Chesapeake Energizes Investors with Dividend (NYSE: CHK)

Chesapeake Energy’s BoD managed to declare its $0.0875 per share quarterly dividend just in time for the holiday season. The company is likely aiming to put money in investors pockets so that they can spend it at the malls and help boost the economy. The natural gas company is also paying its dividend on preferred shares. The stock is up 12 cents in premarket trading. It has been beaten down over the last few months, especially recently as oil prices have come down. However the company is making a shift into higher prices liquids along with industry peers such as Carrizo Oil & Gas. These companies have large shale assets and have been dealing with bargain basement prices for natural gas, yet they are still making a profit. Lately, foreign companies have become highly interested in US natural gas plays, as they intend on making use of the gas for vehicles and the like. Natural gas burns cleaner and is much cheaper than oil. Foreign companies are beginning to exploit this opportunity, whereas the United States still continues to rely heavily and guzzle down oil.