Three Dividend Stocks Raising Dividends, 4 More Expected To Raise Them In April

Three consistent dividend stocks raised distributions over the past week. I define consistent dividend payers as companies which have raised dividends for at least five years in a row. These companies merit further research by dividend investors. However, I only intend to purchase stock in companies which have consistently raised dividends for at least one decade. The companies which announced dividend increases last week include: The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX) operates as an off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the United States and internationally. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 26.70% to 19 cents/share. This marked the 16th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Yield: 1.50% Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. (OZRK) operates as the bank holding company for Bank of the Ozarks that provides a range of retail and commercial banking services. The bank announced a 5.90% dividend increase to 18 cents/share. This marked the 14th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Yield: 1.60% QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) engages in the development, design, manufacture, and marketing of digital wireless telecommunications products and services. The company operates in four segments: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies, Qualcomm Technology Licensing, Qualcomm Wireless and Internet, and Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives. The company raised its dividend by 13.20% to 21.50 cents/share. This marked the tenth consecutive annual dividend increase for this stock. Yield: 1.60% I also expect the following Dividend Aristocrats to raise distributions in April, based on the fact that each of them has raised distributions in April since 2003. The companies include: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) engages in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide.12... Read more