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Several companies recently raised their dividends, boosting investor confidence in a month marked by economic uncertainty as the U.S. presidential election takes center stage. 

Dividend hikes signal a company’s financial health and reward long-term shareholders with increased dividend income. 

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Let's examine two real estate investment trusts (REITs) and one oil giant that just raised their dividends, reinforcing their commitment to returning value to investors.

Kimco Realty Corp.

Kimco Realty Corp. (NYSE:KIM) is one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality open-air, grocery-anchored shopping centers and mixed-use properties in the United States. As of Sept. 30, it owned interests in 567 properties totaling approximately 101 million square feet of gross leasable space. 

On Oct. 31, Kimco announced a 4.2% increase to its dividend. It now pays a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, which results in an annualized dividend of $1.00 per share and gives its stock a 4.1% yield at the time of this writing.

Kimco has delivered steady dividend increases for its shareholders in recent years. Its 4.3% dividend increase in October 2023 puts it on track for 2024 to mark the third consecutive year that it has raised its annual dividend payment and the hike it just announced puts it on pace for 2024 to mark the fourth consecutive year with an increase.

Trending: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion – they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends

Simon Property Group, Inc.

Simon Property Group (NYSE:SPG) owns and manages premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use properties across North America, Asia and Europe. As of Sept. 30, its portfolio comprised ownership interests in 231 properties containing approximately 184 million square feet.

On Nov. 1, Simon announced a 2.4% increase in its dividend. It now pays a quarterly dividend of $2.10 per share, which results in an annualized dividend of $8.40 per share and gives its stock a 4.9% yield at the time of this writing.

Simon Property has been raising its dividend at a remarkable rate recently. It has now raised its dividend 12 times since the start of 2021, including increases for four consecutive quarters, which puts it on pace for 2024 to mark the third consecutive year in which it has raised its annual dividend payment and on track for 2025 to mark the fourth consecutive year with an increase.

Exxon Mobil Corp.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) is one of the world's largest energy and petrochemical companies. It is primarily involved in oil exploration, production, refining and the sale of petroleum and petrochemical products worldwide.

On Nov. 1, Exxon announced a 4.2% increase in its dividend. It now pays a quarterly dividend of $0.99 per share, which results in an annualized dividend of $3.96 per share and gives its stock a 3.3% yield at the time of this writing.

Exxon has been delivering dividend growth to its shareholders for decades. It has now raised its annual dividend payment for 42 consecutive years, making it one of the best dividend-growth stocks in the market. 

Better Yields Than Some REITs?

The current interest rate environment has created an incredible opportunity for income-seeking investors to earn high yields, but not necessarily through publicly traded REITs.

Arrived Homes, the Jeff Bezos-backed investment platform, has launched its Private Credit Fund, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with a target of 7% to 9% net annual yield, paid to investors monthly. It paid 8.1% in August. The best part? Due to high demand, the maximum investment amount is currently $5,000 with a minimum investment of ONLY $100.

Looking for fractional real estate investment opportunities? The Benzinga Real Estate Screener features the latest offerings.

Wondering if your investments can get you to a $5,000,000 nest egg? Speak to a financial advisor today. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you up with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you.

This article Dividend Increase Alert: These 3 Stocks Just Boosted Their Dividends AGAIN (KIM, SPG, XOM) – Here's A Deeper Look originally appeared on Benzinga.com