Got $500? 2 Simple TSX Stocks to Buy Right Now

Do you have an extra $500? Consider investing in simple stocks, like Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS), that pay you generous dividend income.

| More on:

If you got an extra $500, you should consider investing on commission-free trading platforms on Wealthsimple or National Bank of Canada. Particularly, here are a couple of simple TSX stocks that will make you richer over time.

A worker uses a double monitor computer screen in an office.

Source: Getty Images

Scotiabank stock for passive income

Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) is a simple TSX stock to buy for passive income. The Canadian bank just reported its fiscal third quarter (Q3) earnings and dipped more than 5% yesterday, making it an opportunistic buy at a relatively high dividend yield of 5.4%. Its dividend remains safe, as it maintains a payout ratio of below 50%.

Its overall results for the quarter were stable with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rising 4.5% year over year. Higher net interest income and loan growth helped drive earnings growth of 12% and 28% at its core business segments of Canadian Banking and International Banking, respectively. However, these results were offset by its Global Banking and Markets earnings that saw a substantial decline of 26% to $378 million, driven by lower capital markets revenue because of market conditions and lower advisory fees.

Because of Scotiabank’s international exposure, its earnings growth can be bumpier than its big Canadian bank peers. Regardless, it still remains a profitable business through economic cycles. Its trailing 12-month (TTM) net income was about $10.6 billion. BNS’s fiscal year-to-date adjusted EPS growth was 11.2% versus the prior year’s period.

In the long run, the bank should experience stable earnings growth. For instance, in the past 10 years, its adjusted EPS increased at a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%. Assuming an EPS growth rate of 5%, the bank stock could result in long-term returns of approximately 11-14% annually over the next three to five years.

Another dividend stock for passive income

Sun Life (TSX:SLF)(NYSE:SLF) also earns multi-billions of dollars of net income each year. Its annualized net income is about $4 billion. The life and health insurance company is planning to sell its U.K. business, which manages life and pension policies and annuities, to Phoenix Group for about $385 million.

Management expects this transaction to provide growth opportunities for Sun Life’s asset management businesses. As part of the sale, Sun Life will become a long-term asset management partner to Phoenix, which is the U.K.’s largest long-term savings and retirement business that has more than 13 million customers and £310 billion of assets under administration

The stable stock’s five-year total returns are about 8% per year. This is a decent return given the stock has experienced valuation contraction and a selloff in the period. At $59.43 per share, the dividend stock trades at about 10 times earnings — a discount of about 17% from its long-term normal valuation. Over the next three to five years, the stock could deliver annualized returns of about 11-17%.

Investors get an initial dividend yield of 4.6%. Its TTM payout ratio of 42% is sustainable. For reference, the Canadian Dividend Aristocrat’s five-year dividend-growth rate is 7.4%. Over the next three to five years, the insurance company could experience an EPS growth rate of about 6.5%.

Fool contributor Kay Ng has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA.

More on Dividend Stocks

shopper carries paper bags with purchases
Dividend Stocks

How Much Does a Typical 45-Year-Old Have Saved in Their TFSA and RRSP?

Building retirement savings at 45? These two Canadian stocks could help strengthen your TFSA and RRSP.

Read more »

Colored pins on calendar showing a month
Dividend Stocks

My 2 Favourite Stocks for Monthly Passive Income

These two monthly dividend stocks could help investors build a steadier stream of passive income.

Read more »

person stacking rocks by the lake
Stocks for Beginners

Why Your TFSA – Not Your RRSP – Should Be Doing the Heavy Lifting

A TFSA could do serious long-term work when filled with growth and dividend stocks like these.

Read more »

man looks worried about something on his phone
Retirement

The Typical TFSA Balance for Canadians Approaching 60

How does your TFSA balance stand? How can you improve?

Read more »

Redwood trees stretch up to the sunlight.
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks That Look Built to Hold for 10 Years or More

These Canadian stocks offer high and sustainable yields and are better positioned to boost the income potential of your portfolio.

Read more »

builder frames a house with lumber
Dividend Stocks

A Simple Way to Turn $25,000 in TFSA Savings Into Consistent Income

A $25,000 TFSA could become more productive when invested in dependable dividend stocks.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

Got $7,000? 1 Stellar Strategy to Double Your TFSA Contribution

Doubling a $7,000 TFSA contribution doesn’t take a lottery ticket, but it does take low fees, diversification, and time for…

Read more »

man in bowtie poses with abacus
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Average $2,500 Per Year in Tax-Free Passive Income

Discover how to maximize your TFSA through strategic dividend stock investments for tax-free gains and regular income.

Read more »