Dividend Growth Investor: Ten Dividend Growth Stocks Rewarding Shareholders with Raises

Markets rise over time thanks to rising corporate earnings. As a company’s profits rise, it can continue to reinvest in its business, or it can reward shareholders. The two largest ways are with share buybacks or dividends.

While dividends are less tax-efficient, investors like having the cash flow from them. And great companies can pay increasing dividends to reward investors over time. While dividend stocks are less exciting than pure growth, the prospect of lower interest rates make them attractive now.

Several companies have a long track record of raising their payouts. Those who pay a growing dividend for at least ten years are worthy of an investor’s attention.

For instance, Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) raised its quarterly dividends by 2%. The utility has raised its payout for 20 consecutive years now. Shares currently pay a 3.9% dividend. That’s more than double the average offered from the average stock.

They’re not alone. Railroad Union Pacific Corporation (UNP) also raised its quarterly payout. They raised the dividend by 3.1%. And they’ve done so for the 18^th consecutive year. Shares pay a current yield of 2.2%.

While most dividends aren’t massive, investing in dividend growth stocks can lead to compounding returns over time. Today’s 2% or 3% yield can turn far higher with patience. And these stocks will become more attractive compared to bonds as interest rates decline.

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