Dividend Growth Investor: Seventeen Dividend Growth Stocks Raising Dividends Last Week

While the market has trended higher so far this year, rising interest rates and slowing markets such as real estate point to lower returns moving forward. That’s where investors can perform well with astute investments in places such as dividend stocks.

More importantly, as some companies are cutting dividends right now, finding those companies that are rewarding shareholders with an increasing payout can provide a source of growing income and improved long-term results.

So far this month, nearly 20 companies have announced dividend increases. Some are in the double-digit range.

That includes PepsiCo (PEP). They raised their payout by 10 percent, with a new dividend payout of $1.265 per share per quarter. And Pepsi has now raised its dividend payments for 51 years in a row.

Yes, the stock’s current yield of 2.6 isn’t that impressive compared to the stock market’s average. However, the growth component ensures that investors can be well paid over time.

Some companies aren’t massive dividend growers. But they’re still capable of showing investors great long-term returns. Tech company Apple (AAPL) just increased their dividend payout by 4.35 percent.

While below the rate of inflation right now, an investment in Apple should offer great returns over time. That’s thanks to the company’s growing revenues and share buybacks on top of the dividend.

While dividend investing takes a long-term approach, the long-term results can be better than trying to bet on growth stocks haphazardly.

To view the full list of companies with recently-announced dividend increases, click here.