Seven Stocks Boosting Investor Payouts

One of the primary reasons I hold quality dividend stocks is the regular distributions I receive in my brokerage account. In fact, as part of my retirement plan, I expect to be able to achieve financial independence in a few years, when my dividend income exceeds my expenses. After this dividend crossover point I would be able to retire and not worry about having a demanding eight to five job. I particularly like dividend growth stocks, since they regularly boost distributions, which enables my passive income to maintain purchasing power over time.

Several consistent dividend growth payers approved hikes in their distributions to shareholders last week. The companies include:

Medtronic, Inc. (MDT) manufactures and sells device-based medical therapies worldwide. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 7.20% to 26 cents/share. This marked the 35th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend champion. Yield: 2.70% (analysis)

Walgreen Co. (WAG), together with its subsidiaries, operates a chain of drugstores in the United States. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 22.20% to 27.50 cents/share. This marked the 37th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend champion. Yield: 3.80% (analysis)

Realty Income Corporation (O) engages in the acquisition and ownership of commercial retail real estate properties in the United States. The company leases its retail properties primarily to regional and national retail chain store operators. This REIT raised monthly distributions to 14.6125 cents/share. This dividend achiever has boosted distributions for 18 years in a row. Yield: 4.30% (analysis)

Best Buy Co.(BBY), Inc. operates as a retailer of consumer electronics, computing and mobile phone products, entertainment products, appliances, and related services primarily in the United States, Europe, Canada, and China. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 6.25% to 17 cents/share. This marked the tenth consecutive annual dividend increase for Best Buy. Yield: 3.50%

Dynex Capital, Inc. (DX), together with its subsidiaries, operates as a real estate investment trust or REIT in the United States. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 3.60% to 29 cents/share. This marked the second dividend increase over the past year. Dynex Capital has raised distributions for 5 years in a row. Yield: 11.60%

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (JW-A) provides content and workflow solutions in areas, such as research, professional development, and education. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 20% to 24 cents/share. This marked 19th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Yield: 2%

Oil-Dri Corporation of America (ODC) engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of sorbent products in the United States and internationally. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 5.90% to 18 cents/share. This marked 10th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever. Yield: 3.60%

Full Disclosure: Long MDT, WAG, O

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- When can you retire on dividends?
- My dividend crossover point
- My Dividend Retirement Plan
- Margin of Safety in Dividends