Forget Dividends! 2 Growth Stocks Offer Better Short-Term Returns

If you want to play it safe or you are planning to start a passive income, dividend stocks might be your best bet. But for short-term returns, go with growth stocks.

| More on:

When it comes to starting a reliable, passive income, there are few better alternatives than high-yield dividend stocks, especially if they are Dividend Aristocrats. But these are relatively rare, and if you calculate your returns based on how much you invested (if we disregard the capital growth dividend stocks offer), it usually takes more than a decade for stock to “reimburse” your investment capital purely through dividends.

While that might be what most investors look for, it’s not ideal if you are seeking healthy returns over a relatively short period of a decade or so. For that, you will have to go with growth stocks. They might be somewhat riskier, and your returns may suffer if you need to realize your gains (or losses) when the stocks are at a dip. But if they can sustain their historical growth rates and you sell at the right moment, you can get much better returns compared to dividend stocks.

Ironically, that is better for passive income as well because if you can invest a hefty sum at once and lock in a high yield, you might be able to start a much thicker passive income stream.

A golden growth stock

Franco-Nevada (TSX:FNV)(NYSE:FNV) is a Dividend Aristocrat, but it’s a better buy for its growth potential and the nature of its business. Unlike pure gold companies, that is, mining companies with direct exposure to the metal and gold prices that tend to have a negative correlation with the broader stock market, Franco-Nevada relies on royalties and streams.

This doesn’t just make its income statement relatively more stable; rather, it gives its stock a relatively more steady growth pattern than other companies in the sector. So if we take its 10-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.8% as a benchmark, the stock can quickly grow your stake at more than double the capital you invested in the company in less than 10 years.

A venture capital stock

While the junior market is full of exciting growth stocks, few have proven growth histories as long as StorageVault Canada (TSXV:SVI). Its core business is self-storage and portable storage units. It owns, manages, and rents out these units. The company has consolidated a lot of territory and business in this space and now operates through seven underlying brands, each with its own locality focus.

Its portfolio now consists of over 150 stores and 4,600 storage units across the country. The concentration is highest in Ontario. But its dominant position in the self-storage market is just one reason to consider this stock; the other is its powerful growth history. The company has a 10-year CAGR of 36% and holds the potential to double your money in less than three years.

And if you can hold on to it for a decade (considering it can keep up its growth pace), the company can grow your tiny investment seed into a bountiful tree of returns.

Foolish takeaway

If rapidly growing stocks are not your cup of tea, especially if you think they won’t be able to sustain their powerful growth rate for a relatively long time, you can play the long game with broad-market index funds. But if your goal is simply to double your capital in as short a time as possible, then the aforementioned growth stocks mentioned and a few others like these two might be your best bet.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

coins jump into piggy bank
Dividend Stocks

Have $21,000 in TFSA Room? Here’s a Dividend Stock Worth Considering

Enbridge is a dependable dividend stock for TFSA investors. See why its stability, income potential, and growth make it a…

Read more »

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

My 1 Forever TFSA Stock — and Why I’ll Never Let it Go

Here's why this reliable Canadian growth stock is the perfect business to buy in your TFSA and hold forever.

Read more »

ETFs can contain investments such as stocks
Dividend Stocks

A 4% Yield Monthly Income ETF That You Can Take to the Bank

This monthly income ETF blends stocks and bonds to deliver steady, reliable cash flow for Canadians seeking simple, diversified passive…

Read more »

Close-up of people hands taking slices of pepperoni pizza from wooden board.
Dividend Stocks

How to Generate $150 in Passive Income With $30,000 in 3 Stocks

These three high-yield TSX dividend stocks can significantly enhance your monthly passive income.

Read more »

Investor reading the newspaper
Dividend Stocks

2 Canadian Stocks That Just Raised Their Payouts Again

Looking for a great combination of income and capital growth. These two stocks have decades-long histories of increasing their dividend…

Read more »

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income
Dividend Stocks

Looking for a 5.4% Average Yield? These 3 TSX Stocks Are Worth a Look

Considering their excellent track record of dividend paying, solid underlying businesses, and healthy outlook, these three TSX stocks are ideal…

Read more »

telehealth stocks
Dividend Stocks

This TSX Stock Pays a 4.3% Dividend Every Single Month

This TSX stock pays you cash every single month – and it’s backed by a growing, essential business.

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Dividend Stocks

2 Great Warren Buffett Stocks to Buy Before They Raise Their Dividends Again

If you want to invest like Warren Buffett, these two top Canadian dividend stocks are some of the best picks…

Read more »