It marks the 12 consecutive year in which the large wireless operator has hiked its dividend.

SunTrust Banks and First American Financial, an insurer, have announced payout increases this week.

Two freight railroad operators, a major consumer-staples company, and a developer of regional malls are among the firms that have announced dividend

The large industrial conglomerate and an exploration-and-production firm both announced dividend hikes on Aug. 2.

Hershey, Mondelez, Charles Schwab, and McKesson have declared double-digit dividend increases this week.

One strategist says that a surprising dividend increase can produce better returns than consistent ones.