As history has shown, owning a portfolio of dividend-paying stocks is the best way to build wealth over the long term, and this investment strategy generates the highest returns when you own stocks that raise their payouts every year. With this in mind, let’s take a look at five stocks with yields up to 4.5%, active streaks of annual increases, and the ability to continue growing their payouts going forward, so you can determine if you should buy one or more of them today.
1. Thomson Reuters Corp.
Thomson Reuters Corp. (TSX:TRI)(NYSE:TRI) is the world’s leading source of news and intelligent information for businesses and professionals with operations in more than 100 countries.
It pays a quarterly dividend of US$0.34 per share, or US$1.36 per share annually, which gives its stock a yield of about 3.3% at today’s levels. Investors must also note that its 1.5% dividend hike in February has it on pace for 2016 to mark the 23rd consecutive year in which it has raised its annual dividend payment.
2. Cogeco Inc.
Cogeco Inc. (TSX:CGO) is a diversified holding corporation with operations in the communications and media sectors. Its subsidiaries include Cogeco Communications Inc., the second-largest cable system operator in Ontario and Quebec, and Cogeco Media, one of Quebec’s largest radio broadcasters and news agencies.
It pays a quarterly dividend of $0.295 per share, or $1.18 per share annually, which gives its stock a yield of about 2.1% at today’s levels. Investors must also note that its 15.7% dividend hike in October has it on pace for 2016 to mark the 12th consecutive year in which it has raised its annual dividend payment.
3. Methanex Corporation
Methanex Corporation (TSX:MX)(NASDAQ:MEOH) is the world’s largest producer and supplier of methanol to major international markets in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Methanol is an essential ingredient used in the production of hundreds of everyday industrial and consumer items, including plastics, foams, resins, paints, and building materials, and it’s a clean-burning, cost-competitive alternative fuel.
It pays a quarterly dividend of US$0.275 per share, or US$1.10 per share annually, which gives its stock a yield of about 3.6% at today’s levels. Investors must also note that its 10% dividend hike in April 2015 has it on pace for 2016 to mark the sixth consecutive year in which it has raised its annual dividend payment.
4. Aecon Group Inc.
Aecon Group Inc. (TSX:ARE) is one of Canada’s leading providers of construction and infrastructure development services with operational capabilities that cater to all stages of the construction process, including design, engineering, construction delivery, and project finance. It and its predecessor companies have helped build some of Canada’s most famous landmarks, including the CN Tower and the St. Lawrence Seaway.
It pays a quarterly dividend of $0.115 per share, or $0.46 per share annually, which gives its stock a yield of about 2.6% at today’s levels. Investors must also note that its 15% dividend hike in March has it on pace for 2016 to mark the fifth consecutive year in which it has raised its annual dividend payment.
5. Brookfield Property Partners LP
Brookfield Property Partners LP (TSX:BPY.UN)(NYSE:BPY) is one of the world’s largest owners, developers, and operators of high-quality real estate. Its portfolio includes 153 “premier” office properties totaling 101 million square feet and 128 “best-in-class” retail properties totaling 126 million square feet.
It pays a quarterly distribution of US$0.28 per share, or US$1.12 per share annually, which gives its stock a yield of about 4.5% at today’s levels. Investors must also note that its 5.7% distribution hike in February has it on pace for 2016 to mark the second consecutive year in which it has raised its annual distribution, and it has a long-term distribution growth target of 5-8% annually.
