Four Income Stocks Raising Distributions

Every week, I review the list of dividend stocks, which announce dividend hikes. I tend to focus on the ones which have at least a five year record of consecutive dividend increases for future research. While I typically require at least ten years of consecutive dividend increases before I initiate a position in a given stock, familiarizing myself with potential additions several years before I pull the trigger could be a real time saver. In other words, if I like the economics of a company such as Intel (INTC) today, and the only red flag is that it hasn’t raised dividends for 10 years in a row, I would be mentally prepared to act if it is still attractively priced in a few years.

The four consistent dividend stocks, whose boards approved dividend hikes over the past week included:

Ecolab Inc. (ECL) develops and markets products and services for the hospitality, foodservice, healthcare, and industrial markets primarily in the United States. The company increased its quarterly dividend by 14.30% to 20 cents/share. This marked the 20th consecutive dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Yield: 1.40%

Graco Inc. (GGG) designs, manufactures, and markets systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense, and spray fluid materials. It operates in three segments: Industrial, Contractor, and Lubrication. The company increased its quarterly dividend by 7.10% to 22.50 cents/share. This marked the 15th consecutive dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Yield: 2.10%

OGE Energy Corp. (OGE), together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy and energy services provider that offers physical delivery and related services for electricity and natural gas primarily in the south central United States. The company increased its quarterly dividend by 4.70% to 39.25 cents/share. This marked the 6th consecutive dividend increase for OGE Energy Corporation. Yield: 3.00%

Wisconsin Energy Corporation (WEC) engages in the generation, distribution, and sale of electric energy and steam. The company increased its quarterly dividend by 15.40% to 30 cents/share. This marked the 9th consecutive dividend increase for Wisconsin Energy Corporation. Yield: 3.60%

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Relevant Articles:

- The ten year dividend growth requirement

- Intel Corporation (INTC) Dividend Stock Analysis

- Dividend Achievers Offer Income Growth and Capital Appreciation

- Four important dates for dividend investors