Retirees: 2 TSX Stocks to Buy Now for Passive Income

These high-yield stocks still look cheap.

| More on:
woman retiree on computer

Image source: Getty Images

The drop in rates offered on Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) is driving new interest in top Canadian dividend stocks. Retirees can still get good deals on TSX dividend payers with long track records of distribution growth.

BCE

BCE (TSX:BCE) has taken a beating over the past two years. The stock slipped from $74 in the spring of 2022 to below $43 last month. Bargain hunters have since moved in and the stock currently trades near $47.

Soaring interest rates triggered the initial pullback in the second half of 2022 and through much of last year. BCE spends billions of dollars every year on its networks and uses debt to fund part of the capital program. The jump in borrowing costs has cut into profits and reduced cash available for distributions. This is part of the reason the dividend increase for 2024 was 3.1% instead of the 5% average annual jump in the previous 15 years.

Tough market conditions and regulatory uncertainty have added to the pain. Price wars in the mobile and internet segment are putting a pinch on margins. Weak ad revenue in the media group has also impacted the business.

Things should start to improve next year, even as BCE will be forced to allow competitors to use some of its fibre networks. BCE took aggressive measures in the past year to position the business to meet financial targets. The company reduced staff by more than 10% and sold or closed dozens of radio stations while trimming programming across the television assets.

The combination of lower operating costs and reduced borrowing expenses from recent rate cuts should help BCE deliver stable results in 2025. For 2024, the company is maintaining its guidance for flat-to-slightly-higher revenue and better adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) compared to last year. This should support the dividend heading into 2025.

The stock is probably oversold at this level. Investors can get a dividend yield of 8.5% today from BCE.

TC Energy

TC Energy (TSX:TRP) soared in recent weeks as investors cheered rate cuts by the Bank of Canada and moved into the stock in anticipation of cuts to interest rates in the United States.

TC Energy’s debt levels soared in the past few years as it was forced to borrow extra cash to cover the jump in the cost to get its Coastal GasLink project completed. The final tally is expected to be in the range of $14.5 billion, which is more than double the original budget. Fortunately, the 670 km pipeline reached mechanical completion in late 2023 and is expected to go into commercial operation in 2025.

TC Energy has done a good job of monetizing non-core assets to shore up the balance sheet, with roughly $8 billion in asset sales completed or anticipated over the course of 2023 and 2024. These efforts, along with Coast GasLink’s successful $7.15 billion bond issue, will position TC Energy to pursue ongoing capital projects.

TC Energy raised the dividend in each of the past 24 years. Ongoing increases should be on the way, supported by cash flow growth as new assets go into service. Investors who buy TRP stock at the current price near $60 can get a 6.4% dividend yield. The shares were as high as $74 in 2022, so there is decent upside potential.

The bottom line on top stocks for passive income

BCE and TC Energy pay attractive dividends for investors seeking high yields and stable payouts. If you have some cash to put to work in a portfolio targeting passive income, these stocks deserve to be on your radar.

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 has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Fool contributor Andrew Walker owns shares of BCE.

More on Dividend Stocks

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

2 Utility Stocks That Are Smart Buys for Canadians in November

Are you looking for some of the smart buys to consider in November? These utility stocks offer growth and a…

Read more »

View of high rise corporate buildings in the financial district of Toronto, Canada
Dividend Stocks

Is Power Corporation of Canada Stock a Buy for its 5% Dividend Yield?

Is Power Corporation of Canada (TSX:POW) stock's 5% dividend yield worth it? Discover why this resilient stock could be a…

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

Here Are My Top 3 Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

These three dividend stocks are ideal for strengthening your portfolio and earning a stable passive income.

Read more »

man touches brain to show a good idea
Dividend Stocks

3 No-Brainer REIT Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $200

REITs have long been touted as some of the best dividend stocks out there if you want recurring, strong income.…

Read more »

customer uses bank ATM
Dividend Stocks

3 Stocks Retirees Should Absolutely Love

Being a retiree doesn’t mean you should not invest in stocks. These stocks can give you the financial freedom for…

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Dividend Stocks

3 Top High-Yield Stocks to Buy in November

If you want passive income, high yield dividend stocks are the clear choice. These are the best, and safest, out…

Read more »

Oil industry worker works in oilfield
Dividend Stocks

Is CNQ Stock a Buy for its 4.7% Dividend Yield?

Besides its attractive 4.7% annualized dividend yield, these fundamental factors make CNQ stock really attractive to buy now and hold…

Read more »

Investor wonders if it's safe to buy stocks now
Dividend Stocks

Is Restaurant Brands International Stock a Buy for its 3% Dividend?

Here's a look at whether or not Restaurant Brands International stock is a buy right now.

Read more »