If you are a beginner investor, there are two things you must know. First, dividend-paying stocks outperform non-dividend-paying stocks over the long term, and second, the top returners are those that raise their rates as often as possible. With these facts in mind, let’s take a look at three stocks that recently increased their dividends, so you can determine if you should buy one or more of them today.
1. CT Real Estate Investment Trust
CT Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:CRT.UN) is one of Canada’s largest owners of commercial real estate with 275 properties totaling more than 20 million square feet.
In its third-quarter earnings report on November 9, it announced a 2.6% increase to its distribution to $0.05667 per share monthly, or $0.68 per share annually, and this is effective for its January 2016 payment and gives its stock a 5.3% yield at today’s levels.
It is also important for investors to note that CT has raised its annual distribution for two consecutive years, and this increase puts it on pace for 2016 to mark the third consecutive year with an increase.
2. Canadian Western Bank
Canadian Western Bank (TSX:CWB) is one of the largest banking institutions in Canada’s four western provinces with approximately $22.8 billion in total assets.
In its fourth-quarter earnings report on December 3, it announced a 4.5% increase to its dividend to $0.23 per share quarterly, or $0.92 per share annually, and this gives its stock a 4% yield at today’s levels.
Investors must also note that Canadian Western Bank has raised its annual dividend payment for 23 consecutive years, the third-longest active streak for a public corporation in Canada, and this increase puts it on pace for 2016 to mark the 24th consecutive year with an increase.
3. Laurentian Bank of Canada
Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSX:LB) is one of the largest banking institutions in eastern Canada with approximately $39.7 billion in total assets.
In its fourth-quarter earnings report on December 9, it announced a 3.6% increase to its dividend to $0.58 per share quarterly, or $2.32 per share annually, and this gives its stock a 4.6% yield at today’s levels.
It is also important to note that Laurentian Bank has raised its annual dividend payment for eight consecutive years, and this increase puts it on pace for 2016 to mark the ninth consecutive year with an increase.
Should you add one of these dividend growers to your portfolio?
CT REIT, Canadian Western Bank, and Laurentian Bank of Canada recently increased their dividends, and all represent great long-term investment opportunities today. Foolish investors should take a closer look and strongly consider initiating positions in one of them in the trading sessions ahead.
