There are companies out there that are continuing to increase dividends for their shareholders. While dividend increase is good, it is more critical to make sure we understand that companies can sustain their dividends. Following are two companies that recently announced their quarterly results and increased dividends.

Clarcor Inc. (CLC): It is a diversified marketer and manufacturer of mobile and industrial filtration products and consumer and industrial packaging products.

• It is a dividend achiever has paid growing dividends for last 22 years. Most recent dividend increase of 8.3% was in October 2009.
• The 3Q09 earning per share was $0.42 (vs. $0.50 in 3Q08).
• The key highlight was improving operating profits and net earnings for fiscal year 2009.
• The cash flow improved to $93million for first nine months (from $79million)
• The 2009 earnings is expected to be $1.30 to $1.40.
• Yearly dividend of $0.39/share appears to be well covered with earnings.
• This payout ratio is at 30% and current dividend yield is 1.30%

ConAgra Foods Inc., (CAG): It is one of the largest US packaged food processors with $11.6 billion in revenues.

• It has been paying dividends for more 25 years but not growing dividends. It has cut and/or suspended its dividends in these years. Most recent dividend increase of 5% was in September 2009.
• The 1Q10 earning per share was $0.37 (vs. $0.23 in 1Q09).
• The key aspects were significant increase in earnings and operating profits. It appears this increase is a combination of share buybacks and reduced operating costs.
• The yearly dividend of $0.80/share appears to be covered with expected earnings of $1.70/share for year 2010.
• The payout ratio is approx. 47% and current dividend yield is 3.8%.

At a high level and in the context of stocks screening, CLC and CAG demonstrate ability to cover and sustain their dividends.