TFSA: 3 Top Dividend Stocks Yielding 5-6%

TFSA investors can still get great yields from some of the top stocks in the TSX Index. These three deserve to be on your buy list.

TFSA investors are searching for top dividend stocks to boost income or build a self-directed retirement fund.

TFSA benefits

The TFSA limit in 2021 will be $6,000. This brings the total cumulative TFSA contribution room to $75,500. That’s a decent sum that retirees and other investors can use to generate tax-free interest, dividends, and capital gains.

One popular TFSA strategy involves owning top dividend stocks with reliable and growing payouts. Younger investors can use the distributions to buy new shares. This sets off a powerful compounding process that can turn modest investments into a substantial portfolio over time. Retirees use dividend stocks to create a steady income stream. The CRA does not tax TFSA income, so you don’t risk being bumped into a higher tax bracket. In addition, the money isn’t used to calculate the OAS clawback.

Let’s take a look at three top dividend stocks with attractive yields that might be interesting picks right now for a self-directed TFSA.

BCE

BCE (TSX:BCE)(NYSE:BCE) is Canada’s largest provider of communications services in Canada. The company invests billions of dollars to ensure its wireless and wireline networks are capable to meet rising demand for broadband. BCE’s fibre-to-the-premises initiative is a good example. The program is installing fibre lines directly to homes and businesses, providing world-class connectivity. The investment ensures customers get the broadband they need while protecting BCE’s competitive moat.

The arrival of 5G should boost opportunities for revenue growth. BCE generates solid free cash flow and has a great track record of dividend hikes. The stock looks cheap today and provides a 5.9% yield.

Manulife Financial

Manulife (TSX:MFC)(NYSE:MFC) is Canadian insurance and wealth management firm with a market capitalization of more than $40 billion. The company reported strong Q3 2020 results, with $2.1 billion in net income and return on equity of 16.4%.

Manulife is transitioning to a digital business and its digital capabilities helped the firm navigate the pandemic storm in recent months.

Looking ahead, Manulife is building on the strength its Global Wealth and Asset Management businesses. Investors should also see the Asia unit grow meaningfully in the coming years.

The stock gives investors a way to get international exposure through a financial firm other than one of the banks. Manulife’s share price is up in recent weeks, but more gains should be on the way, and the stock still provides a 5% yield.

TC Energy

TC Energy (TSX:TRP)(NYSE:TRP) is the former TransCanada. The company owns natural gas pipelines, oil pipelines, natural gas storage and power generation facilities. With a total of $100 billion in assets, TC Energy is a major player in the North American energy infrastructure industry.

The stock trades near $59 at the time of writing compared to the 2020 high of $76. This gives investors who buy now a shot at some great capital gains in the next few years, while providing a solid 5.5% dividend yield.

TC Energy’s large secured capital program should drive steady revenue growth to support annual dividend hikes of 5-7% in the coming years.

The bottom line on TFSA investing

The TFSA is a great vehicle to hold top dividend stocks for income or building a personal pension fund. BCE, Manulife, and TC Energy are all leaders in their respective industries and pay above-average dividends that should continue to grow.

The TSX Index is home to many top stocks that appear oversold today and would be attractive TFSA picks.

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 Andrew Walker owns shares of BCE and TC Energy.

More on Dividend Stocks

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These three high-yield dividend stocks still have some work to do, but each are in steady areas that are only…

Read more »

senior man and woman stretch their legs on yoga mats outside
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: 2 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Here are 2 TFSA-worthy Canadian stocks. Which one is a good buy for your TFSA today?

Read more »

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 »