Today Vectren (VCC) announced a 3.08% increase in the company's quarterly dividend. VVC is one of Standard & Poor's S&P 1500 companies that has increased its dividend each year for at least the last ten years. In fact, this is the 49th consecutive year Vectren has increased its dividend.

The new quarterly dividend increases to 33.5 cents per share versus 32.5 cents per share in the same quarter last year. The company's 5-year average dividend payout ratio is approximately 67%. The projected payout ratio on the new dividend is approximately 64% based on 2009 estimated earnings per share of $2.09. The company's S&P Earnings & Dividend Ranking is B+.

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