Looking at the universe of stocks we cover at Dividend Channel, on 9/26/14, Post Properties, Inc. (NYSE: PPS), Essex Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESS), and RLJ Lodging Trust (NYSE: RLJ) will all trade ex-dividend for their respective upcoming dividends. Post Properties, Inc. will pay its quarterly dividend of $0.40 on 10/15/14, Essex Property Trust, Inc. will pay its quarterly dividend of $1.30 on 10/15/14, and RLJ Lodging Trust will pay its quarterly dividend of $0.30 on 10/15/14.
As a percentage of PPS's recent stock price of $51.20, this dividend works out to approximately 0.78%, so look for shares of Post Properties, Inc. to trade 0.78% lower — all else being equal — when PPS shares open for trading on 9/26/14. Similarly, investors should look for ESS to open 0.72% lower in price and for RLJ to open 1.05% lower, all else being equal.
Below are dividend history charts for PPS, ESS, and RLJ, showing historical dividends prior to the most recent ones declared.
Post Properties, Inc. (NYSE: PPS):
In general, dividends are not always predictable, following the ups and downs of company profits over time. Therefore, a good first due diligence step in forming an expectation of annual yield going forward, is looking at the history above, for a sense of stability over time. This can help in judging whether the most recent dividends from these companies are likely to continue. If they do continue, the current estimated yields on annualized basis would be 3.12% for Post Properties, Inc., 2.87% for Essex Property Trust, Inc., and 4.20% for RLJ Lodging Trust.
Special Offer: Find out what Dave Moenning is holding in the Top 5 Portfolio with a free 30 day trial and a 20% off coupon from Forbes.
In Wednesday trading, Post Properties, Inc. shares are currently up about 0.2%, Essex Property Trust, Inc. shares are up about 0.3%, and RLJ Lodging Trust shares are up about 0.3% on the day.
