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.

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

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

The 2 Stocks I’d Combine for a Strong TFSA Strategy in 2026

Build a strong TFSA strategy in 2026 by combining two reliable Canadian dividend stocks that offer stability, income, and long‑term…

Read more »

diversification is an important part of building a stable portfolio
Dividend Stocks

Beyond the Banks: 3 TSX Dividend Stocks Most Canadians Ignore

Looking beyond Canada's reputable banks can diversify a portfolio and open the door to income from energy royalties, retail real…

Read more »

a man relaxes with his feet on a pile of books
Dividend Stocks

The Dividend Stocks I’d Feel Most Comfortable Buying and Holding Forever

Fortis Inc (TSX:FTS) is a stock I'd probably be willing to hold forever.

Read more »

doctor uses telehealth
Dividend Stocks

This Monthly Dividend Stock Could Turn Every Month Into Payday Season

This monthly dividend stock is currently yielding a very generous 6.4%, and it’s armed with a defensive business and an…

Read more »

man looks surprised at investment growth
Dividend Stocks

10% Yield: Here’s the Dividend Trap to Avoid in April

What is a dividend trap? Discover how dividend policies can change and what investors should consider in difficult markets.

Read more »

Real estate investment concept with person pointing on growth graph and coin stacking to get profit from property
Dividend Stocks

A TFSA Dividend Stock Yielding 7.2% With a Reliable Payout History

This high-yield TSX stock could be a reliable income generator for your TFSA.

Read more »

happy woman throws cash
Dividend Stocks

How $20,000 Across 4 TSX Stocks Can Deliver $1,000 in Passive Income

Discover how a $20,000 portfolio of four TSX stocks can deliver more than $1,000 in passive income annually through dependable…

Read more »

the word REIT is an acronym for real estate investment trust
Dividend Stocks

How Owning 1,000 Shares of This Dividend Stock Could Generate $79 a Month in Passive Income

Find out why CT REIT stands out as a reliable dividend stock amidst fluctuating dividend policies and market changes.

Read more »