When it comes to selecting dividend growth stocks, one of the most important items to look for is consistency in raising dividends. Sure it is easy to increase dividends when the economy is booming and business is good, but to be consistent a company has to persevere and continue to increase dividends during the tough times.

Below are several companies that have recently increased their cash dividends to shareholders:

The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) operates as a retailer in the United States. It also manufactures and processes food for sale in its supermarkets.On June 23 the company increased its quarterly dividend 14% to $0.12 per share. The dividend is payable September 1, 2016 to stockholders of record on August 15, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of August 11, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 1.4%.

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE:JW.A) provides knowledge and knowledge-enabled services in the areas of research, professional practice, and education worldwide.On June 23 the company increased its quarterly dividend 3.3% to $0.31 per share. The dividend is payable July 20, 2016 to stockholders of record on July 6, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of July 1, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 2.4%.

Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) operates as an ocean cargo carrier. On June 23 the company increased its quarterly dividend 5.6% to $0.19 per share. The dividend is payable September 1, 2016 to stockholders of record on August 4, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of August 2, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 2.2%.

8point3 Energy Partners LP (NASDAQ:CAFD) acquires, owns, operates, and solar energy generation projects.On June 21 the partnership increased its quarterly distribution 3.5% to $0.2325 per unit. The distribution is payable July 15, 2016 to unitholders of record on July 5, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of June 30, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 6.4%.

Fulton Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:FULT) operates as a multi-bank financial holding company that provides banking and financial services to businesses and consumers. On June 21 the company increased its quarterly dividend 11% to $0.10 per share. The dividend is payable July 15, 2016 to stockholders of record on July 1, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of June 29, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.

Shoe Carnival, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCVL) operates as family footwear retailer primarily in the United States. On June 17 the company increased its quarterly dividend 8% to $0.07 per share. The dividend is payable July 18, 2016 to stockholders of record on July 5, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of June 30, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 1.1%.

W. P. Carey Inc. (NYSE:WPC) is an independent equity real estate investment trust providing long-term sale-leaseback and build-to-suit financing for companies. On June 16 the company increased its quarterly dividend 0.6% to $0.98 per share. The dividend is payable July 15, 2016 to stockholders of record on June 30, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of June 28, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 5.8%.

Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust. It invests in the real estate markets of the United States. The firm makes investments in commercial real estate. On June 14 the company increased its monthly dividend 0.3% to $0.1995 per share. The dividend is payable July 15, 2016 to stockholders of record on July 1, 2016, with an ex-dividend date of June 29, 2016. The yield based on the new payout is 3.7%.

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.

Summary

• When selecting dividend growth stocks consistency in raising dividends is an important trait.
• It is easy to increase dividends when business is good, but to be consistent, a company must also raise dividends during the tough times.