Here Are the Best Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

Markets are looking volatile today. This should drive investors to top dividend stocks like Manulife Financial Inc. (TSX:MFC)(NYSE:MFC).

| More on:

The S&P/TSX Composite Index came back strong and rose 232 points on January 28. Still, North American indexes have entered a new period of volatility to start 2021. A retail investor frenzy has sparked momentum for U.S. equities like GameStop and AMC Entertainment. Today, I want to explore more stable dividend stocks that are worth stashing for the long term. These provide stability, income, and attractive value right now.

Why Manulife is one of the best dividend stocks on the TSX

Manulife Financial (TSX:MFC)(NYSE:MFC) is still one of my favourite dividend stocks on the TSX. This is one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in Canada. Its shares are down 7.2% year over year as of close on January 28.

The company is expected to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2020 results on February 11. In Q3 2020, Manulife reported core earnings of $1.6 billion. That was down 6% from the third quarter of 2019. Global WAM outflows shrank to $2.2 billion compared to outflows of $4.4 billion in the prior year. Moreover, Manulife has continued to achieve promising market penetration in the Asia region.

Shares of this dividend stock possess a very attractive price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.9 and a price-to-book (P/B) value of 0.9. Manulife offers a quarterly dividend of $0.28 per share. That represents a solid 4.7% yield.

Don’t sleep on this bank stock that offers big income

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM)(NYSE:CM) is the fifth largest of the Big Six Canadian banks. It is also one of the strongest dividend stocks available on the TSX. Shares of CIBC have increased 15% over the past three months. Investors can expect to see its first-quarter 2021 results in late February.

The bank delivered some promising news in its Q4 and full-year 2020 results. CEO Victor Dodig said that client applications had recovered from lows earlier in 2020 and were now generating growth. CIBC reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.79 — down marginally from $2.84 in the previous year. This exceeded analyst expectations.

Shares of this dividend stock last had a solid P/E ratio of 13 and a P/B value of 1.3. Moreover, CIBC offers a quarterly dividend of $1.46 per share. This represents a strong 5.3% yield.

This top dividend stock offers exposure to the green energy space

TransAlta Renewables (TSX:RNW) is the last dividend stock I want to look at today. This week, I’d explained why Canadians should look to get in on the green energy revolution. The company develops, owns, and operates renewable power-generation facilities.

In Q3 2020, TransAlta saw comparable EBITDA increase 12% year over year to $96 million. Meanwhile, adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) rose 10% to $76 million. In December, the company announced the acquisition of two wind and one cogeneration facilities. Investors can expect to see the company’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2020 results in late February.

TransAlta offers a monthly dividend of $0.078 per share. That represents a 4.2% yield.

Fool contributor Ambrose O'Callaghan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

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

Got $10,000? This Dividend Stock Could Deliver $37 a Month in Passive Income

Killam Apartment REIT (TSX:KMP.UN) generates considerable monthly passive income.

Read more »

Canada day banner background design of flag
Stock Market

2 Canadian Stocks Positioned to Surge as 2026 Unfolds

Wondering what kind of Canadian stocks could still have big upside in 2026? Check out these two high quality growth…

Read more »

A child pretends to blast off into space.
Investing

3 Canadian Stocks Ready to Surge in 2026

Consider adding these three TSX growth stocks to your self-directed portfolio to capture potentially outsized gains.

Read more »

alcohol
Investing

3 Stocks That Could Turn a $100,000 Portfolio Into $1 Million Sooner Than You Might Think

These three growth stocks look well-positioned to provide long-term investors with the kind of meaningful upside they're after right now.

Read more »

diversification and asset allocation are crucial investing concepts
Dividend Stocks

Why Boring Utility Stocks Are Suddenly Looking Very Attractive

Utility stocks are often seen as boring and lacking growth, but shifting market conditions are making them surprisingly attractive for…

Read more »

woman looks ahead of her over water
Dividend Stocks

5 Dividend Stocks That Belong in Almost Every Portfolio

Discover why dividend stocks are essential for Canadian investors looking to offset market volatility and enhance returns.

Read more »

ETFs can contain investments such as stocks
Investing

RRSP Season: Here’s the 1 Move I’d Make This Week

Here's one top exchange traded fund (ETF) long-term investors may want to consider adding to their RRSPs right now, and…

Read more »

happy woman throws cash
Dividend Stocks

Transform Your TFSA Into a Cash-Generating Machine With $10,000

A $10,000 investment in this TSX stock could generate approximately $520 per year in tax-free dividends at today’s payout rate.

Read more »