2 Canadian Dividend Stocks That Are Smart Buys for Capital Growth

Not all dividend stocks are slow movers, and these two Canadian giants show why growth can still be part of the story.

| More on:
Key Points
  • Dividend investing does not have to sacrifice growth when many strong Canadian businesses keep earnings and cash flows moving higher.
  • Power Corporation of Canada (TSX:POW) shows how diversified financial holdings can support steady dividends and long-term upside.
  • Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS) combines a high dividend yield with improving earnings momentum across key banking segments.

Dividend investing never needs to be an either-or choice between safety and growth. Many quality Canadian stocks manage to offer both, thanks to their diversified operations, solid growth fundamentals, and disciplined financial strategies. When earnings rise and cash flows stay healthy, dividends become more sustainable, and share prices often follow. This approach suits investors who want income today without sacrificing future returns.

In this article, I’ll spotlight two top Canadian dividend stocks to buy that balance passive income with capital growth.

dividends grow over time

Source: Getty Images

Power Corporation stock

To generate reliable income paired with long-term upside, Power Corporation of Canada (TSX:POW) offers an interesting starting point. This Montréal-based holding company has major interests in insurance, wealth management, and alternative investments. Its core holdings include Great-West Lifeco and IGM Financial, which give it exposure to retirement, asset management, and advisory businesses.

After jumping by 63% over the last year, POW stock trades around $73 per share, giving it a market capitalization of roughly $43 billion. At the current market price, it also offers an annualized dividend yield of about 5.6%.

Power Corporation’s recent stock performance has been backed by improving earnings across its operating companies. In the third quarter, the group’s net profit from continuing operations rose to $703 million, nearly double the level reported a year earlier. Stronger contributions from its insurance and wealth platforms also drove its adjusted net earnings higher in the latest quarter.

Meanwhile, Power Corporation’s adjusted net asset value climbed 19.5% in the first nine months of 2025 to $72.24 per share with the help of gains in its publicly traded holdings.

Over the long term, the company’s diversified mix of insurance, asset management, and alternative investments positions it well to benefit from aging demographics in Canada and rising demand for wealth solutions. That combination makes it a solid dividend stock with room for capital growth in the long run.

Scotiabank stock

Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS), or Scotiabank, is another top Canadian dividend stock that can add a layer of income stability and growth potential to your portfolio. As one of Canada’s largest banks, its operations include Canadian banking, international markets, wealth management, and capital markets.

Following a 30% rally in the last 12 months, BNS shares currently trade near $100 apiece, giving it a market cap of about $124 billion. The bank pays a quarterly dividend with an annualized yield of roughly 5.6%, which remains attractive for income-focused investors.

In the fourth quarter of its fiscal year 2026 (ended in October), Scotiabank’s net income climbed nearly 31% YoY (year-over-year) to $2.2 billion. This strong profitability growth was mainly supported by higher net interest income and stronger non-interest revenue. Improved margins, helped by lower funding costs, also played a role in boosting its earnings.

Looking ahead, Scotiabank’s focus on balance sheet strength, disciplined expense management, and continued growth momentum in its wealth and capital markets segments supports its dividend sustainability and future capital growth potential. That’s why, for investors seeking income with long-term upside, it remains one of the top Canadian dividend stocks to buy now and hold for years to come.

Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Bank of Nova Scotia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Bank Stocks

Top TSX Stocks

If I Could Only Buy and Hold a Single Stock, This Would Be It

Bank of Nova Scotia is a compelling buy-and-hold stock thanks to its stability, global reach, and reliable dividend income.

Read more »

ETF is short for exchange traded fund, a popular investment choice for Canadians
Bank Stocks

A Canadian Bank ETF Worth Buying With $1,000 and Never Selling

The Canadian Bank Dividend Index ETF (TSX:TBNK) stands out as a great bank ETF to buy and hold.

Read more »

The RRSP (Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plan) is a smart way to save and invest for the future
Stocks for Beginners

TFSA vs. RRSP: The Simple Rule Canadians Forget

A TFSA versus an RRSP isn’t a one-size-fits-all call, and choosing the wrong option can quietly cost you in taxes…

Read more »

a person looks out a window into a cityscape
Bank Stocks

TD Bank vs. RBC: Which Dividend Stock Looks Better Right Now?

Which bank is the better buy?

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Bank Stocks

CIBC Just Hit a Revenue Record — Here’s Why the Stock Still Looks Undervalued

CIBC (TSX:CM) stock's rally might have legs to take it above $150 this year, as the results look to continue…

Read more »

Piggy bank on a flying rocket
Bank Stocks

The Canadian Stock I’d Want in My Corner When Volatility Strikes

This Canadian bank stock could be the steady anchor your portfolio needs in volatile times.

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Bank Stocks

A High-Yield Dividend Stock That Could Be a Safer Choice for Canadian Retirees

TD Bank (TSX:TD) stock looks like a solid dividend buy for investors who need passive income and dividend growth.

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Bank Stocks

How Canadians Should Be Using Their TFSA Contribution Limit in 2026

If you’re planning your TFSA for 2026, these dividend-paying bank stocks look really attractive.

Read more »