2 Dividend-Paying Stocks to Help You Retire Worry Free

Here’s why Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) and SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) are two top dividend-paying stocks to buy now.

| More on:

For individuals planning out their retirement, having dividend stocks in their portfolios can be highly beneficial. They can serve as a stable income source apart from facilitating long-term capital appreciation. In this regard, there are two companies in the Canadian stock market that investors can consider. 

Let’s dive in.

Toronto-Dominion Bank

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) is the second-largest banking and financial services provider in Canada. It provides retail and wholesale banking services in its home country as well as the United States. In the last quarter, TD declared a quarterly dividend of $0.96. The company’s payout ratio comes in at 43.38%, while TD’s dividend yield sits at just around 4.6%. 

There are plenty of reasons to like TD’s dividend, in addition to its manageable payout ratio. This lender is one of the most stable options in Canada, with a diversified portfolio of loans that should be able to weather any economic environment. The company’s recent results point to a healthy company, and one with the potential to continue growing, despite market uncertainty.

The company’s recent results in early March highlighted 7% net income growth in the company’s personal and commercial banking divisions. Overall revenue surged 17% to $4.6 billion, signaling strength among its peers, and relative outperformance.

Additionally, TD’s U.S. business also showed spectacular performance. Net income surged 25% to $1.6 billion, prompted by a 9% year-over-year increase in loans. Business loans and personal loans grew at 6% and 11%, respectively.

So long as TD continues to pump out greater cash flow numbers, the bank’s dividend is well secured. This is among the higher-yielding bank stocks I think is worth a look right now, and particularly on any dips related to banking turmoil in the U.S.

SmartCentres REIT

SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) is one of Canada’s biggest real estate investment trusts (REITs). It has properties in more than 185 strategic locations, with assets totaling US$11.7 billion.

The REIT’s distributions have been declared at $0.15 for April, disbursed to shareholders of record on May 15. Overall, the company provides a solid dividend yield of 7.1%, putting this stock squarely in the high-yielding category.

Now, most companies with yields this high are concerning to investors. That’s because in order for the company to continue to pay out this yield, many things have to go right. And considering that REITs are required, by law, to distribute most of their net income to shareholders, if there’s a rise in vacancies, this distribution could be cut.

While the market appears to be implying a cut here, I tend to think SmartCentres is among the safer retail REITs. Yes, retail will likely get hit hard by any turmoil. However, the blue-chip nature of SmartCentres’s clientele ensures a greater deal of cash flow stability over time.

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 Chris MacDonald has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Investing

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

Canada’s Smart Money Is Piling Into This TSX Leader

An expanding and still growing industry giant is a smart choice for Canadian investors in 2025.

Read more »

Oil industry worker works in oilfield
Energy Stocks

Energy Sector Strength: A Canadian Producer That Can Thrive in Any Market

While gold stocks are the norm, relatively few Canadian energy stocks operate primarily outside the country. The ones that do…

Read more »

how to save money
Stocks for Beginners

Canada’s Biggest Winners in 2025? My Money’s on These 2 TSX Stocks

Here’s why I’m betting on these TSX stocks to be among Canada’s biggest winners in 2025.

Read more »

ways to boost income
Investing

Where to Invest Your 2025 TFSA Money for Total Returns

These TSX stocks offer high growth and steady dividend income, making them top bets to generate solid total returns.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Contribution Limit Stays at $7,000 for 2025: What to Buy?

This TFSA strategy can boost yield and reduce risk.

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Investing

3 No-Brainer TSX Stocks Under $50

These under-$50 TSX stocks have solid growth potential and can deliver significant returns over time, beating the benchmark index.

Read more »

Make a choice, path to success, sign
Dividend Stocks

Already a TFSA Millionaire? Watch Out for These CRA Traps

TFSA millionaires are mindful of CRA traps to avoid paying unnecessary taxes and penalties.

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Stocks for Beginners

1 Canadian Stock Ready to Surge In 2025

First Quantum stock is one Canadian stock investors should seriously consider going into 2025, and hold on for life!

Read more »