3 Stocks I Wouldn’t Put in My TFSA

Canadian Tire Corporation Limited (TSX:CTC.A) and these two other dividend stocks could prove to be too risky to hold in a TFSA over the long term.

| More on:

There are many good dividend stocks out there that would be great for a TFSA, but there are also many stocks that investors may be better off avoiding, at least for now. Below are three stocks that I wouldn’t put in my TFSA today.

Crescent Point Energy Corp (TSX:CPG)(NYSE:CPG) has been making some solid progress this year and the stock is up around 50% since January. However, the last time the stock climbed to near the $6 range, it ended up falling down again.

While that doesn’t mean it’ll happen again this time, it’s reflective of the risk that’s involved with investing in Crescent Point. This is still the stock that has lost close to 40% of its share price in just two years.

With Crescent Point paying a dividend of $0.01 every quarter, it’s barely a dividend stock at this point, with a yield of less than 1%. There’s not much in dividend income, and there’s also the risk that the stock could see a correction.

Until Crescent Point can produce consistently profitable numbers, it’ll be hard to make a case that the stock isn’t more than a speculative buy. There are simply better options out there for investors for Crescent Point to warrant much consideration today.

Vermilion Energy (TSX:VET)(NYSE:VET) is another dividend stock I’d avoid. It’s at the completely opposite end of the spectrum, with a dividend yield 12% per year.

However, as high as the dividend yield is, it’s also very risky. I’d hesitate to put any stock yielding even more than 8% into my TFSA, let alone 12%.

While the dividend doesn’t appear to be at any imminent risk of being cut, that doesn’t mean it won’t be later on. The company’s profits have been very volatile and it could just take one really bad quarter to have Vermilion reconsidering its dividend payments.

When it comes to a TFSA, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your dividend stock is in danger of being cut and having to always check on it.

Unless things drastically change in oil and gas where the outlook becomes a lot more bullish for the industry, Vermilion’s also a stock I’d avoid for the time being.

Canadian Tire Corporation Limited (TSX:CTC.A) may appear to be a surprising choice for this list. However, as impressive as the company’s rate of dividend growth has been in recent years, it’s not nearly as impressive had the dividend yield been higher to begin with. Even after all the rate increases, Canadian Tire stock is still yielding less than 3% today.

The yield is just not nearly as attractive as that of others on the markets. In addition, retail is still a very risky sector in which to invest, and Canadian Tire just doubled down with its recent acquisition of Party City.

While the move could lead to more growth in the short term, it creates more exposure and risk for the company as well.

In order for the dividend hikes to continue, we’d have to see strong sales growth from Canadian Tire, and I’m just not optimistic that’s going to be the case, especially if we’re heading into a recession.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

a sign flashes global stock data
Dividend Stocks

3 Reasons to Buy TMX Group Stock Like There’s No Tomorrow

TMX Group (TSX:X) is Canada's biggest stock exchange owner.

Read more »

Train cars pass over trestle bridge in the mountains
Dividend Stocks

Canadian National Railway Stock is on Sale: Why Now is the Time to Invest

CNR stock has long been a top stock, with a solid position in a railway duopoly. But right now is…

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

This 7.9% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

We all want dividends, and having them come out monthly is ideal! But this might be a strong choice for…

Read more »

Electricity transmission towers with orange glowing wires against night sky
Dividend Stocks

Is Northland Power Stock a Buy for its 6% Dividend Yield

Northland Power stock is cheap and ready to move higher as major projects near completion. In the meantime, we have…

Read more »

space ship model takes off
Dividend Stocks

3 Top Canadian Stocks That Just Increased Their Dividends (Again)!

These three top Canadian stocks just increased their dividend. No surprise since they have a great record of growing earnings…

Read more »

Canadian flag
Dividend Stocks

This Canadian Dividend Stock Pays at 11.2%

A high dividend yield is awesome, sure, but is this dividend stock still a great buy with that 11.2% yield,…

Read more »

Hand Protecting Senior Couple
Dividend Stocks

3 Blue-Chip Stocks So Safe Canadians Can Hold Them Until They Die

Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) is a stock worth owning for life.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

14.7% Dividend Yield? Buy Up This Passive-Income Stock in Bulk!

That dividend yield is high, but it still comes with some strong reasons to consider the stock outside of a…

Read more »