Image Source: PixabayEverybody loves dividends, as they provide a passive income stream, limit drawdowns in other positions, and provide more than one way to profit from an investment.And when considering dividend-paying stocks, those with a history of consistent payouts are prime considerations, reflecting their commitment to shareholders.Recently, three companies – Aflac (AFL – Free Report), American Water Works (AWK – Free Report), and PepsiCo (PEP – Free Report) – have all announced a boost to their quarterly payouts. For those interested in income, let’s take a closer look at each.AflacAflac is an American insurance company and a massive supplier of supplemental insurance within the U.S. The company announced a sizable 19% boost to its quarterly payout, bringing the quarterly total to $0.13 per share.Perhaps to the surprise of some, AFL shares have tracked the S&P 500 almost to a tee over the last decade, gaining 240%.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchAmerican Water WorksAmerican Water Works provides essential water services to millions of customers. The company recently announced an 8% boost to its quarterly payout, bringing the total to $0.76 per share.Analysts have raised their earnings expectations across the board, with the company also recently confirming current-year guidance.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchPepsiCoPepsiCo is the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of grain-based snack foods, beverages, and other products. The company unveiled a 7% boost to its payout, bringing the quarterly total to $1.35 per share.Investors stepped up post-earnings following its latest print, with PEP shares moving higher and adding nearly 4% over the last month compared to the S&P 500’s 3.2% decline.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchBottom LineTargeting dividend-paying stocks is an excellent strategy that investors can deploy.Dividends soften the blow from drawdowns in other positions, provide more than one way to reap a return from an investment, and allow maximum returns through dividend reinvestment.And all three companies above – Aflac, American Water Works, and PepsiCo – have recently boosted their payouts.For those seeking a reliable income stream, all three deserve serious consideration.More By This Author:These 3 Companies Recently Lifted Guidance3 Tech Stocks Suited For Dividend-Focused Investors Apple Earnings: Time To Take A Bite?