TFSA Picks: 3 Defensive Dividend Stocks for New Investors

Dividend-paying Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX:AQN)(NYSE:AQN) and two other Canadian stocks are tailor-made for a TFSA.

| More on:

It’s an unsettling time for investors, be they old hands or newcomers to the TSX. However, while investment veterans are grappling with the new normal, new TFSA investors are eyeing the stock market for the first time. Tax-free investing has never been more applicable to long-term wealth-creation strategies given the markets.

The Big Five moderate growth stock

Scotiabank (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) packs international diversification and growth in a top Canadian financials pick. This is a reliable passive-income play and, as such, makes a solid addition to a new TFSA equities portfolio. This name is well known for its access to Latin American commercial banking growth. This kind of slow and steady growth potential makes Scotiabank more than suitable for a TFSA.

Some earnings growth is on the way, too, with 11% estimated to added annually. Optimistic price targets could also align favourably with a rich dividend yield of 5.3%. In combination, these facets could bring 53% total shareholder returns by 2025. Value investors are also in luck, with a P/B ratio 1.3 times book denoting a reasonably fair share price given the quality on offer.

Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX:AQN)(NYSE:AQN) is something of a hybrid when it comes to investment theses. On the one hand, this is a green power play poised to capitalize on the renewables revolution. On the other, it’s a sleep-easy utilities pick that belongs in the same category as the likes of Enbridge.

Selling at twice book, AQN could be cheaper. However, a combination of upside potential plus a nearly 4% forward dividend yield make this a stock worth buying at nearly any price. A payout ratio of 72% leaves some room for growth, supporting a multi-year TFSA wealth-creation thesis. AQN is a classic play on one of the most significant global megatrends of this era. Pack AQN shares if you want to include some green growth in your TFSA.

The asset management TFSA stock

From one “power” stock to another, Power Corporation of Canada (TSX:POW) is a well-diversified operation both geographically and industrially. Power Corporation has fingers in a lot of pies, from financial services to green and renewable energy assets. It’s also popular with asset management investors. From North America to Europe and Asia, Power Corporation offers access to a broad range of international markets.

Power Corporation has some appealing stats on display. Selling a discount of 24.7% below its estimated future fair value, Power Corporation also has some growth ahead. With an uptick in earnings of around 8% annually, there should be some continuation of the outfit’s 34% past 12-month growth. In addition, Power Corporation also pays a rich and reliable dividend yield of 6%.

By stashing shares in Scotiabank, AQN, and Power Corporation, TFSA investors can add ready diversification to their personal investment portfolios. These three names are solid picks for a mix of value, growth, passive income, and even capital gains. As such they make viable choices for the general Tax-Free Savings Account investor, whether a TSX veteran or a newcomer to personal wealth management.

Fool contributor Victoria Hetherington has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Enbridge. The Motley Fool recommends BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA.

More on Dividend Stocks

holding coins in hand for the future
Dividend Stocks

A 11.3% Passive-Income Stock I’d Put My Whole TFSA Contribution Into

An 11.3% TELUS yield looks tempting, but it also signals the market has real doubts about dividend growth.

Read more »

Investor wonders if it's safe to buy stocks now
Dividend Stocks

What’s the Deal with Rogers’s Dividend?

Rogers Communications (TSX:RCI.B) stock is taking a beating again, but its dividend remains on safe footing.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

How to Structure a TFSA With $14,000 for Lifelong Monthly Income

These two high-quality dividend stocks can help investors build a reliable stream of passive income while offering the potential for…

Read more »

diversification is an important part of building a stable portfolio
Dividend Stocks

How $20,000 Across 4 TSX Stocks Can Deliver $1,000 in Passive Income

A $20,000 investment spread across these TSX stocks could help generate a reliable passive income of over $1,000 a year.

Read more »

a person prepares to fight by taping their knuckles
Dividend Stocks

The TSX Stocks I’d Use to Anchor a More Defensive Portfolio

These TSX stocks offer stability, essential services, and reliable cash flow to help anchor a more defensive portfolio.

Read more »

Map of Canada showing connectivity
Dividend Stocks

What’s the Deal with Telus’s Dividend?

I wouldn't be surprised if Telus eventually followed BCE and cut its dividend to conserve cash.

Read more »

happy woman throws cash
Dividend Stocks

A Perfect TFSA Stock: A 3.7% Yield With Constant Paycheques

Given its resilient business model, dependable cash flows, consistent dividend growth, and attractive long-term growth prospects, TC Energy would be…

Read more »

A family watches tv using Roku at home.
Dividend Stocks

What’s Going on With Rogers’ Dividend?

Rogers’ dividend has stayed flat for years, but its selective approach looks more responsible as other Canadian telecoms pause or…

Read more »