WGL Holdings Hikes Dividend

WGL Holdings(WGL Quote), a natural gas utility company, raised its quarterly dividend to 33.75 cents a share from 33.25 cents a share. This increases the annualized dividend level to $1.35 a share from $1.33 a share, the company said.

The new quarterly dividend is payable May 1, 2006, to shareholders of record on April 10, 2006.

This is the 30th consecutive year that WGL Holdings has increased the cash dividend on its common stock.

"The decision to increase the common stock dividend for the 30th consecutive year reflects our confidence in the company's continued success and our commitment to provide sustainable dividend growth for investors," said the company.