Here are several select companies that have recently provided their shareholders a raise with increased cash dividends:

Stage Stores (SSI) is a specialty department store retailer operating in the U.S., offering brand name and private label apparel, accessories, intimates, home, gifts, outerwear, cosmetics & footwear. June 14th the company increased quarterly divdiend 50% to $0.075/share. The new quarterly dividend rate of will be applicable to dividends declared after June 23, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.34%.

BioMed Realty Trust (BMR) acquires, develops and manages laboratory and office space for the life science industry. June 15th the company increases its quarterly dividend 7.1% to $0.15/share. The dividend is equivalent to an annualized dividend of $0.60 per common share. The yield based on the new payout is 3.33%.

Oil-Dri Corporation of America (ODC) develops, manufactures and markets sorbent products. June 15th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7% to $0.16/share. The dividends will be payable on September 3, 2010, to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 20, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.82%.

John Wiley & Sons (JW-A) is a global publisher that produces print and electronic products, providing content and solutions to customers worldwide. June 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 14% to $0.16/share. The dividend is payable on July 14, 2010 to shareholders of record on July 6, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 2, 2010. JWA-A is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 17 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.65%.

CreXus Investment (CXS) is a specialty finance company that acquires, manages, and finances, commercial mortgage loans and other commercial real estate-related assets. June 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 71% to $0.12/share. The dividend is payable July 28, 2010 to common shareholders of record on June 28, 2010. The ex-dividend date is June 24, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.88%.

Annaly Capital (NLY) owns and manages a portfolio of agency mortgage-backed securities and operates a fixed income asset management business. June 17th the company increased its quarterly dividend 4.6% to $0.68/share. The dividend is payable July 29, 2010 to common shareholders of record on June 29, 2010. The ex-dividend date is June 25, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 15.54%.

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

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Below are five companies that have recently increased their cash dividends to shareholders:

Village Super Market (VLGEA) operates a chain of 23 ShopRite supermarkets in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The company’s Board increased its quarterly cash dividend 7.5% to $0.215/share. The dividend is payable on July 23, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 2, 2009. VLGEA has increased its dividend six consecutive years since began paying dividends in 2003. At the new rate, the stock is  yielding 2.9%.

Casey’s General Store (CASY) has over 1,450 convenience stores (including franchises) in nine
midwestern states, selling food, beverage, health and automotive products. At its June meeting, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend 13.3% to $0.085/share. The dividend is payable August 17th, to shareholders of record on August 3rd. This marks the fourth consecutive year CASY has increased its dividend. At the new rate, the stock is  yielding 1.3%.

Medtronic (MDT) is a global medical device manufacturer has leadership positions in the pacemaker, defibrillator, orthopedic, diabetes management and other medical markets. Recently the company increased its dividend by 9% to $0.205/share. In addition, the Board authorized MDT to purchase an additional 60 million shares (5.4%) of its common stock. At the new rate, the stock is  yielding 2.5%. The company is a Dividend Achiever.

John Wiley & Sons (JW.A) is a global publisher of print and electronic products, providing content and solutions to customers worldwide. The Board recently raised its quarterly cash dividend 8% to $0.14/share. It is payable on July 14, 2009 to shareholders of record on July 6, 2009. This is the 16th consecutive dividend increase.  At the new rate, the stock is  yielding 1.7%. JW.A is a Dividend Achiever.

Annaly Capital (NLY) is a mortgage real estate investment trust that owns and manages a portfolio of agency mortgage-backed securities and operates a fixed income asset management business. On June 18th, its Board increased its quarterly cash dividend 20% to $0.60/share. The dividend is payable July 29, 2009 to common shareholders of record on June 29, 2009.  NLY had previously dropped its dividend in December 2008 to $0.50/share from $0.55/share. At the new rate, the stock is  yielding 16.0%.

Though it may seem that most companies are cutting their dividends, many continue to show strength and increase their dividends.  For stocks with a long string of consecutive dividend increases, see this list.

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

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