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:
growing plant shoots on stacked coins

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

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

growing plant shoots on stacked coins
Dividend Stocks

5 Dividend Stocks to Buy With Yields Upwards of 5%

These five companies all earn tonnes of cash flow, making them some of the best long-term dividend stocks you can…

Read more »

funds, money, nest egg
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Stocks to Start Building an Influx of Passive Income

A TFSA is the ideal registered account for passive income, as it doesn't weigh down your tax bill, and any…

Read more »

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

3 of the Safest Dividend Stocks in Canada

Royal Bank of Canada stock is one of the safest TSX dividend stocks to buy. So is CT REIT and…

Read more »

Growing plant shoots on coins
Dividend Stocks

1 of the Top Canadian Growth Stocks to Buy in February 2023

Many top Canadian growth stocks represent strong underlying businesses, healthy financials, and organic growth opportunities.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Wherever the Market Goes, I’m Buying These 3 TSX Stocks

Here are three TSX stocks that could outperform irrespective of the market direction.

Read more »

woman data analyze
Dividend Stocks

1 Oversold Dividend Stock (Yielding 6.5%) to Buy This Month

Here's why SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) is one top dividend stock that long-term investors should consider in this current market.

Read more »

IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT
Dividend Stocks

Better TFSA Buy: Enbridge Stock or Bank of Nova Scotia

Enbridge and Bank of Nova Scotia offer high yields for TFSA investors seeking passive income. Is one stock now undervalued?

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Stocks Just Became Canadian Dividend Aristocrats

These two top Canadian Dividend Aristocrats stocks are reliable companies with impressive long-term growth potential.

Read more »