This week several companies raised their shareholders yield on cost by increasing their cash dividends:

The Coca-Cola Company (KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7% to $0.47/share. This is equivalent to an annual dividend of $1.88 per share, up from $1.76 per share in 2010. The first quarterly dividend is payable April 1, 2011, to shareowners of record as of March 15, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.

Silgan Holdings Inc. (SLGN) is a leading manufacturer of consumer goods packaging products. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.11/share. The dividend is payable on March 17, 2011 to the holders of record of the common stock of the Company on March 3, 2011. The Company began paying a cash dividend in 2004 and has increased its quarterly dividend every year since. The yield based on the new payout is 1.2%.

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (TROW) is a global investment management organization with $482.0 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2010. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 15% to $0.31 per share payable March 29, 2011 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 15, 2011. This will mark the 25th consecutive year since the firm’s initial public offering that the company will have increased its annual dividend payout. The yield based on the new payout is 1.8%.

Lorillard, Inc. (LO) is the the third largest manufacturer of cigarettes in the United States. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 16% to $1.30/share. The dividend is payable on March 11, 2011 to stockholders of record as of March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 6.6%.

Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (GPI) is a Fortune 500 automotive retailer. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.11/share. The dividend will be paid on March 15, 2011, to stockholders of record on March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.1%.

National Health Investors, Inc. (NHI) is a healthcare real estate investment trust that specializes in the financing of healthcare real estate by purchase and leaseback transactions and by mortgage loans. February 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 4.2% to $0.615/share. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record on March 31, 2011 and payable on May 10, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 5.3%.

Emclaire Financial Corp. (EMCF) is an independent, nationally chartered, FDIC-insured community commercial bank headquartered in Emlenton, Pennsylvania. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 14.3% to $0.16/share. The dividend is payable on March 18, 2011, to shareholders of record on March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.6%.

Williams’ (WMB) is a large-scale infrastructure company with a business focus on enabling producers and end-users to optimize the value of North America’s significant resource plays. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 60% to $0.20/share. The company is targeting an additional 10 percent to 15 percent increase for the quarterly dividends it will pay beginning in June 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.

HNI Corporation (HNI) is the second largest office furniture manufacturer in the world and is also the nation’s leading manufacturer and marketer of gas- and wood-burning fireplaces. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 6.98% increase to $0.23/share on its common stock. The dividend will be payable on March 7, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.

Cheviot Financial Corp. (CHEV) provides a range of banking services in Ohio. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.12 per share to stockholders of record March 15, 2011. The dividend will be paid March 31, 2011. This is the seventh consecutive year that Cheviot Financial Corp. has increased its dividend. The yield based on the new payout is 5.6%.

The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of paints, coatings, and related products in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.365 per common share, payable on March 11, 2011, to shareholders of record on February 25, 2011. The dividend is payable March 11th to shareholders of record on Feb. 25th. This increase follows 32 consecutive years of dividend increases. The yield based on the new payout is 1.7%.

Albemarle Corporation (ALB) is a leading global developer, manufacturer, and marketer of highly-engineered specialty chemicals. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 18.2% to $0.165/share. The dividend is payable April 1, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business as of March 15, 2011. The new annualized dividend rate is $0.66/share. The yield based on the new payout is 1.1%.

Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) is the parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company; American Snuff Company, LLC; Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc.; and NiconovumAB. February 16th the company increased its quarterly dividend 8.2% to $0.53/share. The dividend is payable on April 1, 2011, to shareholders of record on March 10, 2011. This will be the 27th consecutive quarterly dividend paid to shareholders since the company became publicly traded in 2004, and the seventh dividend increase. The yield based on the new payout is 6.3%.

Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) is one of the nation’s leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services. February 16th the company increased its annual dividend 19% to $0.45 per share. In accordance with the increase, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1125 a share on the company’s common stock, payable on April 27, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 6, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.9%.

Foot Locker, Inc. (FL) is a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3,400 stores in 21 countries in North America, Europe and Australia. February 15th the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.165/share. The dividend is payable on April 29, 2011 to shareholders of record on April 15, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.6%.

Cooper Industries plc (CBE) is a global electrical products manufacturer with 2010 revenues of $5.1 billion. February 15th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7% to $0.29/share. The is payable on April 1, 2011 to shareholders of record as of February 28, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.8%.

Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) is a diversified global provider of hand tools, power tools and related accessories, mechanical access solutions and electronic security solutions, engineered fastening systems, and more. February 15th the company increased its quarterly dividend 21% to $0.41/share. This marks the 44th consecutive annual dividend increase for the company. The dividend is payable on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.2%.

Omnicom Group Inc. (OMC) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. February 14th the company increased its quarterly dividend 25% to $0.25/share. The dividend is payable on April 1, 2011 to Omnicom Group common shareholders of record at the close of business on March 4, 2011.The yield based on the new payout is 2.1%.

Compass Minerals (CMP) is a leading producer of minerals, including salt, sulfate of potash specialty fertilizer and magnesium chloride. February 14th the company increased its quarterly dividend 15% to $0.45/share. The dividend is payable March 15, 2011, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.9%.

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (WWW) is one of the world’s leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and apparel. February 12th the company increased its quarterly dividend 9% to $0.12/share. The dividend is payable on May 2, 2011 to stockholders of record on April 1, 2011 and reflects an indicated annual dividend of $0.48 per share. The yield based on the new payout is 1.3%.

Hubbell Incorporated (HUBA) is an international manufacturer of quality electrical and electronic products for a broad range of non-residential and residential construction, industrial and utility applications. February 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 6% to $0.38/share. The dividend is payable on April 11, 2011, to shareholders of record on March 7, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.4%.

RF Industries, Ltd., (RFIL) provides interconnect products and systems for radio frequency (RF) communications devices and wireless digital transmission systems. February 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 33% and declared a 2-for-1 common stock split. The stock split will be effective February 24, 2011, and will increase RFI’s outstanding common shares to approximately 5,953,018. The increase in RFI’s quarterly cash dividend to $0.02 per post-split share will be payable on April 15, 2011, to shareholders of record on March 31, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.9%.

ConocoPhillips (COP) is an integrated energy company with interests around the world. February 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.66/share. The dividend is payable March 1, 2011, to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 22, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.7%.

SCANA Corporation (SCG) is an energy-based holding company principally engaged, through subsidiaries, in electric and natural gas utility operations and other energy-related businesses. February 11th the company raised its quarterly dividend 2.1% to $0.485/share. The dividend is payable April 1, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 4.8%.

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (DLR) is a leading global wholesale datacenter provider. February 10th the company increased its dividend 28.3% to $0.68/share. This is the 9th dividend increase since the IPO in the fourth quarter of 2004. The dividend is payable to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 15, 2011. The common stock dividend will be paid on March 31, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 4.8%.

Selecting stocks with increasing dividends is critical for an income growth strategy. The above list contains stocks that recently raised their dividends; it is not a list of recommend buys. As always, due diligence should be performed before buying or selling any stock. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive cash dividend increases, see this list.

Full Disclosure: Long KO. See a list of all my income holdings here.

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(Photo Credit)

An increasing cash dividend keeps pressure on management to ensure the company is well run. If there are too many missteps, eventually the dividend will slip. Here are several stocks where management recently met the challenge by raising their cash dividends:

New Jersey Resources (NJR) supplies gas to more than 478,000 customers in central and northern New Jersey. December 1st the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.34/share. The dividend will be paid January 4, 2010 to shareholders of record on December 15, 2009. The ex-dividend date is December 11, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 3.78%.

Toro Co. (TTC) makes, and markets outdoor maintenance and beautification products for home, recreation, and commercial landscapes. December 2nd the company raised its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.18/share. The dividend is payable on January 12, 2010 to shareholders of record on December 18, 2009. The ex-dividend date is December 16, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 1.77%.

Lincoln Electric (LECO) manufactures arc welding products, robotic welding systems, and oxyfuel cutting equipment. December 2nd the company boosted its dividend 3.7% to $0.28/share. The dividend is payable January 15, 2010, to shareholders of record on December 31, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 2.02%.

Enbridge (ENB) transports crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbons; and engages in gas utility operations that serve residential, commercial, industrial customers in Canada. December 2nd the company increased its quarterly dividend 15% to $0.425/share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2010 to shareholders of record on February 15, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.67%.

