Dividends Value » OKE

25 Stocks Building Wealth Through Higher Dividends *

D4L — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 07:30:45 +0000

To ensure a retirement that is free from financial concerns, there are certain things that must be done today. The stock market does not travel in a straight line. There will be times it will behave irrationally. These are the times that try an investor’s patience. Those with clear goals and confidence in their chosen strategy aren’t phased by these market movements. Building a secure future by investing in quality dividend growth stocks is neither complicated nor overly burdensome.

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

Alliant Energy (LNT) provides electric and natural gas utility services, and also has various unregulated energy, freight transportation, and other investments. January 14th the company increased its quarterly dividend 13% to $0.45/share. The dividend is payable on February 15, 2011, to share owners of record on close of business January 31, 2011. The ex-dividend date is January 27, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 4.6%.

Core Labs (CLB) is a Netherlands-based company that provides reservoir description, production enhancement, and reservoir management services to the oil and gas industry worldwide. January 14th the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.25/share. The dividend is payable on Feb. 25 to shareholders of record on Jan. 25. The ex-dividend date is Jan. 21. The yield based on the new payout is 1.2%.

Calumet Specialty Products (CLMT) is an independent U.S. refiner and marketer operates refineries in Louisiana and facilities in Pennsylvania and Texas, and distributes product throughout North America. January 14th the partnership increased its quarterly distribution 2.2% to $0.47/unit. The distribution will be payable on February 14, 2011 to holders of record of such units at the close of business on February 4, 2011. The ex-distribution date is February 2, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 7.8%.

Enterprise Products (EPD) is an integrated provider of natural gas and natural gas liquids services, including processing, fractionation, storage, transportation, and terminalling. January 14th the partnership raised its quarterly distribution 1.3% to $0.59/unit. The distribution will be paid on Monday, February 7, 2011, to unitholders of record as of the close of business on Monday, January 31, 2011. The ex-distribution date is January 27, 2011. EPD is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 5.5%.

Standard Motor (SMP) manufactures and distributes replacement parts for the automotive aftermarket. January 18ththe company increased its quarterly dividend 40% to $0.07/share. The dividend is payable on March 1, 2011 to stockholders of record on February 15, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 11, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.3%.

Crestwood Midstream (CMLP) is involved in gathering and processing natural gas and natural gas liquids. January 18th the partnership increases its quarterly distribution 2.3% to $0.43/unit. This distribution will be paid on February 11, 2011, to unitholders of record on February 1, 2011. The ex-distribution date is January 28, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 6.1%.

Bar Harbor Bankshares (BHB) offers a range of deposit, loan, and related banking products, as well as brokerage services. January 18th the company raised its quarterly dividend 1.9%. The quarterly cash dividend is payable to all shareholders of record as of the close of business February 16, 2011 and will be paid on March 15, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.6%.

Enterprise Bancorp (EBTC) owns Enterprise Bank and Trust Company, which provides various banking products and services in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. January 18th the company raised its quarterly dividend 5% to $0.105/share. The dividend is payable March 1, 2011 to shareholders of record as of February 8, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 4, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.0%.

Linear Technology (LLTC) manufactures high-performance linear integrated circuits. January 18th the company increased its quarterly dividend 5.5% to $0.24/share. The dividend is payable March 2, 2011 to stockholders of record on February 18, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 16, 2011. LLTC is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 19 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.7%.

Global Partners (GLP) engages in the wholesale and commercial distribution of refined petroleum products and provides ancillary services in the U.S. and internationally. January 19th the partnership raised its quarterly distribution 1% to $0.50/share. The distribution will be paid February 14, 2011 to unitholders of record as of the close of business February 3, 2011. The ex-distribution date is February 1, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 7.2%.

McGraw-Hill (MHP) is a leading information services organization serves worldwide markets in education, business, industry, other professions and government. January 19th the company increased its quarterly dividend 6.4% to $0.25/share. The dividend will be payable on March 10, 2011, to shareholders of record on February 24, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 22, 2011. MHP is a Dividend Aristocrat and has raised its dividend for 38 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.5%.

Kinder Morgan (KMP) is one of the largest pipeline master limited partnerships (MLPs) in the U.S. January 19th the partnership increased its quarterly distribution 1.8% to $1.13/unit. The distribution is payable on February 14, 2011, to unitholders of record as of January 31, 2011. The ex-distribution date is January 27, 2011. KMP is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its distribution for 15 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 6.3%.

