Corporate Report: August 24

Nicholas Financial board grows cash dividend by 20%
The board of directors of Clearwater-based Nicholas Financial Inc. has declared a cash dividend of 12 cents per share of its common stock. It represented a 20% increase in the stock dividend from its previous dividend of 10 cents per share. The dividend will be paid on Sept. 6, to shareholders of record as of Aug. 30.

“Our capital position and continued confidence in our earnings capability played a large part in the Board of Director's decision to increase our quarterly cash dividend 20% from 10 cents to 12 cents per share,” Peter Vosotas, chairman and CEO, says in a press release. “The dividend yield, based on the most recent closing price of $13.44, will be approximately 4%.”

The company reported its revenue grew 3.9% for the most recent quarter, ended June 30, to $17.28 million up from $16.63 million in the same quarter a year ago. Earning grew 1.3% or $71,000 to $5.37 million from $5.3 million in 2011.