Johnson & Johnson raises dividend for 55th year

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) will raise its dividend by 5 percent.

Dividend Aristocrat Johnson & Johnson will increase its quarterly dividend to $0.84 per share, marking 55 consecutive years of dividend increases.

"In recognition of our 2016 results, strong financial position and confidence in the future of Johnson & Johnson, the Board has voted to increase the quarterly dividend for the 55th consecutive year," said Alex Gorsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company.

At the new rate, the indicated dividend on an annual basis is $3.36 per share compared to the previous rate of $3.20 per share.  The next quarterly dividend is payable on June 13, 2017 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 30, 2017. The ex-dividend date is May 25, 2017.

Listerine is a Johnson & Johnson brand

Year-to-date Johnson & Johnson has gained 7.4% at the current stock price of $123.74. The estimated dividend yield is 2.7%.

The 21 analysts following JNJ currently rate the stock a hold on average with 8 'buy' recommendations and 13 'holds'. No analyst rates JNJ a 'sell'. The average price target is $128.82, just a fraction above the current price.

Johnson & Johnson is a holding company, which is engaged in the research and development, manufacture and sale of a range of products in the healthcare field. Its research facilities are located in the United States, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.