2 Dividend Stocks That Could Grow Despite the Recession

Recession-resistant dividend stocks like Nutrien (TSX:NTR)(NYSE:NTR) should be on your watch list.

| More on:
Plant growing through of trunk of tree stump

Source: Getty Images

Recessions have an impact on corporate earnings. Most companies see their margins contract and top line diminish during a downturn. This compels them to cut back on shareholder rewards and dividends. 

However, some dividend stocks are better positioned and could even expand their payouts, despite the downturn. Here are the top two resilient dividend stocks income-seeking investors should keep an eye on this year. 

Nutrien

Nutrien (TSX:NTR)(NYSE:NTR) has had a roller-coaster year, rallying at the start of the year by more than 80% to a new 52-week high of $150 a share. The rally came as the war in Ukraine triggered a significant increase in fertilizer prices. Fast forward, the stock has given back some of the gains.

Despite this pullback, Nutrien remains well positioned for 2022. It is still the biggest potash producer in the world, with a capacity of 21 million tons. The company plans to increase potash production by three million tons per annum. In addition, the demand for fertilizers remains robust because of the impending food crisis, something that should benefit the company’s potash business.

In the first quarter, Nutrien reported $1.4 billion in earnings, a 10-fold increase from Q1 2021 levels. Its gross margins also expanded to above 40%. Given the robust price environment and higher production, the company is expected to continue seeing margin expansion.

Management hiking earnings guidance on higher demand and supply constraints in Europe signals the company is in for a record-breaking year on the earnings front. As a result, adjusted earnings are expected to come in at $17.45 a share, which is better than the previous guidance of $11 a share, representing a 180% year-over-year increase.

After the recent pullback, Nutrien is trading at a discount with a price-to-earnings multiple of 10. Improving underlying fundamentals makes this a reliable dividend stock in 2022. The stock currently offers a 2.3% dividend yield that could improve by the end of the year. 

Pembina Pipeline

Pembina Pipeline (TSX:PPL)(NYSE:PBA) has been clawing its way back up after a steep pullback from 52-week highs of $53 a share. The pullback came as oil and natural gas prices retreated from multi-year highs. 

However, with signs energy prices will remain elevated for the remainder of the year investors are increasingly taking note of the high-quality stock best known for its bumper dividends.

The company is best known for offering essential transmission, gathering, and logistics services for commodity producers. It operates pipelines used in the energy industry to transmit oil and natural gas. The company has grown steadily via strategic acquisitions and internal development projects. Despite the recent pullback in oil and natural gas prices, the drop is not expected to significantly impact the company’s margins.

Pembina Pipeline has over 90% of its assets contracted, so it can generate revenue regardless of the economic situation. In addition, its outlook remains positive, with oil prices above the US$100-a-barrel level.

Pembina stock currently offers a 5.4% dividend yield that’s likely to rise in the months ahead. Meanwhile, the stock is beaten down and trades at just 16 times earnings. It’s not the cheapest dividend stock on the market right now. But it could be one of the most reliable ones during a potential recession. 

Keep an eye on this energy stock

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 Vishesh Raisinghani has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Nutrien Ltd and PEMBINA PIPELINE CORPORATION.

More on Investing

Canadian dollars in a magnifying glass
Dividend Stocks

3 High-Yield Dividend Stocks That Are Screaming Buys Right Now

Are you looking for great income stocks? Here's a trio of high-yield dividend stocks that pay insane yields right now.

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Bank Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: TD Bank or Manulife Financial?

Manulife continues to see momentum in its business and stock price, while TD Bank stock remains down and out.

Read more »

cloud computing
Tech Stocks

3 No-Brainer Tech Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

These three Canadian tech stocks could be among the best growth opportunities in the market right now.

Read more »

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

Transform a $5,000 TFSA Into a $50,000 Retirement Nest Egg

The TFSA is a powerful tool that can grow a small investment into a substantial retirement nest egg over time.

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Cheap Canadian Stocks Under $20 to Buy This November

Cheap TSX stocks such as Endeavour Silver are trading at an attractive valuation in November 2024.

Read more »

happy woman throws cash
Tech Stocks

3 Growth Stocks That Could Be Long-Term Wealth Creators

These three growth stocks aim to grow their financials at a higher rate than the industry average, thus delivering superior…

Read more »

how to save money
Bank Stocks

This 5.9% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

First National Financial (TSX:FN) has a 5.9% yielding dividend that is paid out monthly.

Read more »

gift is bigger than the other
Investing

The Best Canadian Stocks to Buy With $5,000

These Canadian companies have solid growth prospects and the ability to deliver profitable growth even at a large scale.

Read more »