Twelve income stocks boosting distributions

As I mentioned in a previous article, the most satisfying press release coming from a dividend paying corporation, is the one announcing a dividend increase. For dividend growth investors, who have analyzed the company and purchased its stock based on the dividend growth capabilities of that business, this provides a strong almost instantaneous feedback in the form of a higher reward. After all, a company which can afford to continuously to raise distributions year after year, will generate rising returns on investment for investors who were shrewd enough to select it at the right time. The consistency of dividend increases, ensures that investors can live off that income stream and attain financial independence.

Below, I have highlighted twelve cash machines, which announced dividend increases over the past week. All of the companies listed below have raised distributions for at least five consecutive years:

Brown-Forman Corporation (BF-B) engages in manufacturing, bottling, importing, exporting, and marketing alcoholic beverages. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 9.40% to 35 cents/share. This marked the 28th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend champion. Yield: 1.90% (analysis)

Sysco Corporation (SYY), through its subsidiaries, engages in the marketing and distribution of a range of food and related products primarily to the foodservice or food-away-from-home industry. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 3.80% to 36 cents/share. This marked the 10th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend champion. Yield: 4% (analysis)

National Bankshares, Inc. (NKSH) operates as the holding company for the National Bank of Blacksburg, a chartered national bank that provides a range of retail and commercial banking services to individuals, businesses, non-profits, and local governments in Virginia. The company raised its semi-annual dividend by 8.30% to 52 cents/share. This marked the 12th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. The company has raised dividends two times in the past year. Yield: 4%

The Laclede Group, Inc. (LG), through its subsidiaries, engages in the retail distribution, sale, and marketing of natural gas. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 2.50% to 41.50 cents/share. This marked the ninth consecutive annual dividend increase for the stock. Yield: 4%

The Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB), through its subsidiaries, engages in finding, producing, gathering, processing, and transporting natural gas primarily in the United States. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 25% to 25 cents/share. This marked the second dividend increase this year for Williams Companies, which has raised distributions for 8 years in a row. Yield: 3.30%

MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU) operates as a diversified natural resource company in the United States. The company generates, transmits, and distributes electricity, as well as distributes natural gas. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 3.10% to 16.75 cents/share. This marked the 21st consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Yield: 3.30%

NIKE, Inc. (NKE), together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, marketing, and sale of footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessory products for men, women, and children worldwide. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 16.10% to 36 cents/share. This marked the 10th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Yield: 1.60%

Union Pacific Corporation (UNP), through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company, provides rail transportation services in North America. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 26.30% to 60 cents/share. This marked the 6th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend stock. Yield: 2.40%

New Jersey Resources Corporation (NJR) provides retail and wholesale energy services. It operates in two segments, Natural Gas Distribution and Energy Services. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 5.60% to 38 cents/share. This marked the 17th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Yield: 3.20%

Royal Gold, Inc. (RGLD), together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition and management of precious metal royalties. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 36.40% to 15 cents/share. This marked the 11th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Yield: 0.80%

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (THG), through its subsidiaries, underwrites commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance coverage in the United States. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 9.10% to 30 cents/share. This marked the 8th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend stock. Yield: 3.20%

StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. (SFG), through its subsidiaries, provides group insurance products and services in the United States. The company raised its annual dividend by 3.50% to 89 cents/share. This marked the 14th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend stock. Yield: 2.70%

Full disclosure: Long BF-B and SYY

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