While everyone else is panicked about their portfolio’s decline, I see a downturn as an incredible buying opportunity. Lower prices, rising yields and growing dividends -- it's hard to beat that combination.

Below are several select companies that recently announced dividend increases.

In a down-market when many people are rushing to buy gold, I take comfort that I already have mine. No, not the shiny kind, but something much better -- a growing stream of dividend income from solid companies. While everyone else is panicked about their portfolio's decline, I see a downturn as an incredible buying opportunity.

Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) operates as an independent petroleum refining and marketing company in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and Ireland.On January 21 the company increased its quarterly dividend 20% to $0.60 per share. The dividend is payable March 3, 2016 to stockholders of record on February 9, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of February 5, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 3.8%.

Dominion Resources, Inc. (NYSE:D) Dominion Resources, Inc. produces and transports energy in the United States. On January 21 the company increased its quarterly dividend 8.1% to $0.70 per share. The dividend is payable March 20, 2016 to stockholders of record on March 4, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of March 2, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 4.1%.

Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) engages in regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. On January 21 the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.1% to $0.67 per share. The dividend is payable March 15, 2016 to stockholders of record on February 17, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of February 12, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 4.0%.

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK) provides passengers and cargo air transportation services primarily in the United States. On January 21 the company increased its quarterly dividend 37% to $0.275 per share. The dividend is payable March 8, 2016 to stockholders of record on February 23, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of February 19, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 1.6%.

Phillips 66 Partners LP (NYSE:PSXP) owns, operates, develops, and acquires crude oil, refined petroleum products, and natural gas liquids pipelines and terminals, as well as other transportation and midstream assets in the United States. On January 21 the partnership increased its quarterly distribution 7% to $0.458 per unit. The distribution is payable February 12, 2016 to unitholders of record on February 3, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of February 1, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 3.2%.

CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS) operates as an energy company primarily in Michigan. On January 21 the company increased its quarterly dividend 6.9% to $0.31 per share. The dividend is payable February 29, 2016 to stockholders of record on February 5, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of February 3, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 3.4%.

Graham Holdings Co. (NYSE:GHC) is a diversified education and media company in the United States and internationally. On January 21 the company increased its quarterly dividend 5.2% to $1.21 per share. The dividend is payable February 16, 2016 to stockholders of record on February 2, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of January 29, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 1.1%.

Shell Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE:SHLX) owns, operates, develops, and acquires pipelines and other midstream assets in the United States. The company owns interests in two crude oil pipeline systems and two refined products pipeline systems. On January 20 the partnership increased its quarterly distribution 7.3% to $0.22 per unit. The distribution is payable February 11, 2016 to unitholders of record on February 1, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of January 28, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 2.7%.

EPR Properties (NYSE:EPR) is a real estate investment trust investing in select market segments related to Entertainment, Education and Recreation. On January 15 the company increased its monthly dividend 5.8% to $0.32 per share. The dividend is payable February 15, 2016 to stockholders of record on January 29, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of January 27, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 7.0%.

Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE:LNT) operates as a utility holding company that provides regulated electricity and natural gas services to residential, commercial, industrial, and wholesale customers in the Midwest region of the United States. On January 15 the company increased its quarterly dividend 6.8% to $0.5875 per share. The dividend is payable February 12, 2016 to stockholders of record on January 29, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of January 27, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 3.8%.

Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that invests in commercial real estate.  On January 14 the company increased its monthly dividend 3.9% to $0.1985 per share. The dividend is payable February 16, 2016 to stockholders of record on February 1, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of January 28, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 4.6%.

Selecting stocks with increasing dividends is critical for an income growth strategy. The above list contains stocks that recently raised their dividends; it is not a list of recommend buys. As always, due diligence should be performed before buying or selling any stock. For a list of stocks with a long string of consecutive cash dividend increases, see this list.