Dividend Growth Investor: Seven Dividend Growth Companies Increase Dividends Last Week

The S&P 500’s sharp rally over the past two years has pushed its dividend yield to about 1.3%. That’s well below its historic level closer to 2% over the past few decades. Yet, overall dividend payments by companies are on the rise.

Investors can continue to find value with dividend stocks, and find better income opportunities than simply owning the overall market. And companies that grow their income over time can mean higher overall returns for patient investors.

Dividend-paying companies that tend to raise their payouts annually can offer great long-term returns. And do so with lower market volatility. So investors should be on the lookout to buy those plays when they’re out of favor with the market.

One such play is athletic apparel designer Nike (NKE). They just raised their dividend by 8%, and has grown its dividends at an annualized rate of over 11% over the past five years.

Currently, shares pays a 2% dividend, and the stock is near its 52-week low. That could be a long-term buying opportunity for patient investors.

Another company raising its payout now is Tyson Foods (TSN). Food is a steady industry, and Tyson’s 2% dividend increase reflects that. But shares pay a solid 3.1% dividend, and has now increased its payout for 13 years straight.

To see the full list of companies raising their payouts now, click here.