One of the most important facts to know about investing is that dividend-paying stocks far outperform their non-dividend-paying counterparts over the long term. This means that every long-term investor should own at least one dividend-paying stock, and depending on your age, investment goals, and risk tolerance, maybe even a diversified portfolio full of them.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at three high-yielding stocks that you could add to your portfolio today.
1. Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust: 6.7% yield
Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:CRR.UN) is one of Canada’s largest owners and operators of commercial real estate. It pays a monthly distribution of $0.07417 per share, or $0.89 per share annually, giving its stock a 6.7% yield at today’s levels.
Investors should also note that Crombie has maintained this monthly rate since May 2008, but its increased amount of funds from operations, including 10.1% year-over-year growth to $33.7 million in the second quarter and 7.7% year-over-year growth to $64.9 million in the first half of fiscal 2015, could allow for a slight bump within the next few months.
2. Great-West Lifeco Inc.: 3.9% yield
Great-West Lifeco Inc. (TSX:GWO) is one of the world’s leading providers of financial products and services, including life insurance, health insurance, and asset management. It pays a quarterly dividend of $0.326 per share, or $1.304 per share annually, which gives its stock a 3.9% yield at current levels.
It is also worth noting that Great-West Lifeco raised its dividend by 6% in February, its first increase since 2008, and its consistent cash flows from operating activities, including $5.44 billion in fiscal 2014 and $2.5 billion in the first half of fiscal 2015, could allow it to maintain its new rate for the next several years.
3. WSP Global Inc.: 3.2% yield
WSP Global Inc. (TSX:WSP) is one of the world’s leading providers of engineering and design services to numerous industries. It pays a quarterly dividend of $0.375 per share, or $1.50 per share annually, giving its stock a 3.2% yield.
Investors should also note that WSP Global has maintained this quarterly rate for the last several years, but its increased amount of funds from operations, including 108.7% year-over-year growth to $79.1 million in the second quarter and 117.7% year-over-year growth to $140.2 million in the first half of fiscal 2015, could allow for a significant increase in its third- or fourth-quarter earnings release.
Which of these dividend stocks belongs in your portfolio?
Crombie REIT, Great-West Lifeco, and WSP Global are three of the most attractive dividend-paying investment opportunities in their respective industries. Foolish investors should take a closer look and consider initiating positions in one of them today.
