3 Top Dividend-Growth Stocks Yielding up to 4.1%

As investors, it is our long-term goal to outperform the overall market, and one of the best ways to do this is to own dividend-paying stocks that consistently raise their rates. With this in mind, let’s take a look at three companies that have raised their annual dividend payments for 12 consecutive years or more, so you can determine if you should buy shares in one or more of them today.

1. Transcontinental Inc.

Transcontinental Inc. (TSX: TCL.A) is the Canada’s leading provider of printing and proximity media solutions. It currently pays a dividend of $0.17 per share quarterly, or $0.68 per share annually, which gives its stock a 4.1% yield at today’s levels.

Investors must also note that Transcontinental has raised its annual dividend payment in each of its last 14 fiscal years, and its 6.3% increase in March 2015 puts it on pace for fiscal 2016 to mark the 15th consecutive year with an increase.

2. Suncor Energy Inc.

Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX: SU)(NYSE: SU) is the largest integrated oil and gas company in Canada. It currently pays a dividend of $0.29 per share quarterly, or $1.16 per share annually, which gives its stock a 3.6% yield at today’s levels.

It is also very important for investors to note that Suncor Energy has raised its annual dividend payment for 13 consecutive years, and its 3.6% increase in July 2015 puts it on pace for 2016 to mark the 14th consecutive year with an increase.

3. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (TSX: RBA)(NYSE: RBA) is the world’s largest industrial auctioneer. It currently pays a dividend of US$0.16 per share quarterly, or US$0.64 per share annually, which gives its stock a 2.9% yield at today’s levels.

Investors must also make two very important notes.

First, Ritchie Bros. has raised its annual dividend payment for 12 consecutive years, and its 14.3% increase in August 2015 puts it on pace for 2016 to mark the 13th consecutive year with an increase.

Second, the company has a target dividend-payout range of 55-60% of its adjusted net earnings, so its very strong growth, including a 34.2% year-over-year increase to a record US$90.36 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015, should allow for a significant increase in 2016.

Should you buy one of these dividend growers today?

Transcontinental, Suncor Energy, and Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers are three of the top dividend-growth stocks in their respective industries. All Foolish investors should strongly consider making at least one of them a core holding.