My Top 5 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Buy in May

If you’re looking to build a passive-income stream, these five dividend stocks should be on your radar.

| More on:

There’s never a bad time to think about creating an additional stream of income. Fortunately, the TSX is loaded with high-quality dividend stocks to help Canadians do exactly that. 

Whether you’re looking for an ultra-high yield, a dependable payout, or both, there’s at least one Canadian dividend stock for you.

I’ve put together a well-diversified basket of five Canadian dividend stocks. Not only does the basket provide well-rounded exposure to the stock market, but all five dividend stocks are also currently yielding above 4%.

Bank of Nova Scotia

The Canadian banks are an excellent place for a passive-income investor to start. The Big Five not only all pay top yields but also own some of the longest payout streaks you’ll find on the TSX.

With a dividend yield that’s nearing 7%, Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS) is the highest-yielding of the major Canadian banks. It’s also been paying a dividend to its shareholders for close to 200 consecutive years.

There’s not much for a passive-income investor to dislike about this Canadian bank.

Sun Life

Sticking with the financial space, Sun Life (TSX:SLF) is another trustworthy dividend stock that you don’t need to second guess. 

At a dividend yield of 4.5%, Sun Life can’t compete with the likes of Bank of Nova Scotia. However, the stock can provide a portfolio with stability and defensiveness in addition to passive income.

The insurance space is far from an exciting one. But it is reliable.

If you’re looking to limit volatility in your investment portfolio, Sun Life deserves a spot on your watch list.

Telus

I wouldn’t bank on the demand for insurance disappearing anytime soon. The same goes for telecommunication services. 

With shares down 15% over the past year, investors have an opportunity to buy Telus (TSX:T) at a discount today. The recent pullback has also shot the dividend yield to above 6%.

It may be a slow turnaround, but there’s no denying the long-term need for telecommunication services. 

In addition to a top dividend yield, patient long-term investors may also be in for market-beating returns with shares priced where they are today.

Fortis

When it comes to dependability, utility stocks are not second to many. While telecommunication services could be considered essential, the sector itself does tend to be cyclical. In comparison, the utility space typically sees far less volatility.

There’s not a whole lot to get excited about with a utility stock like Fortis (TSX:FTS). That is unless you’re looking for dependability and passive income. 

At today’s stock price, Fortis’s dividend yield is above 4%.

Brookfield Renewable Partners

Last on my list is a renewable energy stock that differs slightly from the other four companies in this basket.

In terms of the dividend yield, Brookfield Renewable Partners (TSX:BEP.UN) is on par with the other four companies, yielding 5% today. Where the renewable energy company separates itself is with its market-beating track record.

The renewable energy space has massive long-term growth potential in front of it. And Brookfield Renewable Partners is a global leader that’s in a prime position to capture that growth.

Even with shares down 30% from all-time highs, the energy stock is still largely outperforming the Canadian stock market’s returns over the past five years. And that’s not even including dividends, either.

Fool contributor Nicholas Dobroruka has positions in Brookfield Renewable Partners. The Motley Fool recommends Bank Of Nova Scotia, Brookfield Renewable Partners, Fortis, and TELUS. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

Electricity transmission towers with orange glowing wires against night sky
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: Is Fortis Stock Still a Buy for its Dividend?

Fortis’s streak or Emera’s yield? Here’s the simple trade-off for TFSA income seekers in 2026.

Read more »

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

Stack Your Portfolio Strong: 3 Mighty Stocks to Lead the TSX’s Climb in 2026

The TSX might deliver stronger returns in 2026 and three mighty stocks could potentially lead the bull run.

Read more »

four people hold happy emoji masks
Dividend Stocks

2 Superbly Simple Canadian Stocks to Buy With $2,000 Right Now

Got $2,000 to invest? Hydro One and Dollarama offer simple, dependable growth and cash flow you don’t need to monitor…

Read more »

Colored pins on calendar showing a month
Dividend Stocks

2 Reliable Monthly Paying Dividend Stocks for Steady Cash Flow

These two monthly paying dividend stocks with high yields can boost your passive income.

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

The 2 Best Monthly Canadian Dividend ETFs for December

Here are two monthly paying ETFs I like: one for dividend yield and one for dividend growth.

Read more »

Canadian flag
Dividend Stocks

Buy Canadian: These TSX Stocks Could Outperform in 2026

Looking to 2026, three Canadian names pair reasonable valuations with resilient cash flow and structural tailwinds.

Read more »

A worker drinks out of a mug in an office.
Dividend Stocks

2 Canadian Dividend Stocks I Think Everyone Should Own

CIBC (TSX:CM) and another premium dividend stock look like a good value right now.

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Dividend Stocks

Buy 2,500 Shares of This Premier Dividend Stock for $152/Month in Passive Income

Buy shares of this monthly dividend stock to unlock greater monthly income that you can count on for your financial…

Read more »