Trade the Crash: 3 Top Dividend Stocks to Pounce On Now!

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

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 pounce on this recent market crash, this might be a good place to start.

Without further ado, let’s get to it.

Bank on it

Leading off our list is financial services giant Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX: CM)(NYSE: CM), which offers a scrumptious dividend yield of 7.5%.

CIBC shares fell particularly hard on Monday, providing Fools with an incredible opportunity. Specifically, CIBC’s massive scale (total assets of more than $650 billion), high regulatory environment, and a diversified business model should easily weather the current storm.

In the most recent quarter, adjusted EPS of $3.24 easily topped estimates, while the adjusted return on equity clocked in at a solid 16.1%. Management cited a strong boost from its capital markets segment for the market-beating results.

“We delivered a strong first quarter in 2020 as we executed on our client-focused strategy and continued to diversify our earnings growth,” said President and CEO Victor Dodig. “We are transforming our bank by leveraging our client-focused culture, optimizing our cost base, and strategically reinvesting our capital to deliver value to our shareholders, clients, employees and communities.”

CIBC shares currently sport a forward P/E of 6.1.

Fortis of strength

With a healthy dividend yield of 3.7%, electricity giant Fortis (TSX: FTS)(NYSE: FTS) is our next high-yield play.

Fortis has held up relatively well in recent months, suggesting that its business model is perfectly suited for turbulent times. Fortis’s scale advantages ($52 billion in total assets), diversified business model (electricity, gas, infrastructure), and a highly regulated operating environment should continue to deliver consistent dividends.

In the most recent quarter, EPS of $0.62 beat expectations as revenue improved 5.4% to $2.3 billion. In fact, management continues to target average annual dividend growth of about 6% through 2024.

“Fortis had industry leading operational results in safety and reliability which complemented our strong financial results,” said CEO Barry Perry. “Going forward, our capital plan focuses on cleaner energy along with innovative, sustainable and affordable investment in our electric and gas networks.”

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

Make some dough

Rounding out our list is fast-food pizza joint Pizza Pizza Royalty (TSX: PZA), which currently boasts an incredible dividend yield of nearly 13%.

Pizza Pizza shares have been hit particularly hard during this selloff, providing enterprising Fools with a possible opportunity. Specifically, Pizza Pizza’s scale (749 restaurants across Canada), well-recognized brand, and solid management team should continue to provide solid long-term income for shareholders.

In the most recent quarter, earnings clocked in at a solid $0.234 per share as revenue increased 3.8% to $147 million. More importantly, same-store sales — the key metric in gauging a retailer’s health — increased 2%.

“We are pleased with the sales growth at both brands in this highly competitive environment,” said CEO Paul Goddard. “Our successes are attributable to this quarter’s on-trend product introductions, restaurant operational excellence and our full relaunch of Pizza Pizza’s website and apps.”

Pizza Pizza shares currently trade at a forward P/E of 7.1.

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.

Fool contributor Brian Pacampara owns no position in any of the companies mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of PIZZA PIZZA ROYALTY CORP.

More on Dividend Stocks

oil pumps at sunset
Dividend Stocks

Canadian Natural Resources vs. Suncor: The Dividend Stock to Own Through 2026

Let’s compare Canadian Natural Resources and Suncor Energy across their financial performance, dividend track records, growth prospects, and valuations to…

Read more »

man studies at computer
Dividend Stocks

Here Are The 3 Canadian Stocks I’d Tell a New Investor to Buy ASAP

Discover strategies for investing in stocks that can help you thrive in a market filled with volatility and uncertainty.

Read more »

telecom towers concept for wireless technology
Dividend Stocks

BCE Stock Is Down 2% After Q3: Is the 5.8% Dividend Safe?

BCE stock slipped 2% after Q3 earnings. See whether the 5.8% dividend is safe, how free cash flow covers it,…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Too Busy to Invest? This Dividend Stock Deserves a Permanent Place In Your TFSA

This Canadian stock appears well-positioned to keep paying and growing its dividend and deliver solid capital gains in the long…

Read more »

monthly calendar with clock
Dividend Stocks

The TFSA Strategy I’d Use to Generate $600 in Monthly Tax-Free Income

A smarter TFSA approach is to prioritize sustainable total returns and diversification rather than chasing an arbitrary monthly income number.

Read more »

Concept of rent, search, purchase real estate, REIT
Dividend Stocks

How Much to Invest in Killam Apartment for $250 a Month in Dividends

Want $250 a month? Killam Apartment pays $0.06 a unit at $17.45. See how many units to buy, what Q3…

Read more »

resting in a hammock with eyes closed
Dividend Stocks

3 Top Canadian Dividend Stocks for $2,050 in Passive Income Each Year

With resilient business models, consistent dividend payouts, and clear growth prospects, these three dividend stocks are ideal for income-seeking investors.

Read more »

GettyImages-1394663007
Dividend Stocks

A Recession-Resistant Dividend Stock for Lifelong TFSA Income

A resilient utility business, improving earnings, and ambitious investment plans could make this Canadian dividend stock an excellent choice for…

Read more »