ONEOK (OKE) is an Oklahoma-based integrated natural gas company also has an energy marketing and trading business. January 19th the company raised its quarterly dividend 8% to $0.52/share. The dividend is payable February 14, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business January 31, 2011. The ex-dividend date is January 27, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.6%.

Western Gas (WES) engages in the business of gathering, compressing, treating and transporting natural gas. January 19th the partnership raised its quarterly distribution 2.7% to $0.38/unit. The distribution is payable on February 11, 2011 to unitholders of record at the close of business on February 1, 2011. The ex-distribution date is January 28, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 4.9%.

ALLETE (ALE) mainly provides electric service in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. January 20th the company increased its quarterly dividend 1.1% to $0.445/share. The quarterly dividend is payable March 1 to common shareholders of record at the close of business on February 15, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 11, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 4.8%.

Mac-Gray (TUC) operates as a laundry facilities management contractor in the U.S. January 20th the company raised its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.055/share. The dividend is payable on April 1, 2011, to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2011. The ex-dividend date is March 11, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.4%.

Finish Line (FINL) is a mall-based specialty retailers in United States. January 20th the company increased its quarterly dividend 25% to $0.05/share. The quarterly cash dividend will be payable March 14, 2011 to shareholders of record as of February 25, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 21, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.2%.

Washington Post (WPO) publishes The Washington Post newspaper, operates TV stations and cable systems, and provides education and database services. January 20th the company raised its quarterly dividend 4.4% to $2.35/share. The The dividend is payable on February 11, 2011, to shareholders of record on January 31, 2011. The ex-dividend date is January 27, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.1%.

Family Dollar (FDO) operates a chain of over 6,800 retail discount stores in 44 states across the U.S. January 20th the company increased its quarterly dividend 16% to $0.18/share. The dividend is payable Friday, April 15, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. The ex-dividend date is March 11, 2011. FDO is a Dividend Aristocrat and has raised its dividend for 35 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.6%.

StoneMor (STON) operates 235 cemeteries in 24 states and Puerto Rico (as of December 31, 2009). January 20th the partnership raised its quarterly distribution 1.8% to $0.575/unit. The distribution is payable on February 14, 2011, to common and subordinated unit holders of record as of the close of business on January 31, 2011. The ex-distribution date is January 27, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 7.5%.

1st Source Corporation (SRCE) owns 1st Source Bank and First National Bank, Valparaiso that offer commercial and consumer banking services to clients in Indiana and Michigan. January 20th the company increased its quarterly dividend 6.7% to $0.16/share. The cash dividend is payable on February 15, 2011 to shareholders of record on February 4, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.5%.

Polaris Industries (PII) designs, engineers, and manufactures all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and motorcycles. January 20th the company raised its quarterly dividend 13% to $0.45/share. The dividend is payable on February 15, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 1, 2011. The ex-dividend date is January 28, 2011. PII is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.5%.

Centerpoint Energy (CNP) is one of the largest electric and natural gas delivery companies in the U.S. January 20th the company increased its quarterly dividend to $0.1975/share. The dividend is payable on March 10 to shareholders of record on Feb. 16. The ex-dividend date is Feb. 14. The yield based on the new payout is 4.96%.

ONEOK (OKS) is a leading transporter of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) in the Mid-Continent area to market centers in the U.S. January 20th the partnership raised its quarterly distribution to $1.14/unit. The distribution is payable February 14, 2011, to unitholders of record as of January 31, 2011. The ex-dividend date is January 27, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 5.7%.

Pall Corp. (PLL) is a leading producer of filters for the health care, aerospace, microelectronics and other industries.
January 20th the company increased its quarterly dividend 9.4% to $0.175/share. The dividend is payable on February 23, 2011 to shareholders of record as of February 8, 2011. The ex-dividend date is February 4, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.4%.

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.

(Photo Credit)

19 Dividend Stocks Heating Up Their Yields *

D4L — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 07:30:37 +0000

Dividends from a quality, well-diversified portfolio are much more predictable than capital gains and best of all, they are passive. You don’t have to do anything, they just show up in your brokerage account each quarter. Inflation? Not to worry, the good companies routinely raise their dividends well in excess of the inflation rate.

