3 Notable Dividend Hikes From the Week of May 2

As Foolish investors, we know that dividend-paying stocks outperform non-dividend-paying stocks over the long term. However, what many forget is that the top performers are those that raise their payouts as often as possible. With this in mind, let’s take a look at three stocks that raised their dividends last week, continuing their streaks of annual increases, so you can determine if you should buy one of them today.

1. Franco Nevada Corp.

Franco Nevada Corp. (TSX: FNV)(NYSE: FNV) is one of the world’s largest gold-focused royalty and stream companies.

In its first-quarter earnings report on May 4, it announced a 4.8% increase to its dividend to US$0.22 per share quarterly, or US$0.88 per share annually, and this gives its stock a yield of about 1.3% at today’s levels.

Investors must also note that Franco Nevada has raised its annual dividend payment for eight consecutive years, and its two hikes since the start of 2015, including the one noted above and its 5% hike in May 2015, have it on pace for 2016 to mark the ninth consecutive year with an increase.

2. Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.

Industrial Alliance Insur. & Fin. Ser. (TSX: IAG) is one of Canada’s leading providers of life, health, auto, and home insurance.

In its first-quarter earnings report on May 5, it announced a 6.7% increase to its dividend to $0.32 per share quarterly, or $1.28 per share annually, and this gives its stock a yield of about 3.2% at today’s levels.

Investors must also note that Industrial Alliance has raised its annual dividend payment for two consecutive years, and its two hikes since the start of 2015, including the one noted above and its 7.1% hike in June 2015, have it on pace for 2016 to mark the third consecutive year with an increase.

3. Telus Corporation

Telus Corporation (TSX: T)(NYSE: TU) is one of the largest telecommunication companies in Canada with over 12.4 million subscriber connections.

In its first-quarter earnings report on May 5, it announced a 4.5% increase to its dividend to $0.46 per share quarterly, or $1.84 per share annually, and this gives its stock a yield of about 4.6% at today’s levels.

Investors must also note that Telus has raised its annual dividend payment for 12 consecutive years, and its three hikes since the start of 2015, including the one noted above and its 4.8% hike in November 2015, have it on pace for 2016 to mark the 13th consecutive year with an increase.