Several large companies announced dividend increases over the past week. One of the most notable bullish calls came from the telecom sectors as AT&T (NYSE:T) showed confidence in its business model by increasing its dividend payment to shareholders for the twenty fifth consecutive years. Despite the tough macroeconomic conditions AT&T (T) is still committed to raising its quarterly dividend. The board announced a 2.5% increase of the quarterly payment to to $0.41/share. The stock currently yields 5.70%. One thing that still concerns me with AT&T however is the high current dividend payout ratio.

BCE, the Canadian telecom company whose privatization agreement failed this month reinstated its quarterly dividend payment of 0.365/share and approved a 40 million share buyback. Based off the reinstated payment to shareholders, the company yields 8.60%, Based off the 2007 earnings per share, the dividend seems adequately covered.

Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE), which is manufactures and distributes coatings, paints, and related products, announced that its Board has approved a 9.40% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.35 per common share. Nucor Corporationis a dividend aristocrat which has increased its dividends for over thirty four years. The stock currently yields 3.20%. I am considering adding to my position there on dips below $35.

Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN), which is an investment management company, announced that its Board has approved a 5% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.21 per common share. Franklin Resources is a dividend champion which has increased its dividends for over twenty seven years. The stock currently yields 1.30%.

Honeywell (NYSE:HON), which is a diversified technology and manufacturing company, announced that its Board has approved a 5% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.21 per common share. Honeywell has regularly increased its dividends since 2005. The stock currently yields 3.80%.

Edison International (NYSE:EIX), which is engages in the supply of electric energy in California, announced that its Board has approved an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.31 per common share. Edison International has cut its dividends twice for the past twenty years – in 1994 and in 2004. The stock currently yields 3.80%.

Harsco Corporation (NYSE:HSC), which is provides industrial services and engineered products primarily to steel, construction, railways, and energy industries worldwide, announced that its Board has approved a 2.60% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.20 per common share. Harsco Corporation is a dividend achiever which has increased its dividends for thirteen years. The stock currently yields 3.20%.

The Valspar Corporation (NYSE:VAL), which is manufactures and distributes coatings, paints, and related products, announced that its Board has approved a 7.10% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.15 per common share. Valspar Corporation is a dividend champion which has increased its dividends for over twenty seven years. The stock currently yields 3.40%.

Progress Energy (NYSE:PGN), which operates as an integrated energy company, announced that its Board has approved an increase in its quarterly dividend from $0.615 to $0.62 per common share. Progress Energy is a dividend achiever which has increased its dividends for over two decades years. The stock currently yields 6.30%.

DPL Inc. (NYSE:DPL), which operates as a regional electric energy company in the United States, and related products, announced that its Board has approved a 3.60% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.285 per share. DPL Inc. has regularly increased its dividends since 2004. The stock currently yields 5.20%.

Full Disclosure: I own shares of NUE

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