A 6.8% Dividend Stock Paying Cash Every Month

A global, hospital-backed landlord paying monthly income, NorthWest Healthcare REIT’s turnaround could turn a tough stretch into steady TFSA cash flow.

| More on:
Key Points
  • NorthWest Healthcare REIT owns hospitals and medical offices with long leases
  • Management sold non-core assets and cut debt, improving finances, returning to profitability, and keeping the monthly distribution intact.
  • <div id="ChatMessageContent" class="prose mt-[-2px] w-full dark:prose-invert"> A high yield and monthly payouts can boost TFSA income

A monthly dividend stock with a high yield might be a great option rather than a red flag. It gives you a steady paycheque without the stress of market timing or waiting three months for income. When money lands in your account every 30 days, it becomes easier to budget, easier to reinvest, and easier to feel like investments are working for you. A higher yield can speed up the process of building meaningful passive income, especially inside a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), where every dollar stays tax-free. So let’s look at one to consider on the TSX today.

Nurse uses stethoscope to listen to a girl's heartbeat

Source: Getty Images

NWH

NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT (TSX:NWH.UN) is a global healthcare-focused real estate investment trust (REIT). It owns hospitals, medical office buildings, and clinics. These are scattered across Canada, Europe, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand. Its appeal comes from its long-term, inflation-indexed leases and essential tenant base as healthcare operators that continue operating regardless of economic conditions.

This gives NorthWest a defensive profile. Demand for medical space is steady, occupancy remains high, and rental income tends to be predictable. Unlike retail or office REITs that rise and fall with consumer or corporate spending, NWH.UN is tied to a sector that remains resilient even during downturns, making it a unique income play on the TSX.

The turnaround

The REIT has been reshaping itself in recent years, selling non-core assets, reducing leverage, and focusing its portfolio on higher-quality properties and stable geographies. This repositioning has helped simplify the business and improve its financial footing. While the transition has taken time, the shift toward efficiency, stronger balance-sheet management, and more disciplined capital allocation has put the dividend stock on firmer ground. Now, it’s heading into the next stage of its growth strategy.

In its most recent earnings, NorthWest returned to profitability after being weighed down by higher interest costs and restructuring initiatives in earlier periods. The REIT reported improved net income and stronger same-property net operating income, showing that its core assets continue to perform well despite macro pressures. Cash flow also stabilized, supported by high occupancy and long-term rental contracts. This gave management confidence in maintaining its monthly distribution. With asset sales reducing debt and refinancing efforts pushing maturities forward, NorthWest created breathing room to continue operating steadily while strengthening its capital structure.

Looking ahead

The REIT also advanced several strategic initiatives. These include internalizing management and optimizing its global portfolio, which should drive long-term efficiency gains. Overall, the past year’s results showed meaningful progress, with operational improvements beginning to flow through to earnings, signalling a more stable foundation for dividend sustainability.

Today, NorthWest remains a solid long-term monthly dividend investment as it’s backed by one of the most stable tenant bases in real estate: healthcare. These are networks that sign long, inflation-protected leases and rarely vacate. Hospitals and medical clinics don’t relocate based on market cycles, which gives the REIT visibility on cash flow many other REITs simply can’t match. As interest rates ease and borrowing costs fall, refinancing becomes less restrictive and property valuations generally improve – all of which support future distribution stability. Meanwhile, even now investors can bring in a 6.8% dividend yield at writing, and here’s what that could return with a $7,000 investment on the TSX today.

COMPANYRECENT PRICENUMBER OF SHARESDIVIDENDANNUAL TOTAL PAYOUTFREQUENCYTOTAL INVESTMENT
NWH.UN$5.251333$0.36$479.88Monthly$6,998.25

Bottom line

Although the REIT faced challenges during the higher-rate environment, its recent operational progress and global healthcare exposure position it well for a multi-year recovery. For long-term investors seeking dependable monthly income with the potential for gradual upside as financial conditions normalize, NWH.UN offers a rare blend of defensive cash flow, international diversification, and essential-service real estate that can compound quietly over time.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks I’d Buy and Never Sell in an RRSP

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) stock and other proven dividend heavyweights to keep holding as a part of a top-notch RRSP income portfolio.

Read more »

Couple working on laptops at home and fist bumping
Dividend Stocks

1 Dividend Great I’d Buy Over Telus or BCE Stock Today

Explore the impact of regulations on BCE's and Telus's dividends. Here is a better dividend alternative for investors.

Read more »

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks for Canadian Investors to Hold Through Retirement

These companies have increased their dividends annually for decades.

Read more »

slow sloth in Costa Rica
Dividend Stocks

2 No-Brainer Dividend Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist

Cargojet and Spin Master are two dividend stocks built for long-term growth. Here's why Canadian investors should consider buying both…

Read more »

young adult uses credit card to shop online
Dividend Stocks

3 Stocks to Double Up on Right Now

These three top Canadian stocks could double your investment in the years to come with their strong fundamentals, reliable dividends,…

Read more »

Dog smiles with a big gold necklace
Dividend Stocks

This TSX Dividend Stock Is Down 50% and Built to Last a Lifetime

Pet Valu is down 50% from its peak, but this TSX dividend stock just raised its payout 8% and is…

Read more »

Map of Canada showing connectivity
Dividend Stocks

2 Brilliant Growth Stocks to Buy Now and Hold for the Long Term

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) and another fast grower that might be worth holding for decades.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

My 5 Favourite Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now

These five stocks all generate stable cash flow and offer attractive dividend yields, making them five of the best to…

Read more »