Add More Dividend Yield to Your Portfolio with These 30 Stocks

Investors are crowding into dividend stocks not simply for their dividend yield, but also because they drive long-term performance in the stock market.

According to a recent study by Guinness Global Equity Income Fund, $100 invested in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index in late 1940 would have amounted to $17,460 by the end of 2013 if dividends weren't reinvested. But with reinvesting the profits gained from dividend yields , that $100 would have grown to a hefty $265,851.

Last week, 45 dividend increases were announced, and banks dominated the list. Seven regional banks, one Mumbai, India multinational bank, and a New York-based banking behemoth all boosted payouts.

Additionally, Banco Bradesco SA (NYSE: BBDO) declared a penny-per-share special dividend, and Bank of the Ozarks Inc. (Nasdaq: OZRK) announced a 2-for-1 stock dividend.

Following are 30 notable dividend stocks that hiked payouts in the week ending May 23.

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Stocks That Just Boosted Their Dividend Yields

American Water Works Co. Inc. (NYSE: AWR) upped its quarterly dividend 5.2% to $0.213 a share for a 2.6% yield. The San Dimas, Calif.-based company has been paying dividends for 313 straight quarters and raising them for 60 consecutive years.

American Tower Corp. (NYSE: AMT) raised its quarterly payout 6.3% to $0.34 a share for a 1.54% yield.

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp. (NYSE: BAH) boosted its quarterly payout a penny to $0.11 a share for a 1.84% yield.

Bunge Ltd. (NYSE: BG) hiked its quarterly dividend $0.04 to $0.34 a share for a 1.58% yield.

C&F Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: CFFI) hoisted its quarterly dividend 3.4% to $0.30 a share for a 3.5% yield.

Just-released: Of the almost 5,000 dividend-paying stocks to choose from, these three companies provide superior payouts and superior long-term growth potential.

Computer Sciences Corp. (NYSE: CSC) increased its quarterly payout $0.03 to $0.23 a share for a 1.49% dividend yield. The company's board also approved a $1.5 billion share repurchase program.

Cryolife Inc. (NYSE: CRY) upped its quarterly dividend 9% to $0.03 a share for a yield of 1.26%.