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The profusion of dividend-paying stocks that have increased payouts over the last several weeks reflects a robust second-quarter earnings season.
Indeed, companies in the S&P 500 Index turned in 10.3% earnings growth in Q2 - the highest advance since 2011's third quarter, according to S&P Capital IQ.
Full-year profit growth for the broad-based benchmark is currently forecast to come in at 8%, up from estimates of 7.5% in July. Furthermore, full-year earnings per share expectations of $118.39 would mark an all-time record for the index.
That bodes well for investors hoping for more dividend hikes. Last week Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT), McDonald's Corp. (NYSE: MCD), and 22 other dividend stocks hiked payouts.
Here's the full list of dividend enrichments announced during the week ending Sept. 19.
Dividend-Paying Stocks That Just Boosted Payouts
Apollo Residential Mortgage Inc. (Nasdaq: AMTG) upped its quarterly dividend $0.02 to $0.44 a share for a 10.72% yield.
Artesian Resources Corp. (Nasdaq: ARTNA) hiked its quarterly dividend 1.5% to $0.2151 a share for a 4.25% yield.
Blackstone Mortgage Trust Inc. (NYSE: BXMT) boosted its quarterly dividend $0.02 to $0.50 a share for a 7.2% yield.
Covanta Holding Corp. (NYSE: CVA) raised its quarterly dividend $0.06 to $0.25 a share for a 4.66% yield.
Covidien Plc. (NYSE: COV) increased its quarterly dividend $0.04 to $0.36 a share for a 1.6% yield.
Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund (NYSE: EFF) boosted its monthly dividend 1.1% to $0.094 a share for a 6.38% yield.
Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust (NYSE: EFR) hiked its monthly payout 2.7% to $0.074 a share for a 6.39% yield.
Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust (NYSE: EFT) increased it monthly dividend 2.8% to $0.074 a share for a 6.05% yield.
The First of Long Island Corp. (Nasdaq: FLIC) boosted its quarterly dividend $0.02 to $0.28 a share for a 3.06% yield.
If you aren't a Money Morning Member, sign up now for free to see 15 more dividend stocks that just raised payouts. You'll also get this dividend investing report with three superior picks to help grow your income: The Best Dividend Strategy for Building Fortune in a Low-Yield Era
