New Dividend Aristocrats

Questar (STR): STR is a natural gas energy company.

• Last dividend increase was at a YOY rate of 4% (23.5 cents vs. 22.5 cents per quarter).
• The 5-year historical dividend growth rate is approximately 6%.
  
• EPS estimate for 2006 totals $4.77. Fourth quarter '06 estimate of $1.27 is lower than the fourth quarter '05 earnings of $1.31.
• Payout ratio approximately 19% versus 5-year average of 30%.
• S&P Earnings and Dividend Ranking is A.
• Company added to the S&P 500 Index 11/30/2006.

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Compass Bancshares (CBSS): CBSS is a $33.9 billion bank with headquarters in Alabama.

• Last dividend increase was at a YOY rate of 11% (39 cents vs. 35 cents per quarter).
• The 5-year historical dividend growth rate is 11%.
  
• EPS estimate for 2006 totals $3.53 versus 2005 EPS of $3.23.
  
• Payout ratio approximately 45% versus 5-year average of 43%.
• S&P Earnings and Dividend Ranking is A+.
  

Cincinnati Financial (CINF): CINF is a property and casualty insurance company.

• Last dividend increase was at a YOY rate of 10% (33.5 cents vs. 30.5 cents per quarter).
• The 5-year historical dividend growth rate is approximately 13%.
  
• EPS estimate for 2006 totals $3.84 versus 2005 EPS of $3.17 EPS estimate for 2007 is $3.09.
  
• Payout ratio approximately 44% versus 5-year average of 41%.
• S&P Earnings and Dividend Ranking is A-.

Synovus Financial (SNV): SNV is a $31.3 billion bank with headquarters in Columbus, GA.

• Last dividend increase was at a YOY rate of 7% (19.5 cents vs. 18.3 cents per quarter).
• The 5-year historical dividend growth rate is approximately 7%.
  
• EPS estimate for 2006 totals $1.86 versus 2005 EPS of $1.64.
  
• Payout ratio approximately 43% versus 5-year average of 47%.
• S&P Earnings and Dividend Ranking is A+.

SLM Corporation (SLM): SLM Corporation, also known as Sallie Mae, is engaged in education finance.

• Last dividend increase was at a YOY rate of 14% (25 cents vs. 122 cents per quarter).
• The 5-year historical dividend growth rate is approximately 30%.
  
• EPS estimate for 2006 totals $2.86 versus 2005 EPS of $2.51.
  
• Payout ratio approximately 36% versus 5-year average of 30%.
• S&P Earnings and Dividend Ranking is B+.

Source: Standard and Poor's