With ASX earning season rolling on this February, it's a wonderful time for owners of dividend shares. When a company reports its latest earnings, it usually also reveals what its next dividend payment will look like. There are fewer things that income investors appreciate more than knowing what their next few paycheques are worth.
Today, let's discuss three ASX 200 dividend shares that have already dropped their latest shareholder report cards, and delivered a dividend increase.
3 Australian dividend shares that just raised their payouts
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)
First up, we have famous Australian dividend stock and market-leading bank share, CBA.
CBA's earnings report is traditionally one of the first of the season, and more or less sets the subsequent tone and mood for investors.
Fortunately, this February's report was a pleasing one for income investors to read. Thanks to a 2% rise in cash net profit after tax up to $5.13 billion and a 2.3% uptick in cash earnings per share to $3.07, CBA was able to declare an interim dividend of $2.25 per share.
As is typical with CBA, this dividend will come with full franking credits attached. It represents a 5% increase on last year's interim payout of $2.15 per share.
This dividend will be paid out next month on 28 March. At the last CBA share price, this bank was trading on a trailing dividend yield of 3.04%.
Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS)
Next, let's discuss another favourite amongst the Australian dividend community, Telstra Group. This ASX 200 telco was another early reporter for earnings season.
Back on 20 February, Telstra revealed a 6% rise in underlying earnings to $4.25 billion, as well as a 7.1% hike in profits after tax to $1.1 billion. That allowed Telstra to declare an interim dividend of 9.5 cents, fully franked.
This dividend represents a 5.6% increase over 2024's interim dividend. It will arrive in eligible investors' bank accounts on 28 March as well. Telstra shares currently boast a dividend yield of 4.45%.
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)
Finally, let's get into ASX 200 conglomerate Wesfarmers. Back on 20 February, the Bunnings and Kmart-owner unveiled a 3.6% rise in revenues, and a 4.7% lift in earnings for the half-year ended 31 December to $23.49 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively.
That helped the company deliver a 2.9% increase in net profits after tax to $1.47 billion.
This allowed Wesfarmers to announce a 4.4% increase to its interim dividend. This will be worth a fully franked 95 cents per share in 2025, up from 91 cents last year.
This dividend will be paid out on 1 April. At last pricing, Wesfarmers was trading on a yield of 2.63%.
