4 Dividend Champions With Growth Potential

Dividends with growth will optimize returns. Suncor Energy Inc (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU), Canadian Utilities Ltd (TSX:CU), Toronto Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD), and Telus(TSX:T)(NYSE:TU) fit the bill.

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Companies that pay consistent and regular dividends (I call them “dividend champions”) can contribute significantly over time to complement investor income requirements. However, as equities generally carry a higher level of risk than government or investment-grade corporate bonds, investors should require a higher rate of return.

To achieve this objective, investors will be looking to invest in stocks that do not only have attractive current dividend yields but are also expected to maintain and grow their dividend over time. This will in all likelihood result in an attractive and growing income stream as well as capital gains in line with the growth in dividends.

My criteria for the selection of dividend champions are the following:

  1. A track record of consistent and growing dividends
  2. A rock-solid balance sheet
  3. A moderate pay-out ratio

The S&P Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index (^GSPTXDV) identifies companies that have increased or maintained their cash dividend payments for at least the past 5 years. Currently the index has 65 members. This list satisfies the first selection criterion above (although a 10-year record would better) and indicates at least a credible historical record of dividend payments. This establishes the dividend-paying pedigree of the company.

However, we are really interested in the future – will these companies be able to maintain and grow their dividends over the next 5 to 10 years? The second and third criteria provide some guidance in this regard: a solid balance sheet and modest pay-out ratio that leaves room for inevitable unfavourable business conditions will provide some flexibility for the company to maintain its dividend even in difficult times.

A quantitative screen applied to the 65 companies in the Dividend Aristocrats Index provides some interesting names for further consideration. Firstly, if all companies with a current dividend yield of less than the current yield on the 10-year Canadian Government Bond plus 0.5% (that is 2.75%) are removed, a group of 31 companies remain.

The challenge then is to apply an analytical framework to determine which of the companies will deliver reasonable growth over time. Based on the consensus forecasts of professional sell-side analysts, the top ranked stocks for dividend growth over the next three years, selected from the group that currently yields at least 2.75%, reduce to only seven stocks. From this group I also remove the companies that have too high level of debt or uncomfortably low dividend covers resulting in a final list, which is indicated in the table below.

Company Current Dividend Yield Dividend Growth per Year, Next 3 Years
Toronto Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD) 3.4% 11%
Telus Corporation (TSX:T)(NYSE:TU) 4.0% 10%
Suncor (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU) 2.8% 21%
Canadian Utilities (TSX:CU) 2.8% 10%

The list only contains four names, which is somewhat disappointing from an investor perspective and perhaps indicative of an expensively priced group of stocks.

Dividend-based investment can produce great investment results. However, the key to success is to uncover those companies that will continue to grow their dividends ahead of the rate of inflation and to get an entry point with a relatively attractive initial yield. The list provided above will in all likelihood outperform an investment in fixed income instruments over the next few years.

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 Deon Vernooy holds positions in Toronto Dominion Bank and Telus.

More on Dividend Stocks

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

edit Woman in skates works on laptop
Dividend Stocks

3 No-Brainer Stocks to Buy Under $30

These three stocks all offer a huge deal for investors looking for dividends, as well as growth that will last.

Read more »

You Should Know This
Dividend Stocks

How to Convert a $300 Monthly Investment Into $338 in Monthly Income

If you want a certain amount in monthly passive income, invest a similar amount today and leave the rest to…

Read more »

Increasing yield
Dividend Stocks

3 Income Stocks With Big Yields to Consider in April 2024

If you haven’t yet made your March investments, here are three income stocks to buy the dip and lock in…

Read more »

Senior Man Sitting On Sofa At Home With Pet Labrador Dog
Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: Don’t Miss Out on This Contribution Hack!

This hack has so many benefits for you -- not just when you put it in your RRSP but for…

Read more »

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

Passive Income: 2 Safe Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years

Dividend stocks such as Manulife and Fortis can help you generate a stable and recurring passive-income stream.

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own for the Long Haul

For investors looking for top-tier dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term, here are three of my…

Read more »