This week as the weather turns cold, the dividend increases warming up. Below are several companies heating up their yields with increased cash dividends:

Reynolds American (RAI) is the second largest U.S. cigarette manufacturer and was formed via the mid-2004 merger of R.J. Reynolds and Brown & Williamson. October 18th the company increased its quarterly dividend 8.9% to $0.49/share and announces a two-for-one stock split. The dividend will be payable on January 3, 2011, to shareholders of record on December 10, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 8, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.16%.

Mesabi Trust (MSB) holds interests in various iron ore properties in the Mesabi Iron Range, including its interest as assignor in the Amended Assignment of Peters Lease and Cloquet Lease. October 18th the company raised its quarterly distribution 13.75% to $0.91/unit. The distribution is payable on November 20, 2010 to Mesabi Trust unitholders of record at the close of business on October 30, 2010. The ex-distribution date is October 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 9.8%.

Rayonier (RYN) is an international forest products company primarily engaged in activities associated with timberland management. October 18th the company increased its quarterly dividend 8% to $0.54/share. The dividend is payable December 31, 2010, to shareholders of record on December 10, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 8, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.30%.

NewMarket (NEU) primarily develops, manufactures, and blends fuel and lubricant additive products, and markets and sells these products worldwide. October 18th the company raised its quarterly dividend 17.3% to $0.44/share. The dividend is payable January 1, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 13, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.49%.

Shenandoah Telecom (SHEN) provides regulated and unregulated telecommunications services to end-user customers and other communications providers in the southeastern United States. October 19th the company raised its annual dividend 3.1% to $0.33/share. The dividend will be payable December 1, 2010, to shareholders of record on November 9, 2009. The ex-dividend date is November 5, 2010. SHEN is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 13 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.76%.

American Electric Power (AEP) is electric utility holding company has subsidiaries operating in 11 states in the U.S. October 19th the company increased its dividend 9.5% to $0.46/share. The yield based on the new payout is 4.60%.

Western Gas Partners (WES) engages in the business of gathering, compressing, treating and transporting natural gas for its ultimate parent, Anadarko Petroleum Corp., and others. October 19th the company raised its quarterly dividend 5.7% to $0.37/share. The distribution is payable on November 12, 2010 to unitholders of record at the close of business on October 29, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 27, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 5.11%.

Global Partners (GLP) engages in the wholesale and commercial distribution of refined petroleum products and provides ancillary services in the U.S. and internationally. October 20th the company raised its quarterly dividend 1.5% to $0.495/share. The distribution will be paid November 12, 2010 to unitholders of record as of the close of business November 3, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 1, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 7.74%.

Stepan Company (SCL) produces specialty and intermediate chemicals, which are sold to other manufacturers and then made into a variety of end products. October 20th the company raised its dividend 8.3% to $0.26/share. The dividend is payable on December 15, 2010, to stockholders of record on November 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 26, 2010. SCL is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 43 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.57%.

Brown & Brown (BRO) provides insurance and reinsurance products and services, as well as risk management, employee benefit administration, and managed health care services. October 20th the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.23% to $0.08/yield. The dividend will be paid on November 17, 2010, to shareholders of record on November 3, 2010. The ex-dividend date is November 1, 2010. BRO is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 17 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.47%.

Eaton Vance (EV) is a Boston-based holding company the is primarily engaged in investment management. October 20th the company raised its quarterly dividend 12.5% to $0.18/share. The dividend is payable November 10, 2010 to shareholders of record on October 29, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 27, 2010. EV is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 30 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.44%.

Magellan Midstream (MMP) is engaged in the transportation, storage and distribution of refined petroleum products. October 20th the company increased its quarterly distribution 1.7% to $0.745/unit. The distribution is payable November 12, 2010, to unitholders of record at the close of business on November 5, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 5.65%.

Kinder Morgan (KMP) is one of the largest pipeline master limited partnerships (MLPs) in the U.S. October 20th the partnership raised its quarterly distribution 1.8% to $1.11/unit. The distribution is payable on Nov. 12, 2010, to unitholders of record as of Oct. 29, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 27, 2010. KMP is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 30 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 6.25%.

ONEOK Partners (OKS) is a leading transporter of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) in the Mid-Continent area to market centers in the U.S. October 20th the company increased its quarterly cash distribution 0.9% to $1.13/unit. The distribution is payable November 12, 2010, to unitholders of record as of October 29, 2010. The ex-distribution date is October 27, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 5.73%.

