3 Top Income Stocks Ripe for the Picking

This trio of top dividend plays, including Emera (TSX:EMA), can provide the fat income you need now.

| More on:
Index funds

Image source: Getty Images

Hello, Fools! I’m back to highlight three high-yield dividend stocks. As a reminder, I do this because high-yield dividend stocks provide a healthy income stream in both good and bad markets; usually come from stable industries; and tend to outperform the market over the long run.

So if you’re looking to protect your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) from this recent market crash, this list is a good place to start.

Bank on it

Leading things off is financial gorilla Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS), which currently boasts an attractive dividend yield of about 6.0%.

Scotia shares have been hit surprisingly hard during this selloff, providing Fools with a solid income opportunity. Specifically, Scotia’s sheer scale (total assets of $597.1 billion), diversified model, and increasing global footprint should continue to support a strong dividend.

In the most recent quarter, for example, adjusted EPS of $1.83 easily topped estimates on strong performance from Scotia’s Canada wealth and global markets units.

More important, the company’s return on equity clocked at 14.2%, a solid improvement from 13.5% in the year-ago period.

“We are pleased with our results this quarter which demonstrate the strength of our diversified businesses,” said CEO Brian Porter. “We are focused on realizing the benefits from our technology investments through an improved productivity ratio and greater customer satisfaction.”

Scotia shares currently trade at a forward P/E in the high single digits.

Telus everything

With an attractive dividend yield of about 4.8%, telecom giant Telus (TSX:T)(NYSE:TU) is next up on our list.

Despite Telus’ recession-proof nature, its shares have also been walloped in recent weeks. That said, the company’s dividend should continue to be backed by robust cash flows, a strong regulated operating environment, and steady wireless growth. In the most recent quarter, for example, free cash flow improved 2.3% to $135 million.

Looking ahead, management sees full-year 2020 revenue and EBITDA growth of up to 8% and 7% with free cash flow expected to grow to up to $1.7 billion.

“In 2019, TELUS continued its track record of delivering strong and consistent financial and operating results in both wireless and wireline, a trend the TELUS team has demonstrated over the long-term,” said President and CEO Darren Entwistle.

Telus shares currently trade at a forward P/E in the mid-teens.

Electric choice

Closing out our list is electricity giant Emera (TSX:EMA), which currently sports a solid dividend of about 4.3%.

The stock has held up remarkably well during this selloff, suggesting that Emera’s business model is particularly recession proof. Specifically, the company’s massive scale (assets worth$30 billion), diverse base of customers (residential, commercial, industrial), and strong cash flows should continue to support healthy long-term dividends.

For example, weak energy markets and costs associated with Hurricane Dorian, Emera generated $1.6 billion of operating cash flow in 2019.

“The underlying financial performance of our business was strong in 2019, with our utilities delivering 10% earnings growth year over year,” said CEO Scott Balfour. “In 2020, we look forward to the closing of the Emera Maine transaction, and redeploying capital from our asset sales into our businesses which are driving a rate base growth forecast of 7% through to 2022.”

Emera currently trades at a forward P/E in the high-teens.

The bottom line

There you have it, Fools: three top high-yield stocks worth checking out.

As always, don’t view them as formal recommendations. Instead, look at them as a starting point for more research. A dividend cut (or halt) can be especially painful, so you’ll still need to do plenty of due diligence.

Fool on.

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 Brian Pacampara owns no position in any of the companies mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA.

More on Dividend Stocks

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Magic: Earn Enormous Passive Income That the CRA Can’t Touch

If you're seeking out passive income, with zero taxes involved, then get on board with a TFSA and this portfolio…

Read more »

Man with no money. Businessman holding empty wallet
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks Under $50 New Investors Can Confidently Buy

There are some great stocks under $50 that every investor needs to know about. Here’s a look at two great…

Read more »

think thought consider
Dividend Stocks

Down 10.88%: Is ATD Stock a Good Buy After Earnings?

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) stock might not be the easy buy-case it once was. Here’s a look at what happened.

Read more »

money cash dividends
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Dividend Stocks: Earn $1,200/Year Tax-Free

Canadian stocks like Fortis are a must-have in your portfolio to earn tax-free yields for decades.

Read more »

sale discount best price
Dividend Stocks

1 Dividend Stock Down 11 Percent to Buy Right Now

Do you want a great dividend stock down 11% that can provide years of growth potential? Here's one heavily discounted…

Read more »

Growth from coins
Dividend Stocks

1 Grade A Dividend Stock Down 11% to Buy and Hold Forever 

If you're looking for the right dividend stock at the right price, you're going to want to consider this insurance…

Read more »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks to Double Up on Right Now

Are you looking for dividend stocks to buy right now? Here are two top picks!

Read more »

edit Taxes CRA
Dividend Stocks

Tax Time: How to Keep More of Your Money

Nearly everyone hates paying taxes, although Canadians can lessen the financial pain with the right tax strategies.

Read more »