Canadians: 2 of the Best Sectors to Find Dividend-Growth Stocks

If you like passive income and want to find top dividend-growth stocks to buy, these two sectors are the best place to start.

| More on:
analyze data

Image source: Getty Images

Although you can find a high-quality dividend-growth stock in any sector, there are a few to consider that are known to be the best. And while dividend-growth stocks are some of the top businesses Canadian investors can own, you still want to diversify your portfolio with other types of companies.

There is no question, though, that dividend-growth stocks will be some of your best and most important holdings. So, it’s crucial to know where to find these stocks and which industry offers the lowest risk.

It’s important to remember, though, that every company is different. They all have various operations and are exposed to different risks. So, while they could be in the same sector or industry, some stocks will be safer than others. Conversely, others may offer higher dividends or more growth potential.

With that in mind, if you’re a Canadian investor looking to find a high-quality dividend-growth stock, here are two of the best sectors to find them.

Utilities stocks are excellent dividend-growth stocks

Utility stocks are some of the best investments to make. While they will never really provide rapid growth, they provide consistent growth. Plus, because they are so resilient that in times of economic turmoil or market pullbacks, they’ll be some of the best at protecting your hard-earned capital.

Several utility stocks in Canada offer high-quality dividend-growth potential. One of the best, though, has to be Emera (TSX:EMA). Emera is a utility company with a well-diversified portfolio of utility businesses spread across six countries in North America. This helps lower the risk of an already highly resilient portfolio.

And going forward, the dividend stock is in the midst of a three-year capital plan, which will see roughly $8 billion invested in growth. Emera expects this will lead to an increase of its rate base by between 7.5% and 8.5% through 2023, which will drive more earnings per share and cash flow growth.

It also expects to continue increasing its dividend by at least 4% annually through 2024. And that dividend today already has an attractive yield of 4.5%, especially when you consider how safe of an investment Emera is.

So, if you’re looking for a highly resilient investment that still offers consistent dividend growth, Emera is one of the best stocks Canadian investors can buy today.

Real estate offers several high-potential opportunities

Real estate is another excellent industry where you can find high-quality dividend-growth stocks. And while they may not offer as much safety, and in some cases, such as with Canadian Apartment Properties REIT (TSX:CAR.UN), they may not offer a major yield, the stocks can offer a lot more long-term growth.

best dividend growth stocks

As you can see, while Emera has earned investors a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 10% over the last decade, an impressive amount, CAPREIT has a CAGR of more than 16% over the same period.

So, while the real estate stock may not be as resilient, and its dividend yield of 2.4% may not be as attractive, CAPREIT can grow both its dividend and its share price faster, which, for many investors, is more appealing.

CAPREIT is one of the best dividend-growth stocks to buy, as it continues to expand its portfolio and acquire more properties, taking advantage of ultra-low interest rates. It’s also been investing in upgrading its existing properties, which helps to significantly increase the value of its units.

So, if you’re looking for one of the best dividend-growth stocks to buy, real estate is a top sector. These stocks may not always have significant yields. But if they are quality companies with excellent operations, they can be some of the best dividend-growth stocks to own long term.

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 Daniel Da Costa has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends EMERA INCORPORATED.

More on Dividend Stocks

thinking
Dividend Stocks

Should You Buy BCE Stock for its 8.6% Dividend Yield?

Down over 20% from all-time highs, BCE stock offers you a tasty dividend yield in 2024. But is the TSX…

Read more »

grow dividends
Dividend Stocks

How Long Would It Take to Turn $20,000 Into $100,000 With TSX Dividend Stocks?

Here's how high-quality TSX dividend stocks and the power of compound interest can help grow your investments by 400% or…

Read more »

Paper airplanes flying on blue sky with form of growing graph
Dividend Stocks

2 Soaring Stocks I’d Buy Now With No Hesitation

These two stocks may be the most expensive on the market, but they're high for a reason! And I'm still…

Read more »

Hour glass and calendar concept for time slipping away for important appointment date, schedule and deadline
Dividend Stocks

Invest $374.50 Each Month to Create Passive Income of $288 in 2024

Investing a specific amount each month to create passive income this year is possible with monthly dividend payers.

Read more »

Happy retirement
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks to Help Turn $100,000 Into $1 Million

If you want to reach $1 million, $100,000 can certainly get you there. Even if you invest in some low…

Read more »

warning or alert
Dividend Stocks

Income Alert: These Stocks Just Raised Their Dividends

There's no shortage of companies that raised their dividends recently. Here's a trio of options to consider buying now.

Read more »

Business success with growing, rising charts and businessman in background
Dividend Stocks

Don’t Look Now, But These 3 TSX Stocks Look Poised for a Nice Rally 

Three TSX stocks are in a downtrend amid headwinds. 2024 may be rocky for them, but they are poised for…

Read more »

protect, safe, trust
Dividend Stocks

3 Safe Dividend Stocks to Beat Inflation

These three dividend stocks are excellent buys to beat inflation, given their solid underlying businesses and high yields.

Read more »