And each year for the last 11, it has raised its dividend.

More companies raised dividends last month than had done so in any April since 1981.

The company's board was expected to raise dividends today, but now that is less likely.

The company raised its dividend on Wednesday by 20 percent.

The utility has raised its dividend in each of the last 19 years.

The bank raised its dividend for the 11th consecutive year.

Still, there is plenty of room for other companies to raise dividends in the future.

"If investors see that, they may put more pressure on companies to raise dividends."

But now, Japanese companies are feeling pressure to raise stock prices or dividends.

Companies Ford raised its dividend to $1, from 75 cents.