The 3 Best Canadian Dividend Stocks to Buy This December

Passive-income investors will want to have these three dividend stocks on their shopping list this holiday season.

| More on:

The TSX has no shortage of dividend stocks for passive-income investors to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a high yield or a dependable dividend-payout streak, there’s a Canadian dividend stock for you. Even if you’re looking to pair passive income with market-beating growth potential, you’re not out of luck. 

The recent volatility in the market has me searching for a less-volatile dividend stock as my portfolio’s next buy. At the top of my watch list right now are Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS), Telus (TSX:T)(NYSE:TU), and Northland Power (TSX:NPI).

The three dividend stocks are very different businesses from one another. One of the few things they have in common is that they each pay a dividend. But since they all operate in different areas of the market, there’s no harm in adding all three to your portfolio this month. 

Dividend stock #1: Bank of Nova Scotia

The Canadian banks own some of the top dividends you’ll find on the TSX. Yields may not be amongst the highest at today’s prices, but the dividend-payout streaks sure are. 

Another reason to have a Canadian bank on your radar is due to all of the recent dividend hikes. In 2020, the pandemic pushed the Canadian government to temporarily ban federally regulated banks from share buybacks and dividend increases. However, since that ban was lifted several weeks ago, the major Canadian banks have not wasted any time returning to increasing their dividends.  

Bank of Nova Scotia came out with its quarterly report at the end of November. The market was expecting a dividend increase between 5-6% but the dividend stock smashed estimates with an 11.1% increase. 

At today’s stock price, the $100 billion bank’s dividend yields close to 5%. That ranks it as the highest among the major Canadian banks.

Dividend stock #2: Telus

Speaking of high-yielding dividend stocks, Telus has been on my radar for a while now — and not only for its 4.5% yield. 

There’s a certain growth element Telus, which is why it’s on my watch list this month. As a telecommunications leader, Telus stands to largely benefit from the expansion of 5G technology in Canada.

When including dividends, shares have slightly outperformed the S&P/TSX Composite Index’s return over the past five years. But with the growth of 5G still in the early stages, I strongly believe that Telus will be a market-crushing dividend stock over the next decade.

Dividend stock #3: Northland Power

If you’re in search of a dividend stock with market-beating growth potential, this is the company for you. 

Similar to Telus, Northland Power is no stranger to outperforming the Canadian market. It may only yield 3% at today’s stock price, but its growth potential far exceeds Telus’s over the next decade and longer. And considering the growth that it’s already put up in recent years, a 3% yield is incredibly impressive.

Now’s the time to load up on shares. Northland Power, along with many others in the renewable energy sector, is trading at a discount. The dividend stock is down 15% year to date and more than 20% from all-time highs. Still, shares are up a market-crushing 65% over the past five years, and that’s not even including dividends either.

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 Nicholas Dobroruka has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA and TELUS CORPORATION.

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 »