For 51 years, Colgate-Palmolive has provided dividend growth for investors.
(Photo courtesy Sherman Geronimo-Tan via Flickr.)

Colgate-Palmolive announced a dividend increase this week, while two other Dividend Aristocrats announced their regular quarterly dividend:

Colgate-Palmolive (CL) is growing their dividend by 6% starting with the next quarter.  Shareholders of record on April 22^nd will receive a dividend of 36 cents per share – up from 34 cents – on May 15^th.  This is the 51^st consecutive year that Colgate-Palmolive has increased dividends.  With the new annual rate of $1.44 per share, the maker of toothpaste, soap, pet food and other consumer products, now yields 2.26%.

Retailer Target Corporation (TGT) declared a quarterly dividend of 43 cents per share.  Target has paid dividends since it came public in 1967 and has increased dividends for 42 years.  The quarterly dividend will be paid on June 10^th to shareholders of record on May 21^st and, with an annual payout of $1.72, has a current yield of 2.90%.  Target will likely announce its 43^rd consecutive annual dividend increase in August.

California – based investment manager Franklin Resources (BEN) will pay its next quarterly dividend of 12 cents on April 11^th to shareholders of record of March 31^st.  Franklin Resources has increased its annual dividend for 32 years and currently yields 0.94%.