Dividend-Paying Stocks: 35 Notable Increases and Special Payouts

It's still a perfect time to look for more opportunities in dividend-paying stocks. Interest rates will remain low for months - as noted at last week's Federal Open Market Committee meeting - and dividend-paying companies continue to hike payouts.

Go-to saving instruments like money markets and CDs pay next to nothing. Stocks that sport attractive and growing dividends, many with yields high enough to compete with bonds, are today's best option for income seekers. Plus, dividend stocks offer an added bonus of potential capital appreciation.
Last week, 64 companies hiked payouts to shareholders, including BP Plc. (NYSE ADR: BP). Twelve companies issued special dividends.

Following are 35 notable dividend enrichments announced during the week ending Oct. 31.

Dividend-Paying Stocks That Just Raised Payouts

AFLAC Inc. (NYSE: AFL) upped its quarterly dividend $0.02 to $0.39 a share for a 2.61% yield.

Alexander & Baldwin Inc. (NYSE: ALEX) boosted its quarterly dividend 25% to $0.05 a share for a 0.50% yield.

Amerisafe Inc. (Nasdaq: AMSF) announced a special $1-per-share dividend payable on Dec. 26 to shareholders of record Dec. 12.

Atlas Energy LP (NYSE: ATLS) raised its quarterly dividend 6.1% to $0.52 a share for a 5.54% yield.

BP Plc. (NYSE ADR: BP) boosted its quarterly dividend 2.5% to $0.60 a share for a 5.38% yield.

CBS Outdoor Americas Inc. (NYSE: CBSO) declared a special $4.56 per share dividend payable on Dec. 31 to shareholders of record Nov. 20. Stockholders have the option to receive their special dividend in all cash or all stock.

Chase Corp. (NYSEMKT: CCF) increased its annual dividend 33.3% to $0.60 a share for a 1.67% yield.

Churchill Downs Inc. (NYSE: CHDN) upped its quarterly dividend 15% to $1 a share for a 1% yield. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has increased its dividend. CHDN has now doubled its dividend rate from 2011.

Columbia Sportswear Co. (Nasdaq: COLM) lifted its quarterly dividend a penny to $0.15 a share for a 1.45% yield.

Dine Equity Inc. (NYSE: DIN) raised its quarterly dividend 16.7% to $0.875 a share for a yield approaching 4%. "The meaningful increase in our quarterly cash dividend underscores our confidence in the future of our business," said Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer Julia A. Stewart.

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