8 Stocks Taking Their Dividends Up A Notch

Throughout history there have always been great companies that stand head-and-shoulders above their peers and the competition. They are loved by their shareholders, hated by the competition and known by all. Just as all great companies have something in common, great dividend companies also have something in common. All great dividend companies have at least one characteristic in common - they consistently raise their dividends each year.Below are several companies stepping up with higher cash dividends:Ventas, Inc. (NYSE: VTR) is a real estate investment trust that engages in investment, management, financing, and leasing of properties in the healthcare industry. December 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 9% to $0.79 per share. The dividend is payable December 31, 2014 to stockholders of record on December 22, 2014, with an ex-dividend date of December 18, 2014. The yield based on the new payout is 4.3%.Edison International (NYSE: EIX) generates and supplies electricity. December 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 18% to $0.42 per share. The dividend is payable January 31, 2014 to stockholders of record on December 31, 2014, with an ex-dividend date of December 29, 2014. The yield based on the new payout is 2.6%.BioMed Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: BMR) operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) that focuses on providing real estate to the life science industry in the United States. December 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 4% to... Read more