously known as Greif Bros. Corporation before adopting its current name in 2001.
Murphy USA Inc. (MUSA) has just announced a promising dividend increase of 2.6%, elevating the quarterly cash dividend to $0.39 per share, or an annualized $1.56 per share. This decision underscores MUSA's commitment to rewarding its shareholders with consistent and growing returns. The Board of Directors has scheduled the payout for September 7, 2023, with stockholders of record as of August 28, 2023, set to benefit from this increment.
This dividend boost could be attributed to a variety of factors, including Murphy USA's robust financial performance and strong cash flow generation. Furthermore, recent developments in the energy sector, such as rising oil prices and increased consumer demand for fuel, may have positively influenced MUSA's profitability. Investors looking for stable dividend prospects and potential growth in the energy sector should keep a close eye on MUSA, as it continues to deliver value to its shareholders.
Murphy USA Inc. engages in the marketing of retail motor fuel products and convenience merchandise. Murphy USA operates retail stores under the Murphy USA and Murphy Express brand names. As of December 31, 2019, it operated 1,489 gasoline stores, including 1,161 Murphy USA and 328 Murphy Express stores principally in the Southeast, Southwest, and Midwest United States. Murphy USA was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in El Dorado, Arkansas.
Papa John's International, Inc. (PZZA) recently reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2023, showcasing various aspects of its performance. Despite facing some challenges in North America, Papa John’s International's solid execution in its company-owned restaurants led to positive comp sales growth. This growth, coupled with year-over-year margin improvements and the introduction of popular menu items like the Garlic Epic Stuffed Crust Pizza, demonstrated Papa John’s International's resilience in a challenging operating environment.
One key highlight is Papa John’s International's move to increase its annual dividend rate by 10%, bringing it to $1.84 per share. This dividend increase signifies Papa John's confidence in its financial position and long-term growth prospects. The decision to raise dividends could be attributed to Papa John’s International's strong performance and its recent expansion initiatives, including the acquisition of formerly franchised restaurants in the UK. The move to establish a corporate-owned restaurant portfolio in the UK reflects Papa John’s International's commitment to international growth and its strategy to replicate its success model from the US in other markets. While facing short-term macroeconomic challenges, Papa John's remains optimistic about improving sales and profitability in its international segment and achieving positive comp sales and new unit development growth in the latter half of 2023 and beyond.
In addition to these financial insights, it's worth noting that Papa John's focus on operational excellence and prudent fiscal discipline has contributed to its overall strength, backed by a robust balance sheet. These factors, combined with its dividend increase, make the stock an interesting choice for investors looking for both growth potential and income stability.
Papa John"'s International, Inc. operates and franchises pizza delivery and carryout restaurants under the Papa John''s trademark in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Domestic Company-Owned Restaurants, North America Commissaries, North America Franchising, and International Operations. Papa John’s International also operates dine-in and delivery restaurants. As of December 29, 2019, it operated 5,395 Papa John''s restaurants, which included 598 company-owned and 4,797 franchised restaurants. Papa John’s International was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (WGO), the renowned outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer, has just made an exciting move for its shareholders. Winnebago Industries recently announced a significant 15 percent increase in its quarterly cash dividend, now standing at $0.31 per share, up by $0.04 per share from the previous quarter. This decision reflects Winnebago's commitment to its customers and dedication to creating sustainable value for its shareholders.
Michael Happe, President and CEO of Winnebago Industries, emphasized Winnebago Industries's focus on quality, innovation, and service, while also responding to dynamic market conditions. The confidence in the long-term strength and trajectory of the business is underscored by this dividend increase. Winnebago Industries' diverse portfolio of premium brands in the outdoor recreation industry remains resilient, offering optimism for the future. Moreover, with a track record of consistent dividend payments over 37 quarters and five consecutive years of dividend increases, Winnebago Industries continues to be an appealing choice for investors seeking both stability and growth in their portfolios.
Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles and marine products, serving leisure travel and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. With six distinct segments including Grand Design Towables, Winnebago Towables, Winnebago Motorhomes, Newmar motorhomes, Chris-Craft Marine, and Winnebago Specialty Vehicles, Winnebago Industries offers a wide range of products. These include towable units like travel trailers, fifth wheels, and camper trailers under the Winnebago and Grand Design brands, as well as self-propelled motorhomes from Winnebago and Newmar. Additionally, Winnebago specializes in specialty commercial vehicles and boats under the Chris-Craft brand. Established in 1958 and headquartered in Forest City, Iowa, Winnebago Industries distributes its products through independent dealers across the United States, Canada, and internationally.
All data was sourced from LevelFields AI
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