4 Recent Dividend Increases

What separates income investors from dividend investors is the concept of a growing dividend. This dividend growth is the life-blood of a thriving dividend portfolio. The income derived from a quality, well-diversified portfolio is much more predictable than capital gains and the good companies routinely raise their dividends well in excess of the inflation rate.

Recently, the following companies announced increased cash dividends:

Middlesex Water (MSEX) provides regulated water utility service in parts of New Jersey and Delaware; and also operates waste water systems. October 30th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.18/share. The dividend is payable December 1, 2009 to shareholders of record as of November 13, 2009. The ex-dividend date is November 11, 2009. MSEX is a Dividend Champion and has increased its dividend for 36 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 4.62%.

Aaron's (AAN) rents and sells residential and office furniture, consumer electronics and household appliances, and also manufactures furniture for rental and subsequent sale. November 4th the company raised its quarterly dividend 5.9% to $0.018/share. The dividend is payable January 4, 2010 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 1, 2009. The ex-dividend date is November 27. The yield based on the new payout is 0.27%.

Microchip (MCHP) supplies microcontrollers and analog and other semiconductor
products for a wide variety of high-volume embedded control applications. November 4th the company increased its quarter dividend to $0.34/share. The yield based on the new payout is 5.56%.

Universal Corp. (UVV) is the world's largest independent leaf tobacco dealer. November 5th the company raised its quarterly dividend 2.2% to $0.47/share. The dividend is payable February 9, 2010, to common shareholders of record at the close of business on January 11, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.33%.

Great companies that make excellent income investments raise their dividends each and every year. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive dividend increases, see this list.

Full Disclosure: No position in the aforementioned stocks. See a list of all my income holdings here.

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