Nucor Corporation (NUE) the largest minimill steelmaker in the U.S. with one of the most diverse product lines of any steelmaker in the Americas. December 2nd the company raised its quarterly dividend 3% to $0.36/share. The dividend is payable on February 11, 2010 to stockholders of record on December 31, 2009. The ex-dividend date is December 29, 2009. Yield on the dividend is 3.2%. NUE is a Dividend Achiever and has increased its dividend for 36 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.29%.

Universal Health Realty Income Trust (UHT) is a real estate investment trust invests in healthcare and human service related facilities. December 2nd the company boosts its quarterly dividend to $0.60/share. The dividend will be paid on December 31, 2009 to shareholders of record as of December 16, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 7.86%.

Hillenbrand (HI) manufactures and sells gasketed caskets made of carbon steel, stainless steel, copper & bronze; offers a cremation marketing system for funeral service professionals. December 2nd the company increased its quarterly Dividend to $0.1875/share. The dividend is payable December 31, 2009, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 17, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 3.94%.

Comcast (CMCSA) is the largest U.S. cable multiple system operator (MSO), as well as a provider of cable programming content. December 3rd jumped its annual dividend 40% to $0.378/share. The dividend is payable on January 27, 2010 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 6, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.38%.

Cameco Corporation (CCJ) explores, develops, mines, refines, converts, and fabricates uranium for sale as fuel for generating electricity in nuclear power reactors in Canada and globally. December 3rd the company increased it annual dividend 17% to $0.28/share. The company’s board of directors also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per common share, payable on January 15, 2010 to shareholders of record on December 31, 2009. The yield based on the new payout is 0.71%.

OGE Energy (OGE) delivers and manages electricity and natural gas primarily in the south central United States. December 3 the company raised its annual dividend to $1.45/share. The dividend will be paid Jan. 29, 2010, to shareowners of record Jan. 8, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.05%.

Ecolab (ECL) is the leading worldwide marketer of cleaning, sanitizing and maintenance products and services for the hospitality, institutional and industrial markets. December 3rd the company boosted its quarterly 11% to $0.155/share. The dividend will be paid January 15, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2009. The ex-dividend date is December 11, 2009. ECL is a Dividend Achiever and has increased its dividend for 18 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.37%.

Earnings can be manufactured, cash can not. One sign of a company’s ability to generate cash is an ever-increasing dividend. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive dividend increases, see this list.

Full Disclosure: Long NUE. See a list of all my income holdings here.

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Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (TEG), an electric and natural gas utility holding company, showed this week it has the power to light up dividend investors with its 51st annual dividend increase. On Tuesday, TEG increased its quarterly dividend $0.01 to $0.68 per share. The dividend is payable on March 20, 2009, to shareholders of record February 27, 2009. At the new rate TEG is yielding around 6.5%. Linked here is my most recent analysis of TEG.

With the decline in construction, it is no secret that companies like Sherwin-Williams (SHW) are challenged. That makes their recent $0.005 increase in their quarterly dividend all the more impressive. The dividend is payable on March 13, 2009 to shareholders of record on February 27, 2009. The dividend yield on SHW shares is over 3%. This is the 31st consecutive year SHW has raised its dividend. Linked here is my most recent analysis of SHW.

Other companies looking to join the elite ranks by increasing their dividends include:

• FPL Group (FPL) Raises Qtr. Dividend by 6.2% to $0.4725/share (yield 3.80%)
• Public Service Enterprise Group (PEG) Increases Qtr. Dividend by 3.1% (yield 4.52%)
• XTO Energy (XTO) Bumps its Qtr. Dividend to $0.125/share (yield 1.55%)
• Comcast (CMCSA) Boosts Qtr. Dividend 8% to $0.0675/share (yield 2.06%)
• Rogers Communications (RCI) Raises Qtr Dividend to $0.29/share (yield 3.22%)
  
• Albemarle (ALB) Increases Qtr. Dividend by 4.2% to $0.125/share (yielding 2.39%)
• RenaissanceRe (RNR) Bumps Qtr. Dividend by $0.01 to $0.24/share (yielding 2.12%)
• SCANA Corporation (SCG) Boosts Quarterly Dividend by 2% (yield 5.89%)
  

For more companies around the world with a long string of consecutive dividend increases, see Dividends Value’s Stock Ideas page.

Full Disclosure: Long KO, TEG

(Photo: Steve Woods)