VF Corporation (VFC) designs and manufactures or sources from independent contractors a variety of apparel and footwear for all ages. October 21st the company raised its quarterly dividend to $0.63 per share. VFC is a Dividend Aristocrat and has raised its dividend for 36 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.00%.

Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) is the world’s second largest copper producer and a major producer of gold and molybdenum. October 21st the company increased its quarterly dividend 67% to $0.50/share. The yield based on the new payout is 2.11%

Cass Information (CASS) provides payment and information processing services to manufacturing, distribution, and retail enterprises in the United States. October 21st the company raised its quarterly dividend 14.3% to $0.16/share. The dividend is payable December 15, 2010 to shareholders of record December 3, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 1, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 1.82%.

Met-Pro (MPR) makes products for the air and water pollution control, fluid handling and filtration markets. October 21st the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.066/share. The dividend is payable on December 17, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 3, 2010. The ex-dividend date is December 1, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.38%.

ONEOK (OKE) is an Oklahoma-based integrated natural gas company with an energy marketing and trading business. October 21st the company raised its quarterly dividend 4.4% to $0.48/share. The dividend is payable November 12, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business October 29, 2010. The ex-dividend date is October 27, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 3.90%

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

(Photo Credit)

13 Stocks Growing Their Cash Dividends *

D4L — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:30:46 +0000

Dividend growth investing in its classic form focuses on identifying solid companies with a long record of growing their dividends each year; and an expectation that they will continue to do so into the future. The focus is not solely on yield but a combination of yield and dividend growth. Often it is the lower yield, higher growth, security that will provide the best return over time.

Here are several stocks living up to shareholders’ expectations by raising their cash dividends:

Fastenal Company (FAST) distributes fasteners and other industrial and construction supplies through 2,400 stores throughout the U.S. and in a few foreign countries. July 12th the company increased its semi-annual dividend to $0.42/share. The dividend is payable September 3, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 20, 2010. FAST is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 17 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 1.62%.

Genesis Energy (GEL) is a limited partnership that operates crude oil common carrier pipelines, is an independent gatherer and marketer of crude oil and operates a wholesale CO2 business. July 13th the partnership raised its quarterly distribution 8.7% over Q2/2009 to $0.375/unit. The distribution will be paid on August 13, 2010, to Common Unitholders of record at the close of business on August 3, 2010. The ex-distribution date is July 30, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 7.39%.

Enterprise Products (EPD) is an integrated provider of natural gas and natural gas liquids services, including processing, fractionation, storage, transportation, and terminalling. July 13th the partnership increases its quarterly distribution 5.5% to $0.575/unit. The quarterly distribution will be paid on Thursday, August 5, 2010, to unitholders of record as of the close of business on Friday, July 30, 2010. The ex-distribution date is July 28, 2010. EPD is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 6.21%.

Duncan Energy Partners (DEP) transports, markets, and stores natural gas, as well as in transporting and storing natural gas liquids (NGLs) and petrochemicals in the U.S. July 13th the partnership raised its quarterly distribution 3.4% to $0.45/unit. The distribution will be paid Friday, August 6, 2010, to unitholders of record at the close of business on Friday, July 30, 2010. The ex-distribution date is July 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 6.31%.

Cummins (CMI) i a leading manufacturer of truck engines also makes stand-by power equipment and industrial filters. July 13th the company increased its quarterly dividend 50% to $0.2625/share. The dividend is payable on Sept. 1 to shareholders of record on August 23. The ex-dividend date is August 21. The yield based on the new payout is 1.42%.

Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) provides housekeeping, laundry, linen, facility maintenance and food services to hospitals and other health care facilities. July 13th the company increases its quarterly dividend 4.5% to $0.23/share. The dividend is payable on August 6, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business July 23, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 21, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.96%.

National Semi (NSM) is a leading manufacturer of a broad line of semiconductors, including analog, digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits. July 14th the company raised its quarterly dividend 25% to $0.10/share. The dividend will be paid on Oct. 12, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Sept. 20, 2010. The ex-dividend date is September 16, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 2.79%.

Walgreen (WAG) is the largest U.S. retail drug chain and operates more than 7,500 drug stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. July 14th the company increased its quarterly dividend 27% to $0.175/share. The dividend is payable Sept. 11, 2010, to shareholders of record Aug. 19, 2010. The ex-dividend date is August 15, 2010. WAG is a Dividend Aristocrat and has raised its dividend for 35 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 2.38%.

