5 U.S. Stocks Likely to Hike Their Dividends

Dividends are often paid out to shareholders as a form of return on their investment. Investors looking to buy a company's stock with the hope of receiving such investment income should try and look for large corporations, with a proven track record of paying out dividends. Dividends are obviously not guaranteed, but a company that consecutively sees increases in its cash flows in addition to a history of paying out dividends, should be a safer bet and that includes the companies on our list today.Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) - $93.24PharmaceuticalsJohnson & Johnson is a holding company that is engaged in the research and development, manufacture and sale of a range of products in the health care field. The Company has more than 265 operating companies conducting business around the world. Johnson & Johnson's primary focus is products related to human health and well-being. The Company is organized into three business segments: Consumer, Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices.

• Market Cap: $258,191,465,538
• Revenue Growth (LFQ): -10.8%
• Gross Dividends (2014): $7,768,000,000
• Free Cash Flow (2014): $14,757,000,000

Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: HD) - $115.80Home Improvement Products & Services RetailersThe Home Depot, Inc. (Home Depot) is a home improvement retailer. The Home Depot stores sell an assortment of building materials, home improvement products and lawn and garden products and provide services. The Home Depot stores average approximately 104,000 square feet of enclosed space, with approximately 24,000 additional square feet of outside garden area, serving three primary customer groups: do-it-yourself (DIY) customers, do-it-for-me (DIFM) customers and professional customers.

• Market Cap: $148,699,162,951
• Revenue Growth (LFQ): 10.3%
• Gross Dividends (2014): $2,530,000,000
• Free Cash Flow (2014): $6,800,000,000

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