High-Yield Dividend Stocks: 2 to Buy and 1 to Avoid

While some high-yield dividend stocks are trouble, it’s not the case with all of them, especially for two of these investments.

High-yield dividend stocks can give some investors excitement, and others the heebie-jeebies. You might think you’re getting all this passive income then suddenly see it cut! Or you see shares down and become too worried to buy up these dividend stocks.

Today I’m going to cover some of the highest yields out there. Dividend stocks offering yields around 10%, some even higher. We’ll look at two I would recommend buying today and one I would avoid.

Buy: Fiera Capital

Fiera Capital (TSX: FSZ) is the first of the dividend stocks I would recommend. It has an enormously high dividend yield at 9.91% as of writing and one that’s climbed higher and higher over the past few years. In fact, it now even holds Dividend Aristocrat status, increasing its dividend at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% over the last decade.

Shares of Fiera stock are down but not by much when you consider the share price. It’s down 16.5% in the last year alone, and trading near value territory at 15.96 times earnings. And given management’s strong track record of investing in solid growth and value stocks, I would certainly consider picking up this stock.

Finally, want proof of how well it can do? Fiera stock has grown in share price 147% over the last 20 years. That’s a CAGR of 7.6% as of writing.

Buy: NorthWest REIT

NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT (TSX:NWH.UN) hasn’t increased its dividend since coming on the market a few years back. However, it hasn’t cut its dividend either. Yet it remains stable, and that’s enough for me to recommend it these days.

NorthWest REIT has been expanding its properties to bring in more long-term revenue from a diverse range of healthcare properties. Further, these are located around the world and retain a high occupancy rate. So, while the company is using its funds for expansion now, that won’t be forever.

Even so, today, investors can lock in a dividend yield of 8.18%, while shares trade at just 8.54 times earnings and are down about 28% in the last year alone.

Avoid: Peyto Exploration

Another dividend stock I’d like to discuss is Peyto Exploration and Development (TSX: PEY). On the surface, Peyto stock looks like a solid oil and gas company, providing secure income from its contracts. However, I wouldn’t exactly be too sure of that.

The key to the overall company performance comes down to its dividend. Right now, investors can bring in a dividend yield of 10.73%! That’s astoundingly high and, like Fiera stock, the dividend comes out monthly. However, it’s the history we want to look at here — especially in terms of its dividend.

Peyto stock has cut its dividend several times over the last few years, and it remains lower than it was even a decade ago. Further, during hard times, the company slashed it down to just $0.01 per share quarterly, meaning it cut back even from being a monthly passive-income provider! Frankly, it’s too volatile to consider as a passive-income stock.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has positions in NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. The Motley Fool recommends Fiera Capital and NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

Group of people in a line at an ATM waiting to make a cash withdrawal
Dividend Stocks

The TFSA Withdrawal Rule Every Canadian Should Know

The account is a much better place to invest long term than to make frequent trades and withdrawals.

Read more »

man shops at grocery store
Dividend Stocks

The Best Canadian Stocks for Conservative Investors Right Now

These two Canadian stocks combine durable businesses, growing earnings, and shareholder returns.

Read more »

Three children jump on an outdoor trampoline
Dividend Stocks

2 Solid Dividend Stocks Down 20 Percent to Buy Before They Bounce Back

These Canadian companies have been increasing their dividends year after year, while their stocks have pulled back from recent highs.

Read more »

happy woman throws cash
Dividend Stocks

The Ideal TFSA Stock: A 5.9% Yield-Paying Constant Cash

Enbridge’s predictable cash flows, substantial growth pipeline, and long history of dividend increases underpin its long-term investment appeal for TFSA…

Read more »

woman gazes forward out window to future
Dividend Stocks

Dividend Income in Retirement: What Could Go Wrong?

Dividend investing is a proven way to create income in retirement but you must know the risks you need to…

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

A 5% Monthly Payer I’d Buy for My TFSA: About $100 a Month on $24,000

Canada’s largest residential landlord offers a high yield, reliable monthly income, and a tax-sheltered foundation for TFSA investors.

Read more »

Two seniors walk in the forest
Dividend Stocks

Can Dividends Replace a Paycheque in Retirement?

Can dividends in retirement replace your paycheque? Explore how Scotiabank, RioCan REIT, and Fortis can help build a steady retirement…

Read more »

Sliced pumpkin pie
Dividend Stocks

The Fees That Quietly Eat Into a Small Investment

Many funds charge outrageous fees, but broad market index funds like the iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (TSX:XIC) usually…

Read more »