OREANDA-NEWS. The Board of Directors of AGL Resources Inc. (NYSE: GAS) has approved an increase of $0.08 per share, or 4 percent, in the annual dividend rate on the company's common stock, to an indicated annual dividend of $2.12 per share. The increased dividend reflects the underlying strength of AGL Resources' regulated operations. The new quarterly dividend rate of $0.53 per share is effective for the dividend payable March 1, 2016, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 19, 2016. This marks the 273rd consecutive quarterly dividend the company has paid since 1948.

AGL Resources (NYSE: GAS) is an Atlanta-based energy services holding company with operations in natural gas distribution, retail operations, wholesale services and midstream operations. AGL Resources serves approximately 4.5 million utility customers through its regulated distribution subsidiaries in seven states. The company also serves more than one million retail customers through its SouthStar Energy Services joint venture and Pivotal Home Solutions, which market natural gas and related home services. Other non-utility businesses include asset management for natural gas wholesale customers through Sequent Energy Management and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. AGL Resources is a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500 Index.