5 Stocks Giving Their Shareholders A Raise With Higher Dividends

Dividend stocks are sometimes referred to as defensive stocks since many investors flee to them in an economic downturn. Their dividends, if sustainable, provide a minimum level of positive return. This cushions the downward pressure from the market. Better yet, great dividend companies not only sustain their dividends in a downturn - they actually raise them.

Below are several stocks displaying confidence in the future by increasing their cash dividends:Target Corporation (TGT) operates general merchandise stores in the United States and Canada. June 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 21% to $0.52 per share. The dividend is payable September 10, 2014 to stockholders of record on August 20, 2014. The yield based on the new payout is 3.6%.Caterpillar (CAT) manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives worldwide. June 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 16.6% to $0.70 per share. The dividend is payable Aug 20, 2014 to stockholders of record on July 21, 2014. The yield based on the new payout is 2.6%.Essex Property Trust (ESS) operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust in the United States. June 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7.4% to $1.30 per share. The dividend is payable July 15, 2014 to stockholders of record on June 30, 2014. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.Best Buy (BBY) operates as a multi-national, multi-channel retailer of technology products in the United States, Canada, China, and Mexico. June 10th the company increased its quarterly dividend 12% to $0.19 per share. The dividend is payable October 2, 2014 to stockholders of record on September 11, 2014. The yield based on the new payout is 2.6%.Manhattan Bridge Capital (LOAN) provides short-term, secured, and non–banking loans to real estate investors to fund their acquisition and construction of properties in the New York Metropolitan area. June 10th the company increased its quarterly dividend 250% to $0.07 per share. The dividend is payable July 15, 2014 to stockholders of record on July 10, 2014. The yield based on the new payout is 9.3%. 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 dividend growth holdings here.Related Posts - 13 Dividend Growth Stocks With A Good Yield/Growth Mix - High Yield, High Risk Dividend Stocks - Dividend Stocks vs. Dividend ETFs - If Only I Had Known About These Dividend Stocks... - 10 Dividend Stocks Delivering The Secret To Success

About the author:Dividends4LifeVisit Dividends4Life at: http://www.dividend-growth-stocks.com/

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