As Foolish investors know, dividend-paying stocks far outperform non-dividend-paying stocks over the long term, and the top performers are those that increase their payments as often as possible. With these two facts in mind, let’s take a look at three stocks that have increased their annual dividend payments for 12 consecutive years or more that you should consider buying today.
1. Ensign Energy Services Inc.: 19 consecutive years of increases
Ensign Energy Services Inc. (TSX: ESI) is one of the largest oilfield service providers to the world’s energy industry. It pays a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share, or $0.48 per share annually, giving its stock a 4.85% yield at today’s levels. The company has also increased its annual dividend payment for 19 consecutive years, and its 2.1% increase in December puts it on pace for 2015 to mark the 20th consecutive year with an increase.
2. Home Capital Group Inc.: 15 consecutive years of increases
Home Capital Group Inc. (TSX: HCG) is one of the largest financial institutions in Canada. It pays a quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share, or $0.88 per share annually, which gives its stock a 3.1% yield at current levels. It has also increased its annual dividend payment for 15 consecutive years, and its 10% increase in February puts it on pace for 2015 to mark the 16th consecutive year with an increase.
3. Suncor Energy Inc.: 12 consecutive years of increases
Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX: SU)(NYSE: SU) is one of the world’s largest integrated energy companies. It pays a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share, or $1.16 per share annually, giving its stock a 3.2% yield at today’s levels. The company has also increased its annual dividend payment for 12 consecutive years, and its 3.6% increase in July puts it on pace for 2015 to mark the 13th consecutive year with an increase.
Which of these dividend aristocrats should you buy?
Ensign Energy Services, Home Capital Group, and Suncor Energy are three of the top dividend-growth stocks in the market today. All Foolish investors should strongly consider making at least one of them a core holding.
