5 Dividend Stocks Raising Shareholder Returns

It's human nature for new income investors to focus on yield. Many eventually learn that above average yields often carry an above average risk of a dividend cut, loss of invested capital or both. People involved in extreme sports/hobbies, such as base jumping, hang gliding and shark diving, do things to minimize risk and protect themselves. In much the same way those investing in dividend stocks, can do certain things to increase their chance of success. One method is to focus on stocks the consistently increase their dividends.

Below are several stocks building shareholder returns through higher dividends:

Macy's, Inc. (M) operates department stores and Internet Web sites in the United States. January 5th the company increased its quarterly dividend 100% to $0.20 per share. The dividend is payable April 2, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 2.4%.

DDR Corp. (DDR) operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) in the United States. The company engages in acquiring, developing, redeveloping, owning, leasing, and managing shopping centers, mini-malls, and lifestyle centers. January 5th the company increased its quarterly dividend 50% to $0.12 per share. The dividend is payable April 3, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 16, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 3.8%.

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. January 3rd the company increased its quarterly dividend 10% to $0.11 per share. The dividend is payable January 20, 2012 to shareholders of record as of January 13, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.5%.

LTC Properties, Inc. (LTC) operates as a health care real estate investment trust (REIT) in the United States. January 3rd the company increased its monthly dividend 3.6% to $0.145 per share. The dividend is payable on January 31, February 29 and March 30, 2012, respectively, to stockholders of record on January 23, February 21 and March 22, 2012, respectively. The yield based on the new payout is 5.6%.

Watsco, Inc. (WSO) distributes air conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment, and related parts and supplies in the United States. January 3rd the company increased its quarterly dividend 9% to $0.62 per share. The dividend is payable on Jan. 31 to shareholders of record on Jan. 13. The yield based on the new payout is 3.7%.

Selecting stocks with increasing dividends is critical for an income growth strategy. The above list contains stocks that recently raised their dividends and those expected to in 2012; 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.

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