3 Top Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now!

Dividend-seeking investors can buy stocks of quality Canadian companies such as Enbridge (TSX:ENB) and Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS).

| More on:

When it comes to earning a passive-income stream, it makes sense to invest in dividend-paying stocks. Here, investors have the opportunity to generate a steady stream of cash flows as well as derive returns via long-term capital gains. Further, investors can either withdraw these dividends payouts or reinvest them and benefit from the power of compounding.

Let’s look at three dividend-paying companies that have a forward yield of over 4%.

Bank of Nova Scotia

Banking stocks were under the pump in the last year, as investors were worried about a rise in delinquency rates following COVID-19. Canada’s unemployment rates soared to a multi-year high, and shares of Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) fell 33% in just over a month.

Canada lowered interest rates in order to offset lower consumer spending and boost the liquidity of enterprises. However, this also impacted the profit margins of BNS and its peers. The Justin Trudeau government pumped in billions of dollars to revive the Canadian economy. It also paid residents up to $2,000/month in multiple federal benefits, which meant loan defaults for banks were significantly lower than expected.

BNS stock has gained over 40% in the last year. Despite these explosive gains, the stock has a forward yield of 4.6%. In the fiscal first quarter of 2021, BNS stock reported earnings of $2.4 billion, or $1.88 per share. Its bottom line grew 30% on a sequential basis and 3% year over year.

Capital Power

Next on the list is Capital Power (TSX:CPX), a stock with a forward yield of 5.7%. While the power generation company provides a tasty dividend payout, it has more than doubled its share prices in the last five years as well.

The Edmonton-based company develops, owns, acquires, and operates power-generation facilities in North America. Capital Power has a portfolio of low-risk and diversified power-generating assets that help it deliver stable cash flows across economic cycles.

The company hiked dividends at an annual rate of 7% since 2014 and it forecasts similar growth this year as well. Capital Power also expects to increase dividends by 5% in 2022.

Capital Power is valued at a market cap of $3.9 billion indicating a forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.24 and a price-to-earnings multiple of 20, which is reasonable given its expected to grow earnings at an annual rate of 15% in the next five years.

Enbridge

It is almost impossible to ignore Canada’s energy giant Enbridge (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB) when you are looking at dividend-paying companies. Enbridge has managed to increase dividend payouts for 26 consecutive years. Since 1995, it has increased dividends at an annual rate of 10%.

Currently ENB stock has a forward yield of a juicy 7.5%. The company’s contract-based business model insulates it from volatility in commodity prices. This allowed Enbridge to generate predictable cash flows and maintain dividend payouts, even when oil prices were spiraling downward in the first half of 2020.

The company continues to invest heavily in expansion projects, which will help it increase cash flows going forward and support growth in dividends too.

Analysts tracking ENB stock have a 12-month average target price of $51.63 indicating an upside potential of 15% from current levels. After accounting for its dividend yields total returns might be around 23% in the next year.

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.

The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Enbridge. The Motley Fool recommends BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA. Fool contributor Aditya Raghunath has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

profit rises over time
Dividend Stocks

These 2 Dow Stocks Are Set to Soar in 2025 and Beyond

Two Dow Jones stocks are screaming buys but Canadians must hold them in an RRSP or RRIF to avoid paying…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn Ultimate Passive Income

If you have a TFSA, then you have the key to creating ultimate passive income. All you need is a…

Read more »

Confused person shrugging
Dividend Stocks

Better Buy: Fortis Stock or Hydro One Stock?

Let's do a compare and contrast of these two top utilities stocks right now, shall we?

Read more »

A close up color image of a small green plant sprouting out of a pile of Canadian dollar coins "loonies."
Dividend Stocks

Boost Your Passive Income: 2 Canadian High-Yielders at a Bargain

Nutrien (TSX:NTR) stock and another play that appear like fantastic dividend bargains in mid-November.

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Dividend Stocks

TSX Stocks Soaring Higher With No Signs of Slowing

Three TSX stocks continue to beat the market and could soar higher in an improving investment landscape.

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Dividend Stocks

Goeasy Stock: Is It Heading for a 52-Week High?

Goeasy stock has been edging higher, especially after another record-setting earnings report. So are 52-week highs in sight?

Read more »

Piggy bank with word TFSA for tax-free savings accounts.
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 44 in Canada

You can invest your TFSA in funds like the BMO Canadian High Yield Dividend ETF (TSX:ZDV) to grow the balance.

Read more »

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

The Best Telecom Stock to Buy Before 2025

Choosing the safest stock from a decimated sector can be tricky, but if there is a reasonable chance of full…

Read more »