Dividend growth investing is a very popular approach which can fit within the ModernGraham methods. This article will look at companies reviewed by ModernGraham which have grown their dividends annually for at least the last 20 years. Out of over 900 companies covered by ModernGraham, only 73 have grown dividends annually for at least the last 20 years.
Defensive Investors are defined as investors who are not able or willing to do substantial research into individual investments, and therefore need to select only the companies that present the least amount of risk. Enterprising Investors, on the other hand, are able to do substantial research and can select companies that present a moderate (though still low) amount of risk.
The Elite
The following companies have been rated as undervalued and suitable for either the Defensive Investor or the Enterprising Investor:
AFLAC Incorporated (AFL)
AFLAC Incorporated
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $6.07 in 2014 to an estimated $8.08 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 1.21% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into AFLAC Incorporated revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $103.31. The company pays a dividend of $1.74 per share, for a yield of 2% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 10.92, which was below the industry average of 22.76, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. (See the full valuation)
Cardinal Health Inc (CAH)
Cardinal Health Inc
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.48 in 2014 to an estimated $4.43 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 3.14% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Cardinal Health Inc revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $50.88. The company pays a dividend of $1.81 per share, for a yield of 2.8%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 14.78, which was below the industry average of 43.8, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-32.02. (See the full valuation)
Leggett & Platt, Inc. (LEG)
Leggett & Platt, Inc.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.14 in 2014 to an estimated $2.35 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 5.06% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Leggett & Platt, Inc. revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $23.11. The company pays a dividend of $1.42 per share, for a yield of 3.3%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 18.62, which was above the industry average of 17.71. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-5. (See the full valuation)
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW)
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.1 in 2015 to an estimated $4.11 for 2019. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 7.7% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Lowe’s Companies, Inc. revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $29. The company pays a dividend of $1.58 per share, for a yield of 1.6% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 23.9, which was below the industry average of 25.61, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-19.93. (See the full valuation)
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. (SKT)
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.76 in 2014 to an estimated $1.25 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 5.18% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc. revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $11.47. The company pays a dividend of $1.35 per share, for a yield of 5.7%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 18.86, which was below the industry average of 49.54, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-17.97. (See the full valuation)
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (SWK)
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $4.09 in 2014 to an estimated $7.32 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 4.97% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $95.94. The company pays a dividend of $2.42 per share, for a yield of 1.8% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 18.45, which was below the industry average of 28.31, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-40.05. (See the full valuation)
The Good
The following companies have been rated as fairly valued and suitable for either the Defensive Investor or the Enterprising Investor:
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. (APD)
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $4.94 in 2014 to an estimated $7.66 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 6.66% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $85.6. The company pays a dividend of $3.71 per share, for a yield of 2.2%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 21.81, which was below the industry average of 31.55, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-11.97. (See the full valuation)
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR)
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $3.92 in 2014 to an estimated $5.42 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 6.25% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $84.91. The company pays a dividend of $2.25 per share, for a yield of 2% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 21.01, which was above the industry average of 20.05. (See the full valuation)
Cincinnati Financial Corporation (CINF)
Cincinnati Financial Corporation
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Undervalued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.69 in 2014 to an estimated $4.11 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth outpaces the market’s implied estimate of 4.82% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value above the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Cincinnati Financial Corporation revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $58.26. The company pays a dividend of $2 per share, for a yield of 2.7%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 18.15, which was below the industry average of 20.16, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. (See the full valuation)
Cintas Corporation (CTAS)
Cintas Corporation
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.46 in 2014 to an estimated $5.53 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 11.17% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Cintas Corporation revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $59.9. The company pays a dividend of $1.33 per share, for a yield of 0.8% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 30.84, which was below the industry average of 32.93, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-18.65. (See the full valuation)
Hormel Foods Corp (HRL)
Hormel Foods Corp
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.98 in 2014 to an estimated $1.6 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 7.21% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Hormel Foods Corp revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $19.56. The company pays a dividend of $0.68 per share, for a yield of 1.9% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 22.92, which was below the industry average of 24.35, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $-1.27. (See the full valuation)
People’s United Financial, Inc. (PBCT)
People’s United Financial, Inc.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $0.71 in 2014 to an estimated $1.02 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 5.13% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on Benjamin Graham’s formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into People’s United Financial, Inc. revealed the company was trading below its Graham Number of $21.22. The company pays a dividend of $0.69 per share, for a yield of 3.6%, putting it among the best dividend paying stocks today. Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 18.76, which was below the industry average of 20.84, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. (See the full valuation)
Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST)
Ross Stores, Inc.
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.62 in 2014 to an estimated $2.77 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 9.86% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into Ross Stores, Inc. revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $22.68. The company pays a dividend of $0.54 per share, for a yield of 0.7% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 28.22, which was below the industry average of 48.5, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $0.86. (See the full valuation)
SEI Investments Company (SEIC)
SEI Investments Company
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $1.52 in 2014 to an estimated $2.47 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 7.97% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into SEI Investments Company revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $25.4. The company pays a dividend of $0.58 per share, for a yield of 1% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 24.43, which was above the industry average of 21.47. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $5.12. (See the full valuation)
T. Rowe Price Group Inc (TROW)
T. Rowe Price Group Inc
As for a valuation, the company appears to be Fairly Valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $3.79 in 2014 to an estimated $5.76 for 2018. This level of demonstrated earnings growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 6.15% annual earnings growth over the next 7-10 years. As a result, the ModernGraham valuation model, based on the Benjamin Graham value investing formula, returns an estimate of intrinsic value within a margin of safety relative to the price.
At the time of valuation, further research into T. Rowe Price Group Inc revealed the company was trading above its Graham Number of $60.69. The company pays a dividend of $2.28 per share, for a yield of 1.9% Its PEmg (price over earnings per share – ModernGraham) was 20.79, which was below the industry average of 22.96, which by some methods of valuation makes it one of the most undervalued stocks in its industry. Finally, the company was trading above its Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) of $3.21. (See the full valuation)
Disclaimer:
The author held a long position in People’s United Financial Inc but did not hold a position in any other company mentioned in this article at the time of publication and had no intention of changing that position within the next 72 hours. See my current holdings here. This article is not investment advice and all readers are encouraged to speak to a registered investment adviser prior to making any investing decisions. Please also read our full disclaimer. This article first appeared on ModernGraham.