5 Percent Dividend Yield! I’m Buying This TSX Stock and Holding for Decades

Great-West Lifeco is a top TSX dividend stock that trades at a cheap valuation given a widening base of earnings and cash flow.

| More on:
four people hold happy emoji masks

Source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Investing in blue-chip dividend stocks that offer a tasty forward yield can help you begin a recurring income stream at a low cost. While Canada has several dividend-paying stocks, just a handful of these companies have showcased an ability to maintain and grow their payouts across market cycles. One such TSX dividend stock that offers you a dividend yield of almost 5% is Great-West Lifeco (TSX:GWO). Let’s dive deeper.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Great-West Lifeco PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL16 Sep 201413 Sep 2024Zoom ▾201520162017201820192020202120222023202420162016201820182020202020222022202420240www.fool.ca

An overview of Great-West Lifeco

Great-West Lifeco is among the largest companies in Canada, valued at $42 billion by market cap. A financial services holding company, Great-West is engaged in segments such as life and health insurance, retirement and investment services, asset management, and reinsurance.

With a sizeable presence in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, Great-West offers a portfolio of financial and benefit plan solutions, such as life, disability, critical illness, accidental death, and health and dental protection for individuals, families, and corporations.

Its product portfolio also includes retirement savings and income, annuities, and other specialty products, as well as employer-sponsored retirement savings plans and individual retirement and taxable brokerage accounts.

Its well-diversified business has allowed Great-West Lifeco to return 125% to shareholders in the past decade after adjusting for dividends. Comparatively, the TSX index has returned 114% since September 2014.

A strong performance in Q2 of 2024

In the second quarter (Q2) of 2024, Great-West reported record base earnings of $1.04 billion or $1.11 per share, an increase of 13% year over year, compared to $920 million last year. The company witnessed pre-tax growth across business segments, and higher net fee income tied to equities, realization of expense synergies, and surplus income from elevated interest rates boosted the bottom line.

Great-West explained, “Net earnings from continuing operations of $1,005 million, or $1.08 per common share, compared to $569 million a year ago reflects improved market experience from interest rate movements and improved nonfixed income assets experience, and lower expenses related to business transformation activities primarily in Europe and Empower.”

Its Canadian business gained traction following the acquisition of Investment Planning Counsel and Value Partners, which increased net asset inflows by $250 million in 2024. The company also achieved a sixth consecutive growth across all value drivers in Europe, including savings and pensions.

Moreover, its U.S. business is on course to become the largest segment within Great-West Lifeco. In Q2, the U.S. segment grew by 19% year over year, which was in line with company guidance.

Is the TSX dividend stock undervalued?

Great-West pays shareholders an annual dividend of $2.22 per share, translating to a forward yield of 4.93%. Moreover, these payouts have more than doubled in the last 17 years, enhancing the yield at cost in this period.

Great-West’s annual dividend expense is close to $2.07 billion, given its outstanding share count. Comparatively, its free cash flow in the last 12 months has totalled $3.80 billion, indicating a payout ratio of less than 53%.

Given its widening dividend payout and expanding earnings base, the TSX stock is quite cheap, priced at 10.5 times forward earnings.

Should you invest $1,000 in Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust right now?

Before you buy stock in Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

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 Aditya Raghunath has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Dividend Stocks

protect, safe, trust
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Allocate $1,000 in Defensive Stocks in Today’s Market

These defensive stocks are outperforming the broader market despite economic uncertainty, providing stability, income, and growth.

Read more »

Piggy bank and Canadian coins
Dividend Stocks

Where I’d Invest My Savings in the TSX Today

These two TSX stocks would be my first picks if I were putting more money into the stock market today.

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Adjust My Portfolio to Benefit from Canadian Dollar Movements

TSX stocks benefit from Canadian dollar movements, although the loonie will be under pressure in 2025 due to trade uncertainty.

Read more »

Canadian Red maple leaves seamless wallpaper pattern
Dividend Stocks

5 Canadian Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Next 20 Years

These Canadian stocks have paid dividends for decades, making them reliable investments to generate regular passive income.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian REIT Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Next Quarter-Century

These three Canadian REITs trade cheaply and are highly reliable, making them some of the best stocks you can buy…

Read more »

A train passes Morant's curve in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
Dividend Stocks

1 Practically Perfect Canadian Stock Down 24% to Buy Now and Hold for Life!

CNR stock is a top Canadian stock for investors, especially with shares down on the TSX today.

Read more »

Canada national flag waving in wind on clear day
Dividend Stocks

The Best Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Away With $30,000

If you have $30,000 you're willing to invest, these are some of the first Canadian stocks to consider on your…

Read more »

rail train
Dividend Stocks

What to Know About Canadian Pacific Railway Stock for 2025

CP stock has now gone through a major merger, so what do investors have to look forward to?

Read more »