The dividend is payable on January 3, 2012, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 9, 2011. This is the eleventh dividend increase since July 2003 with a total quarterly dividend increase of 105.0 percent. The yield based on the new payout is 2.3%.

Spectra Energy Corp. (SE) engages in the ownership and operation of a portfolio of complementary natural gas-related energy assets in the United States and Canada. October 25th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7.7% to $0.28 per share. The dividend is is payable on December 12, 2011, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 11, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 3.9%.

RadioShack Corporation (RHS) engages in the retail sale of consumer electronic goods and services through its RadioShack store chain and kiosk operations. October 25th the company increased its annual dividend 100% to to $0.50 per share in 2011 and has changed the annual dividend payout to a quarterly payout. The annual cash dividend of $0.50 per share for 2011 is payable on Dec. 15, 2011, to stockholders of record at the close of business on Nov. 25, 2011, after which the dividend will be paid on a quarterly basis beginning in the first quarter of 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 4.3%.

V.F. Corporation (VFC) designs and manufactures, or sources from independent contractors various apparel and footwear products primarily in the United States and Europe. October 25th the increased its quarterly dividend 14% to $0.72 per share. The dividend is payable on December 19, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 9, 2011. This marks the 39th consecutive year of higher dividend payments to shareholders. The yield based on the new payout is 2.2%.

American Electric Power Company (AEP) engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power to retail customers. October 25th the company increased its quarterly dividend 2.2% to $0.47 per share. This is the company's third dividend increase since April 2010. The dividend is payable Dec. 9, 2011, to shareholders of record as of Nov. 10, 2011, and is the company's 406th consecutive quarterly common stock cash dividend. AEP has paid a cash dividend on its common stock every quarter since July 1910. The yield based on the new payout is 4.7%.

Simon Property Group, Inc. (SPG) is a real estate investment trust that engages in investment, ownership, and management of properties. It invests in the real estate markets across the globe. October 25th the company increased its quarterly dividend 12.5% to $0.90 per share. The dividend is payable on November 30, 2011 to stockholders of record on November 16, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX) provides diagnostic testing, information, and services in the United States and internationally. October 25th the company increased its quarterly dividend 70% to $0.17 per share. The dividend is payable on January 24, 2012, to shareholders of record on January 9, 2012. The yield based on the new payout is 1.2%.

MSC Industrial Direct Co. (MSM) operates as a direct marketer and distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations products to industrial customers. October 24th the company increased its quarterly dividend 13.6% to $0.25 per share. The dividend is payable November 18, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 4, 2011. The yield based on the new payout is 1.5%.

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.

Full Disclosure: Long AFL, CVX. See a list of all my dividend growth holdings here.