As Foolish investors know, dividend-paying stocks outperform non-dividend-paying stocks over the long term, and the top performers are those that increase their rates every year. With this in mind, let’s take a look at three stocks that increased their dividends in the last two weeks and have reputations for increasing their dividends every year, so you can determine which would fit best in your portfolio.
1. Metro, Inc.
Metro, Inc. (TSX:MRU) is one of the largest owners and operators of grocery stores, convenience stores, and drugstores in Canada, and it is behind retail banners such as Metro, Super C, Brunet, and Clini Plus.
In its first-quarter earnings report on January 26, it announced a 19.7% increase to its dividend to $0.14 per share quarterly, or $0.56 per share annually, and this gives its stock a yield of about 1.4% at today’s levels.
It is also very important for investors to note that Metro has raised its annual dividend payment for 21 consecutive years, and this increase puts it on pace for 2016 to mark the 22nd consecutive year with an increase.
2. Exco Technologies Limited
Exco Technologies Limited (TSX:XTC) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of dies, moulds, equipment, components, and assemblies to the die-cast, extrusion, and automotive industries.
In its first-quarter earnings report on February 3, it announced a 16.7% increase to its dividend to $0.07 per share quarterly, or $0.28 per share annually, and this gives its stock a yield of about 2% at today’s levels.
Investors must also note that Exco Technologies has raised its annual dividend payment for six consecutive years, and the increase it just announced puts it on pace for 2016 to mark the seventh consecutive year with an increase.
3. BCE Inc.
BCE Inc. (TSX:BCE)(NYSE:BCE) is Canada’s largest communications company.
In its fourth-quarter earnings report on February 4, it announced a 5% increase to its dividend to $0.6825 per share quarterly, or $2.73 per share annually, and this gives its stock a yield of about 4.7% at today’s levels.
It is also very important for investors to note that BCE has raised its annual dividend payment for seven consecutive years, and this increase puts it on pace for 2016 to mark the eighth consecutive year with an increase.
Which of these stocks belongs in your portfolio?
Metro, Exco Technologies, and BCE recently raised their dividends, continuing their streaks of annual increases, and I think all three represent very attractive long-term investment opportunities today. Foolish investors should take a closer look and consider beginning to scale in to positions in at least one of them.
