14 Dividend Stocks Rewarding Shareholders With A Raise

Westar Energy Inc (NYSE:WR), an electric utility company, generates, transmits, and distributes electricity in Kansas. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 5.30% to 40 cents/share. This marked the 13th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever (2). Over the past decade, Westar Energy Inc (NYSE:WR) has managed to increase annual dividends at a rate of 4.10%/year. The company managed to grow earnings per share from $1.83 in 2007 to $2.43 in 2016. Westar Energy Inc (NYSE:WR) is expected to earn $2.52/share in 2017. The stock is overvalued at 21.30 times forward earnings and yields 4.10%. The stock may be worth a look on dips below $48/share.

Xcel Energy Inc (NYSE:XEL), through its subsidiaries, engages primarily in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the United States. It operates through Regulated Electric Utility, Regulated Natural Gas Utility, and All Other segments. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 5.90% to cents/share. This marked the 14th consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever (2). Over the past decade, Xcel Energy Inc (NYSE:XEL) has managed to increase annual dividends at a rate of 4.40%/year. The company managed to grow earnings per share from $1.34 in 2007 to $2.21 in 2016. Xcel Energy Inc (NYSE:XEL) is expected to earn $2.33/share in 2017. The stock is fairly priced at 18.60 times forward earnings and yields 3.40%. I will need to research this utility company in more detail, but at first glance it looks like an interesting company for further review.

Essex Property Trust Inc (NYSE:ESS) operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust in the United States. It engages in the ownership, operation, management, acquisition, development, and redevelopment of apartment communities, as well as commercial properties. Essex Property Trust Inc (NYSE:ESS) raised its quarterly dividend by 9.40% to $1.75/share. This marked the 23rd consecutive annual dividend increase for this dividend achiever (2). Over the past decade, Essex Property Trust Inc (NYSE:ESS) has managed to increase annual dividends at a rate of 6.50%/year. Funds from Operations rose from $5.01/share in 2006 to $11.04/share in 2016. The REIT is expected to generate $11.80/share in FFO in 2017. The stock is overvalued at 21 times FFO and yields 3%.

Full Disclosure: Long GPC and WMT

Additional Links:

(1) http://www.dividendgrowthinvestor.com/2016/12/best-articles-for-2016.html

(2) http://www.dividendgrowthinvestor.com/2017/02/dividend-achievers-offer-income-growth.html