Dividend Stocks With 7-8% Yields: Buy This, Not That

Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB) and another high-yield dividend stock that investors may be looking to scoop up on their dips.

| More on:

Following the devastating coronavirus crash, the yield bar has been raised across many dividend stocks that remain under pressure. While there are an abundance of opportunities out there on the TSX Index, before you grab for any fat yields, you must put in the homework to lower your chances of walking right into a value trap.

There are many great on-sale dividend stocks on the TSX. At the same time, there are also ample value traps with swollen dividends that are like siren songs that can lead beginner investors to their demise. If a dividend yield is too high to be sustainable, it probably is unless Mr. Market has made a colossal mistake with his pricing of a certain name.

Many new investors hoping to have their cake (a high yield) and eat it too (outsized capital gains) are dealt with dividend cuts and steep capital losses. So, be picky when it comes to battered high-yielders and ensure the fundamentals are sound before you dare set foot in a name that most others have given up on. It’s good to be a contrarian, but you need reasons to believe that Mr. Market is wrong with his pricing, as well as the time horizon to wait for him to correct his pricing error to the upside.

This piece will look at two high-yielders, one is a buy, and the other is a sell.

Buy: Enbridge — and its 8% yield

I guess you could say that pipeline kingpin Enbridge (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB) has a management team that’s too shareholder-friendly for its own good. The company has swum to great lengths to preserve its colossal dividend payout despite the headwinds and regulatory hurdles. Borrowing money and selling assets to finance a dividend is not sustainable over the long term.

But in the case of Enbridge, which has compelling cash-flow-generative projects (the Line 3 Replacement) on the horizon, financial relief could be on the way. In due time, regulatory hurdles will pass and headwinds in the energy scene will fade. Enbridge has enough financial flexibility to keep its dividend intact and may be in a position to hike it further if the company can get things back on the right track.

While there’s a tonne of baggage here, Enbridge’s shares are undervalued and view the dividend as relatively safe.

Sell: IGM Financial — and its 7% yield

IGM Financial (TSX:IGM) is a company that I’ve been quite bearish on over the years. The non-bank wealth manager finds itself on the wrong side of a secular trend, and I fail to see how the firm can sustain its dividend payout over the long-term, given flat-lining revenues and earnings.

Fellow Fool contributor Nelson Smith noted that IGM is among “Canada’s worst dividend stocks,” and I wholeheartedly agree. With low-cost investment options continuing to rise, many investors stand to pull money out of high-fee mutual funds and into run-of-the-mill index funds.

“Even IGM’s parent sees the writing on the wall. Power Corporation — which is IGM’s largest shareholder — has invested in Wealthsimple, which is one of North America’s leading low-cost roboadvisors. These roboadvisors use software to make investment decisions, keeping costs down for customers,” said Smith.

Unfortunately, more money in investors’ pockets means less to secure IGM’s dividend. Smith thinks IGM is in a high-dividend trap and advises investors to steer clear of the name. Investors would be wise to take his advice.

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. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Enbridge.

More on Dividend Stocks

profit rises over time
Dividend Stocks

Buy 2,990 Shares of This Stock for $165.25/Month in Passive Income

A high-yield dividend stock can transform your investment into monthly passive income streams.

Read more »

close-up photo of investor Warren Buffett
Dividend Stocks

3 Warren Buffett Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist in November

Warren Buffett has been buying Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY) hand over fist. He previously owned the similar Canadian oil giant Suncor…

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

Is Intact Financial Stock a Buy for its 1.8% Dividend Yield?

Intact Financial's dividend is not that attractive, but its strong history of execution and dividend growth are compelling factors for…

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Dividend Stocks

Where Will Brookfield Stock Be in 5 Years?

Based on its recent successes, Brookfield Corp (TSX:BN) looks poised to be more valuable in five years' time than today.

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $400 Right Now

The market is full of dividend stocks to buy. Here's a look at two options that cater to both growth…

Read more »

ways to boost income
Dividend Stocks

This Top TSX Dividend Stock Down 10.78% Is Ready for a Rebound

The rebound of an underperforming but top TSX dividend stock is coming due to a significant product diversification.

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks to Supercharge Your Passive Income

These companies are known for their consistent payout histories and high yields can supercharge your passive-income portfolio.

Read more »

space ship model takes off
Top TSX Stocks

My 5 Favourite Stocks to Buy Right Now

There are plenty of great stocks on the market. Here's a look at my favourite stocks to own for growth…

Read more »