For income-focused investors seeking stability and reliable returns, companies with a strong track record of paying dividends and consistently increasing their payouts remain particularly attractive. Three noteworthy examples are Evergy, Sempra, and Philip Morris, all of which have a long history of rewarding their shareholders with not just dividends, but also recent increases that enhance their overall appeal. Currently, these companies offer dividend yields exceeding 3%, making them viable options for those looking to generate income from their investments.

Evergy

Evergy (NASDAQ:EVRG) is a utility company that plays a vital role in the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity across the United States. The company utilizes a diverse array of energy sources, including coal, landfill gas, uranium, and natural gas, in addition to renewable sources such as solar and wind. This diversified energy portfolio positions Evergy as a significant player in the evolving energy landscape.

The company has demonstrated a commitment to its shareholders by consecutively raising its dividends for the past seven years. Most recently, on November 7, Evergys board announced a quarterly dividend increase of 4%, raising the payout from $0.64 to $0.6675 per share, which translates to an annual dividend of $2.67 per share. This increase has resulted in a current dividend yield of 3.93%, providing a solid return for investors.

From a financial perspective, Evergy reported a robust annual revenue of $5.85 billion as of December 31. In its latest earnings release on February 27, the company revealed fourth-quarter 2024 revenues of $1.26 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.24 billion. However, its earnings per share (EPS) of $0.35 fell short of the expected $0.37, indicating some challenges in profitability despite strong revenue growth.

Sempra

Operating as an energy infrastructure company, Sempra (NYSE:SRE) has a significant presence both domestically and internationally. The company has a commendable history of increasing its dividends for the past 15 consecutive years, showcasing its commitment to returning capital to shareholders. On February 25, Sempra announced an increase in its quarterly dividend from $0.62 to $0.645 per share, which equates to an annual dividend of $2.58 per share. This adjustment brings the current dividend yield to 3.67%, appealing to those looking for steady income streams.

As of December 31, Sempra reported an annual revenue of $13.19 billion. In its fourth-quarter earnings report released on February 25, the company announced revenues of $3.76 billion and an EPS of $1.50, though both figures fell short of market expectations. Despite this, Sempra continues to be viewed as a significant player in the energy sector, with analysts closely monitoring its performance.

Philip Morris

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM) operates primarily within the tobacco industry, producing traditional cigarettes as well as innovative smoke-free products. The company has made a name for itself with offerings under the IQOS and ZYN brands, which feature heat-not-burn technologies and oral nicotine products. Additionally, it provides consumer accessories such as lighters and matches.

As the tobacco industry faces increasing scrutiny and shifts in consumer preferences towards healthier alternatives, Philip Morris has positioned itself strategically to adapt to these changes. This ability to innovate while maintaining a commitment to shareholder returns makes the company an interesting option for investors looking for dividends in a traditionally high-risk industry.

In conclusion, Evergy, Sempra, and Philip Morris are all distinguished by their long-standing commitments to dividend payments and recent increases, continuing to attract investors seeking stability in their income streams. As these companies navigate their respective industries, they remain focused on rewarding their shareholders, making them worthy of consideration for any investment portfolio.