ONEOK Partners (OKS) is a leading transporter of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) in the Mid-Continent area to market centers in the U.S. July 14th the partnership raised its quarterly distribution to $1.12/unit. The distribution is payable August 13, 2010, to unitholders of record as of July 30, 2010. The ex-distribution date is July 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 6.55%.

National Retail Properties (NNN) invests in high-quality, freestanding retail properties subject to long-term net leases with major retail tenants. July 15th the REIT raised its quarterly dividend 1.3% to $0.38/share. The dividend is payable August 16, 2010 to common shareholders of record on July 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 28, 2010. NNN is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 19 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 6.67%.

PPG Industries (PPG) is a leading manufacturer of coatings and resins, flat and fiber glass, and industrial and specialty chemicals. July 15th the company increased its quarterly dividend 1.9% to $0.55/share. The dividend is payable September 10, 2010, to shareholders of record August 10, 2010. The ex-dividend date is August 6, 2010. PPG is a Dividend Achiever and has raised its dividend for 37 consecutive years. The yield based on the new payout is 3.40%.

ONEOK (OKE) is an integrated natural gas company also has an energy marketing and trading business. July 15th the company raised its quarterly dividend 5% to $0.46/share. The dividend is payable August 13, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business July 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 4.00%.

Omega Healthcare (OHI) invests in and provides financing to the long-term care industry. Its portfolio includes health care facilities in 27 states. July 15th the REIT increased its quarterly dividend 12.5% to $0.36/share.The dividend is to be paid August 16, 2010 to common stockholders of record on July 30, 2010. The ex-dividend date is July 28, 2010. The yield based on the new payout is 6.90%.

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

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Seven Companies Raising Their Dividends *

D4L — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:30:12 +0000

It is well-documented that a significant portion of the historical equity returns are a result of reinvested dividends. Performance in any given year is driven by capital appreciation, but long-term returns are largely the result of reinvested dividends. It is important to note that you can reinvest dividends without participating in a formal DRIP plan. However, you can’t reinvest dividends unless the company pays them, and the really good companies increase their cash dividends each year.

Last week we saw only one company increasing its dividend. This week seven companies stepped up and rewarded their shareholders with higher cash dividends:

A. O. Smith (AOS) is a manufacturer of electric motors and residential and commercial water heaters. This past week, AOS increased its dividend 2.6% to $0.195/ share. The dividend is payable on August 17th to shareholders of record July 31st. AOS is a Dividend Achiever and has increased its dividend for 16 consecutive years. The current yield based on the new dividend is 2.29%.

Healthcare Services (HCSG) provides housekeeping, laundry, linen, facility maintenance and food services to hospitals and other health care facilities. Tuesday, the company raised its dividend by 6% to $0.19/share. The dividend is payable on August 7th to shareholders of record at the close of business July 24th. HCSG paid its first dividend in 2003 and has increased each year since then. The current yield based on the new dividend is 4.08%.

Harleysville (HARL) is a Pennsylvania-based bank holding company, with total assets of $825.7 million at September 30, 2008. Wednesday, the company boosted its quarterly dividend 5.6% to $0.19/share. The dividend is payable on August 19th to stockholders of record on August 5th. HARL is a Dividend Achiever and has increased its dividend for 22 consecutive years. The current yield based on the new dividend is 4.94%.

Landstar (LSTR) operates a family of truckload carriers using independent drivers, truck brokers, and commissioned sales agents. This week, the company increased it quarterly dividend 13% to $0.045/share. The current yield based on the new dividend is 0.52%.

Unum (UNM) is a leading provider of individual and group disability coverage was formed through the June 1999 merger of Provident Cos. and UNUM Corp. Thursday, the company raised its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.0825/share. the dividend will be paid on August 21st to stockholders of record on July 31st. The current yield based on the new dividend is 2.03%.

ONEOK (OKE) in an integrated natural gas company has an expanding energy marketing and trading business. The company boosted its quarterly dividend 5% to $0.42/share. The dividend is payable on August 14th to shareholders of record at the close of business July 31st. The current yield based on the new dividend is 5.55%.

Ryder (R) provides truck leasing and rental, logistics and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Thursday, the company raised its quarterly dividend by 8.7% to $0.25/share. The dividend is payable on September 18th to shareholders of record on August 24th. The current yield based on the new dividend is 3.74%.

All income investors appreciate more dividends to reinvest. For stocks with a long string of consecutive dividend increases, see this list.

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