3 Dividend-Growth Stocks With Yields of 3-5% to Buy Now

Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS), Methanex Corporation (TSX:MX)(NASDAQ:MEOH), and TransForce Inc. (TSX:TFI) have high dividend yields and active streaks of annual increases. Which should you buy?

| More on:

If you’re looking for a stock that has a high dividend yield and a track record of increasing its annual dividend payment, then look no further. I’ve scoured the market and selected three stocks from different industries that meet these criteria perfectly, so let’s take a quick look at each to determine which would be the best fit for your portfolio.

1. Bank of Nova Scotia

Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) is the third-largest bank in Canada with approximately $863.1 billion in total assets. It pays a quarterly dividend of $0.70 per share, or $2.80 per share annually, which gives its stock a yield of about 5% at today’s levels.

It is also important to make two notes.

First, Bank of Nova Scotia has raised its annual dividend payment for five consecutive years, and its recent increases, including its 2.9% hike in August 2015, has it on pace for 2016 to mark the sixth consecutive year with an increase.

Second, the company has a target dividend-payout range of 40-50% of its adjusted net earnings, so I think its consistent growth, including its 2.9% year-over-year growth to $7.2 billion in fiscal 2015, will allow its streak of annual increases to continue for the next several years.

2. Methanex Corporation

Methanex Corporation (TSX:MX)(NASDAQ:MEOH) is one of the leading producers and suppliers of methanol to major international markets in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. It pays a quarterly dividend of US$0.275 per share, or US$1.10 per share annually, which gives its stock a yield of about 3.8% at today’s levels.

Investors must also note that Methanex has raised its annual dividend payment for five consecutive years, and its 10% hike in April 2015 has it on pace for 2016 to mark the sixth consecutive year with an increase.

3. TransForce Inc.

TransForce Inc. (TSX:TFI) is one of the leading providers of transportation and logistics services in Canada and the United States. It pays a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share, or $0.68 per share annually, which gives its stock a yield of about 3.2% at today’s levels.

It is also important for investors to note that TransForce has raised its annual dividend payment for five consecutive years, and I think its increased amount of free cash flow, including its 19.7% year-over-year growth to $291.5 million in fiscal 2015, will allow it to continue this streak in 2016.

Would one of these stocks fit well in your portfolio?

Bank of Nova Scotia, Methanex, and TransForce are three of the most attractive dividend-paying investment options in their respective industries. Foolish investors should take a closer look and strongly consider initiating positions in at least one of them today.

Fool contributor Joseph Solitro has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

Concept of multiple streams of income
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: How Much Do You Need to Invest to Make $400 Per Month?

This fund's fixed $0.10-per-share monthly payout makes passive-income math easy.

Read more »

voice-recognition-talking-to-a-smartphone
Dividend Stocks

How to Turn Losing TSX Telecom Stock Picks Into Tax Savings

Telecom stocks could be a good tax-loss harvesting candidate for year-end.

Read more »

Business success of growth metaverse finance and investment profit graph concept or development analysis progress chart on financial market achievement strategy background with increase hand diagram
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Growth Stocks Look Like Standout Buys as the Market Keeps Surging

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) stock and another standout name to watch closely in the new year.

Read more »

a person watches stock market trades
Dividend Stocks

For Passive Income Investing, 3 Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now

Don't look now, but these three Canadian dividend stocks look poised for some big upside, particularly as interest rates appear…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Got $7,000? Where to Invest Your TFSA Contribution in 2026

Putting $7,000 to work in your 2026 TFSA? Consider BMO, Granite REIT, and VXC for steady income, diversification, and long-term…

Read more »

Young adult concentrates on laptop screen
Dividend Stocks

A Beginner’s Guide to Building a Passive Income Portfolio

Are you a new investor looking to earn safe dividends? Here are some tips for a beginner investor who wants…

Read more »

container trucks and cargo planes are part of global logistics system
Dividend Stocks

Before the Clock Strikes Midnight on 2025 – TSX Transportation & Logistics Stocks to Buy

Three TSX stocks are buying opportunities in Canada’s dynamic and rapidly evolving transportation and logistics sector.

Read more »

some REITs give investors exposure to commercial real estate
Dividend Stocks

The Ideal Canadian Stock for Dividends and Growth

Want dividends plus steady growth? Power Corporation offers a “quiet compounder” mix of cash flow today and patient compounding from…

Read more »