Investors seeking a reliable increase in passive income may find value in companies that consistently raise their dividends each quarter. Clearway Energy is one such entity, leveraging its clean energy portfolio to steadily enhance shareholder returns. The company's financial stability stems from long-term agreements with utilities and major corporate clients. This setup ensures predictable cash flow, allowing Clearway to incrementally boost its payouts. Recent acquisitions of solar and wind projects further bolster its growth trajectory, providing a solid foundation for continued dividend expansion.

Another player in the quarterly dividend hike arena is Energy Transfer. Known for its robust midstream operations, this master limited partnership (MLP) offers an attractive yield through consistent distribution increases. Its business model relies heavily on fee-based assets, which account for approximately 90% of its earnings, ensuring steady cash inflows. Energy Transfer strategically reinvests retained earnings into growth projects while maintaining a strong balance sheet. This approach not only supports ongoing payout enhancements but also opens doors for strategic acquisitions, such as last year's WTG Midstream deal, which promises significant cash flow contributions over time.

W.P. Carey rounds out this trio of dividend champions by combining real estate investments with inflation-resistant leases. As a real estate investment trust (REIT), it focuses on single-tenant properties secured by long-term net leases, many of which include built-in rent escalations tied to inflation. This strategy generates stable and growing rental income, enabling W.P. Carey to consistently increase its quarterly dividend payments. By utilizing free cash flow and selectively selling non-core assets, the company fortifies its ability to deliver rising income streams to shareholders. These companies exemplify how strategic investments and sound financial management can lead to sustainable growth, offering investors a pathway to secure and expanding passive income. Embracing such opportunities fosters financial resilience and empowers individuals to build wealth over time.