Passive-Income Investors: This Renewable Energy Dividend Stock Just Hit a Massive Buy Signal!

Why Northland Power Inc. (TSX:NPI) could be one of the timeliest dividend bets on the entire TSX index.

| More on:

It literally pays dividends to be a value-conscious income investor.

By paying too large a premium for dividend stocks, you could be in for lower-than-average total returns, even if the dividend yield is larger than usual.

Typically, a larger yield means either a lower degree of sustainability or more muted growth expectations moving forward. If you’re able to spot mispriced plays, though, it is possible to get the best of both worlds in a large upfront dividend yield and the potential for substantial capital gains.

Nobody wants to risk their shirt catching a falling knife with severely battered dividend stocks whose payouts may be in jeopardy; capital losses could have the potential to exceed returns you’ll get from the higher-than-average dividend. Chasing yield can be a risky endeavour for beginner investors that have an inclination to overestimate their tolerance for risk.

That’s why it’s worthwhile to have a look at some dividend stocks that have fallen into a lengthy consolidation channel. Technically speaking, such “flatlined” stocks have a tendency to break out after a prolonged period of inactivity. The larger the consolidation phase is, the bigger the breakout. And, best of all, investors won’t need to worry as much about accelerating capital losses and whether the dividend will get slashed.

Consider Northland Power (TSX:NPI), a renewable energy company with one of the cheaper stocks in its industry. Shares of Northland have gone virtually nowhere since summer 2016, but more recently, shares have begun to break out of the long-term consolidation channel — a bullish sign that the stock could be ready to make a huge move higher to make up for the last few years of lost time.

At the time of writing, Northland stock is at a new all-time high, and with shares still relatively undervalued, I suspect the name could have ample upside as we head into year-end.

The stock sports a bountiful 4.6% dividend yield and trades at 13.3 times next year’s expected earnings and just 9.4 times EV/EBITDA. Free cash flows have been trending upward of late, and given Northland is overdue for a dividend hike, investors may be able to benefit from a generous double-digit percentage dividend increase, as the stock looks to move higher.

To make the Northland story even sexier, it’s an ESG-friendly play as a developer and operator of various renewable power assets across Canada (and now the world). So, in short, you’re getting a cheap income stock that looks fundamentally and technically sound that’ll benefit from long-lived secular tailwinds.

Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.

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 Joey Frenette has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

calculate and analyze stock
Dividend Stocks

This 5.5% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Single Month!

This REIT may offer monthly dividends, but don't forget about the potential returns in the growth industry its involved with.

Read more »

Silver coins fall into a piggy bank.
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn up to $6,000 Per Year in Tax-Free Passive Income

A high return doesn't mean you have to make a high investment -- or a risky one -- especially with…

Read more »

path road success business
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist and 1 to Avoid

High yields are great and all, but only if returns come with them. And while two of these might, another…

Read more »

Man holds Canadian dollars in differing amounts
Dividend Stocks

This 7% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

A high dividend yield isn't everything. But when it pays out each month and offers this stability, it's worth considering!

Read more »

young people stare at smartphones
Dividend Stocks

GST/HST “Vacation”: Everything Canadians Need to Know

The GST/HST "vacation" is a little treat for the holidays, along with a $250 payment. What should you do with…

Read more »

Train cars pass over trestle bridge in the mountains
Dividend Stocks

Is CNR Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Can CNR stock continue its long-term outperformance into 2025 and beyond? Let's explore whether now is a good time to…

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

These top dividend stocks both offer attractive yields and trade off their highs, making them two of the best to…

Read more »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 35 in Canada

At age 35, it might not seem like you need to be thinking about your future cash flow. But ideally,…

Read more »