Three dividend stocks raising dividends, 4 more expected to raise them in April

Three consistent dividend stocks raised distributions over the past week. I define consistent dividend payers as companies which have raised dividends for at least five years in a row. These companies merit further research by dividend investors. However, I only intend to purchase stock in companies which have consistently raised dividends for at least one decade. The companies which announced dividend increases last week include:

The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) operates as an off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the United States and internationally. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 26.70% to 19 cents/share. This marked the 16th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Yield: 1.50%

Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. (OZRK) operates as the bank holding company for Bank of the Ozarks that provides a range of retail and commercial banking services. The bank announced a 5.90% dividend increase to 18 cents/share. This marked the 14th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Yield: 1.60%

QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) engages in the development, design, manufacture, and marketing of digital wireless telecommunications products and services. The company operates in four segments: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies, Qualcomm Technology Licensing, Qualcomm Wireless and Internet, and Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives. The company raised its dividend by 13.20% to 21.50 cents/share. This marked the tenth consecutive annual dividend increase for this stock. Yield: 1.60%

I also expect the following dividend aristocrats to raise distributions in April, based on the fact that each of them has raised distributions in April since 2003. The companies include:

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) engages in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Consumer, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Devices and Diagnostics. Johnson & Johnson has raised dividends for 48 years in a row and has a 5 year dividend growth rate of 10.60% per year. Yield: 3.60% (analysis)

The Procter & Gamble Company (PG) provides consumer packaged goods in the United States and internationally. The company operates in three global business units (GBUs): Beauty and Grooming, Health and Well-Being, and Household Care. Procter & Gamble has raised dividends for 54 years in a row and has a 5 year dividend growth rate of 11.60% per year. Yield: 3.10% (analysis)

Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) engages in the exploration, production, transportation, and sale of crude oil and natural gas. Exxon Mobil Corporation has raised dividends for 28 years in a row and has a 5 year dividend growth rate of 8.80% per year. Yield: 2.10% (analysis)

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW) and its subsidiaries distribute facilities maintenance and other related products and services in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Mexico. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has raised dividends for 39 years in a row and has a 5 year dividend growth rate of 17.70% per year. Yield: 1.50% (analysis)

The list of weekly dividend increases is just one report in my toolset that I use to identify promising dividend growth stocks. Further research should done at the individual stock level by enterprising dividend investors, in order to find our the best fit for their long-term portfolios.

Full disclosure: Long GWW, JNJ, PG, XOM

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