3 Dividend Stocks To Double Up On Right Now

The following dividend stocks may not be widely considered to be the top paying stocks in Canada, but they have plenty going for them â notably, very generous dividend yields and defensive businesses. Yet, these dividend stocks are undervalued and underappreciated.

What is a dividend yield?

A dividend yield is essentially the return that you receive due to a stockâs dividend. Itâs calculated by dividing the annual dividend payment by the companyâs stock price. Sometimes, the dividend yield is higher due to share price depreciation, and sometimes it’s higher due to the company paying a large portion of its earnings to shareholders. And sometimes itâs a bit of both.

In this article, Iâll discuss three of the best dividend stocks that I think you should consider adding to your portfolio.

Enbridge

As one of North Americaâs leading energy infrastructure companies, Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) has a lot going for it â 31 consecutive years of dividend growth, a low-risk business model, and a predictable and growing business that deals in essentials.

Enbridgeâs business includes energy infrastructure such as pipelines, utilities, and gas storage assets. A portion of its business is regulated and much of its unregulated business is protected under long-term contracts. Also, as a nice bonus, more than 80% of the companyâs earnings has built-in inflation protection. In summary, Enbridge is a defensive business that is predictable.

This translates into a dividend thatâs reliable. Yet, despite all of this, Enbridge stock continues to trade at an elevated dividend yield of 5.6%. making Enbridge one of the best dividend stocks to own today.

Northwest Healthcare Properties

Another dividend stock thatâs well-positioned in a highly defensive business is Northwest Healthcare Properties REIT (TSX:NWH.UN). Like Enbridge, Northwest is a dividend stock that is both high-yielding and defensive.

Today, the stock is yielding a generous 6.3%. Itâs a yield that is both high and well supported. Northwest Healthcare Properties is an owner and operator of healthcare properties. Its portfolio includes hospitals, outpatient and ambulatory care centres, and medical office buildings. These buildings are essential â the population is aging and demand for them will only increase.

Also, these assets are characterized by long leases and theyâre very sticky. The average weighted average lease expiry is currently 13.4 years. The occupancy rate is at 96.9%, and almost 85% of the leases are subject to rent indexation.

Northwestâs financials are improving, as the company has been selling non-core assets, paying down debt, and ultimately improving its cash flows. In turn, Northwestâs leverage and payout ratio are falling. In the latest quarter, its adjusted funds from operations increased 16% to $0.11 per share. This puts its payout ratio at 85%, compared to 99% in the same period last year.

Telus

Much has been said about Telus Corp. (TSX:T) and its move to halt dividend increases. Today, Telus stock is yielding an incredible 8.6% amidst its high debt burden and pressures on its mobile business.

But the company is taking action to address its debt burden and restore dividend growth. For example, certain divestitures and a plan to monetize the very successful Telus Health business will create an infusion of cash to the company, thereby allowing it to pay down some debt.

Telusâ business is defensive. We need the telecom giant as we head into an increasingly connected world. Telus will focus on its pure fibre connectivity as well as AI-powered home solutions and tech-enabled healthcare. Management released a very bullish three-year cash flow target â free cash flow growth at a minimum compound annual growth rate of 10%.

The bottom line

So what is a dividend yield? Ideally, it should be the guaranteed annual shareholder return.

Itâs true that on top of having high dividend yields, all of these dividend stocks have high debt loads. This is both a function of the industries that they operate in as well as some missteps. And this has led investors to doubt their dividend yields. However, I go back to all of these companiesâ strong, predictable cash flows and defensive businesses. In my view, this is what will get them out of the current difficulties, shore up their balance sheets, and continue to provide investors with reliable dividend income. This is what makes them some of the top dividend-paying stocks in Canada.

The post 3 Dividend Stocks to Double Up on Right Now appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Karen Thomas has positions in Enbridge, NorthWest Properties Real Estate Investment Trust, and TELUS. The Motley Fool recommends Enbridge, NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust, and TELUS. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.