Guru Stocks Raising Dividends: NKE, LG, DCI, RGLD

This is the group of companies who raised their dividend during the week: NIKE Inc., The Laclede Group Inc., Donaldson Company Inc., and Royal Gold Inc.

NIKE Inc. (NKE, Financial)

Nike, Inc.'s principal business activity involves the design, development and worldwide marketing of high quality footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessory products. Nike Inc. has a market cap of $41.08 billion; its shares were traded at around $85.96 with a P/E ratio of 21.6 and P/S ratio of 2.2. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 15% from 27 cents/share to 31 cents/share. This was the ninth consecutive annual dividend increase for Nike. Yield: 1.40%

NIKE, Inc. reported financial results for its fiscal 2011 first quarter ended August 31, 2010. Revenues increased 8 percent to $5.2 billion. Net income increased 9 percent to $559 million and diluted earnings per share increased 10 percent to $1.14 reflecting an approximate 1 percent decline in the number of diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.

NIKE Inc. is owned by John Hussman, Ken Heebner, and Mario Gabelli.

VP & CFO Donald W Blair, President-NIKE Brand Charles D Denson, and Vice President Eric D Sprunk sold shares of NKE stock.

Director John C Lechleiter bought shares of NKE stock.

The Laclede Group Inc. (LG, Financial)

The Laclede Group, Inc. is a public utility engaged in the retail distribution and transportation of natural gas. The Laclede Group Inc. has a market cap of $793.8 million; its shares were traded at around $35.61 with a P/E ratio of 14.8 and P/S ratio of 0.5. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 2.50% to 40.50 cents/share. This was the seventh consecutive annual dividend increase for Laclede. Yield: 4.60%

The Laclede Group Inc. is owned by Mario Gabelli.

Chairman, President & CEO Douglas H Yaeger sold shares of LG stock.

Donaldson Company Inc. (DCI, Financial)

Donaldson Company, Inc. is a worldwide manufacturer of air cleaners, liquid filters and exhaust products and accessories for heavy duty mobile equipment; in-plant air cleaning systems; air intake systems and exhaust products for industrial gas turbines; and specialized filters for diverse applications. Donaldson Company Inc. has a market cap of $4.16 billion; its shares were traded at around $54.53 with a P/E ratio of 22.5 and P/S ratio of 2.3. This stock raised its quarterly distribution by 4% to 13 cents/ share. This was the second dividend increase this year, and marked the 25th consecutive annual dividend increase for the company. Yield: 1%

Donaldson Company, Inc. announced its financial results for its fiscal 2011 first quarter. Operating expenses for the quarter were $113.6 million, up 18.4 percent from $96.0 million last year.

Donaldson Company Inc. is owned by PRIMECAP Management and Mario Gabelli.

Director Jack W Eugster, Director Janet M Dolan, and Vice President Norman C Linnell sold shares of DCI stock.

Royal Gold Inc. (RGLD, Financial)

Royal Gold, Inc. is engaged in the acquisition and management of precious metals royalties. Royal Gold Inc. has a market cap of $2.75 billion; its shares were traded at around $51.25 with a P/E ratio of 60.4 and P/S ratio of 20.1. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 22% to 11 cents/share. This was the sixth consecutive annual dividend increase for this gold stock. Yield: 0.90%

Royal Gold, Inc. announced record royalty revenue of $45.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 and net income attributable to Royal Gold stockholders of $11.8 million, or $0.22 per basic share. This compares to royalty revenue of $26.1 million and net income of $7.1 million, or $0.18 per basic share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

Royal Gold Inc. is owned by Mario Gabelli and Jean-Marie Eveillard.

Director M Craig Haase bought shares of RGLD stock.

Director Stanley Dempsey sold shares of RGLD stock.