As Foolish investors know, dividend-paying stocks outperform non-dividend-paying stocks over the long term, and the top performers are those that raise their payouts as often as possible. With these facts in mind, let’s take a look at three industry leaders that raised their dividends this week, so you can determine if you should buy one of them today.
1. Cineplex Inc.
Cineplex Inc. (TSX: CGX) is Canada’s largest owner and operator of movie theatres with 163 theatres across the country and an estimated 79.5% market share.
In its first-quarter earnings report on Tuesday, May 3, it announced a 3.8% increase to its dividend to $0.135 per share monthly, or $1.62 per share annually, and this gives its stock a yield of about 3.35% at today’s levels.
Investors must also note that Cineplex has raised its annual dividend payment for five consecutive years, and its two hikes since the start of 2015, including the one noted above and its 4% hike in May 2015, have it on pace for 2016 to mark the sixth consecutive year with an increase.
2. Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) is Canada’s food and pharmacy leader with a network of 2,421 corporate and independently operated stores across the country.
In its first-quarter earnings report on Wednesday, May 4, it announced a 4% increase to its dividend to $0.26 per share quarterly, or $1.04 per share annually, and this gives its stock a yield of about 1.5% at today’s levels.
Investors must also note that Loblaw has raised its annual dividend payment for four consecutive years, and its two hikes since the start of 2015, including the one noted above and its 2% hike in May 2015, have it on pace for 2016 to mark the fifth consecutive year with an increase.
3. A&W Revenue Royalties Income Fund
A&W Revenue Royalties Income Fund (TSX: AW.UN) owns the A&W trademarks, and it licenses these trademarks for use in operating and franchising A&W quick-service restaurants in Canada, which is the country’s second-largest hamburger chain with 850 locations from coast to coast.
In its first-quarter earnings report on Wednesday, May 4, it announced a 4% increase to its distribution to $0.13 per share monthly, or $1.56 per share annually, and this gives its stock a yield of about 5.3% at today’s levels.
Investors must also note that A&W’s two distribution hikes since the start of 2015, including the one noted above and its 3.4% hike in August 2015, have it on pace for 2016 to mark the second consecutive year in which it has raised its annual distribution.
