Six Dividend Stocks Increasing Distributions Last Week

Several companies raised distributions over the past week. The companies which I highlighted in this article have each raised dividends for at least five years in a row. These companies also announced dividend increases over the past week. I typically utilize this list to find hidden dividend gems. One hidden dividend gem uncovered was Hingham Institution for Savings (NASDAQ:HIFS), which has delivered a 61.6% total return since I analyzed the stock in April 2010.

The companies include:

Cincinnati Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:CINF) engages in the property casualty insurance business in the United States. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 0.63% to 40.25 cents per share. Cincinnati Financial Corporation is one of 11 companies in the world that have managed to consistently raise dividends for over half a century. Yield: 6.1% (analysis)

MGE Energy (NASDAQ:MGEE), through its subsidiaries, operates as a public utility holding company. It engages in generating, purchasing, transmitting and distributing electricity. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 2% to 38.26 cents per share. MGE Energy, Inc. is a dividend champion which has raised dividends for 35 years in a row. Yield: 3.8%

Delta Natural Gas (NASDAQ:DGAS) distributes or transports natural gas in central and southeastern Kentucky. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 2.90% to 35 cents per share. Delta Natural Gas Company, Inc. has consistently raised distributions for seven years in row. Yield: 4.5%

ITC Holdings (NYSE:ITC), through its subsidiaries, engages in the transmission of electricity in the United States. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 5.2% to 35.25 cents per share. ITC Holdings Corp. has raised distributions for seven consecutive years. Yield: 2%

Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ:MXIM) designs, develops, manufactures and markets a range of linear and mixed-signal integrated circuits worldwide. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 4.8% to 22 cents per share. Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. is a dividend achiever which has consistently raised dividends for 11 years. Yield: 4.1%

Nordson Corp. (NASDAQ:NDSN) manufactures equipment used for precision dispensing, testing and inspection, and surface preparation and curing. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 19% to 12.5 cents per share. Nordson is a dividend champion that has regularly raised dividends for 48 years in a row. Yield: 1.1%

Full Disclosure: Long CINF and HIFS.