Dividend Aristocrat AT&T raises dividend for 34th year

Dividend Aristocrat AT&T (T) will raise its dividend to 50 cents per share in the first quarter of 2018, marking the 34th consecutive year of dividend increases for the communications company.

The dividend will be raised by 2.0 percent to $0.50 quarterly, resulting in a dividend 5.2% yield for AT&T, a Dow 30 company.

The dividend is payable on Feb. 1, 2018, to stockholders of record at the close of business on Jan. 10, 2018.

YTD AT&T stock is down almost 10 percent (dividend excluded)

“Our strong cash flows and outlook for the business allow us to raise our dividend for the 34(th) consecutive year. We’re committed to returning value to our shareholders, and we’re pleased to deliver yet again,” said Randall Stephenson, chairman and CEO, AT&T Inc.

Last year AT&T raised its dividend for the 33rd consecutive year.

AT&T Inc. is a global provider of communications and digital entertainment. The company offers its services and products to consumers in the United States, Mexico and Latin America and to businesses and other providers of telecommunications services worldwide.