15 Companies That Have Announced Dividend Increases During May

Life often deals us difficult circumstances to work through at what seems to be the most inopportune time. During economic downturns, many people lose their jobs at a time when companies aren't hiring. When things like this happen, those with an alternative income, including dividend growth stocks, are in a better position to deal with the circumstances thrust on them. Below are several companies increasing their dividends and in turn better preparing their shareholders for a financial rainy day:Safeway Inc. (SWY) is one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America based on sales. May 19th the company increased its quarterly dividend 21% to $0.145 per share. The dividend is payable on July 14, 2011, to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 23, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.3%.The Western Union Company (WU) provides money transfer and payment... Read more