If you are looking at the energy sector, both ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) and Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: RDS-B) will be stocks that pop up on your radar screen. Although Exxon's dividend has only increased in the mid-single digits on an annualized basis over the past five years, that's enough to beat inflation and to keep shareholders' spending power growing. That includes its choice to maintain a rock solid balance sheet and the ongoing commitment to returning value to shareholders via a steadily rising dividend.