Cincinnati Financial (CINF) will raise its quarterly dividend to $0.50 per share. The next dividend is payable April 14, 2017, to shareholders of record as of March 22, 2017.

Steven J. Johnston, president and chief executive officer, commented, "Cincinnati Financial shareholders have consistently benefited from increased dividends in each of the past 56 years, and this board action lays the foundation for a 57th year.

"The company's strong capital continues to support our dividend as well as the profitable growth of our insurance business, as we seek to increase shareholder value over time. That capital, combined with the depth of our relationships with outstanding independent agents and capable, hard-working associates, bolsters the board's confidence that the company can reward shareholders in both the near and long term."

Cincinnati Financial Corporation offers business, home and auto insurance through The Cincinnati Insurance Company and its two standard market property casualty companies. The same local independent insurance agencies that market those policies may offer products of CINF's other subsidiaries, including life insurance, fixed annuities and surplus lines property and casualty insurance. The company segments are commercial lines insurance, personal lines insurance, excess and surplus lines insurance, and life insurance and investments.