As intelligent investors know, dividend-paying stocks outperform non-dividend-paying stocks over the long term, and the top returners are those that increase their dividends every year. With these facts in mind, let’s take a look at three stocks that raised their dividends this week, continuing their streaks of annual increases, so you can determine if you should buy one of them today.
1. Gibson Energy Inc.
Gibson Energy Inc. (TSX: GEI) is one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America.
In its fourth-quarter earnings report on March 1, it announced a 3.1% increase to its dividend to $0.33 per share quarterly, or $1.32 per share annually, and this gives its stock a yield of about 7.5% at today’s levels.
Investors must also note that Gibson Energy has raised its annual dividend payment for four consecutive years, and this increase puts it on pace for 2016 to mark the fifth consecutive year with an increase.
2. Aecon Group Inc.
Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) is one of the largest providers of construction and infrastructure development services in Canada.
In its fourth-quarter earnings report on March 1, it announced a 15% increase to its dividend to $0.115 per share quarterly, or $0.46 per share annually, and this gives its stock a yield of about 2.9% at today’s levels.
Investors must also note that Aecon Group has raised its annual dividend payment for four consecutive years, and its recent increases, including the one noted above and its 11.1% hike in March 2015, has it on pace for 2016 to mark the fifth consecutive year with an increase.
3. Granite Real Estate Investment Trust
Granite Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: GRT.UN)(NYSE:GRP) owns over 95 predominantly industrial properties in North America and Europe, which total approximately 30 million square feet.
In its fourth-quarter earnings report on March 2, it announced a 5.7% increase to its distribution to $0.203 per share monthly, or $2.44 per share annually, and this gives its stock a yield of about 6.4% at today’s levels.
Investors must also note that Granite has raised its annual dividend payment for five consecutive years, and this increase puts it on pace for 2016 to mark the sixth consecutive year with an increase.
Could your portfolio use one of these dividend growers?
Gibson Energy, Aecon Group, and Granite REIT recently hiked their dividends, continuing their streaks of annual increases, and I think all three represent very attractive investment opportunities today. Foolish investors should take a closer look at each and consider beginning to scale in to long-term positions in at least one of them.
