Dividends aren't just for those with a hankering for income-producing investments. Seeking out companies that are increasing their distributions is often a good way to spot businesses with improving fundamentals. They wouldn't be so quick to part with their money if they thought they might need it soon.
Let's take a closer look at four of the companies that inched their payouts higher this past week.
We'll start with United Technologies
Thrifty shoppers may recognize Tanger Factory Outlet Centers
Overseas Shipholding Group
Then we have LaSalle Hotel Properties
Subscribers to our Income Investor newsletter can appreciate companies that send more and more money to their investors. Analyst Mathew Emmert has often singled out firms that are committed to growing their distributions, with market-thumping results.
Want to see what Mathew's liking these days? Give his newsletter service a shot with a 30-day trial subscription. Who knows? Maybe the next thing to get hiked will be your interest.
Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz pays attention to yield signs. He does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this story. The Fool has a disclosure policy. He is also part of the Rule Breakers newsletter research team, seeking out tomorrow's ultimate growth stocks a day early.