Monthly vs. Quarterly: The Dynamics of Dividend Payouts in Canada (2024)

Kay Ng

·3 min read

Monthly vs. Quarterly: The Dynamics of Dividend Payouts in Canada (1)

Written by Kay Ng at The Motley Fool Canada

Dividends may be paid out every month, quarter, half year, or year. Most Canadian dividend stocks pay out either monthly or quarterly.

Does it matter if you’re getting paid monthly or quarterly?

From a budgeting perspective, it’s helpful to earn monthly payouts, because many of our bills are monthly, and it’s just easier to plan our spending on a monthly basis than on a quarterly basis.

From an investment perspective, if you’re reinvesting dividends, all else equal, a monthly dividend stock would compound for higher returns than a quarterly dividend stock. That is because you’d receive the dividend amount and reinvest it sooner.

Focus on quality dividend stocks

Instead of targeting to own monthly dividend stocks, investors should focus on the business fundamentals and seek to own quality dividend stocks (no matter if they pay out monthly or quarterly).

ADVERTIsem*nT

Investors can look for monthly payers in Canadian real estate investment trusts (REITs). For example, CT REIT’s (TSX:CRT.UN) stock valuation has gone down from rising interest rates since 2022. At $13.82 per unit at writing, the retail REIT offers a good monthly cash distribution yield of 6.5%. A reversion to the mean could also drive price appreciation of approximately 24%.

Canadian Tire is CT REIT’s core tenant. 263 of 372 of CT REIT’s income-producing properties are locations of Canadian Tire stores. Although Canadian Tire’s business is somewhat sensitive to the economic cycle, it has remained sufficiently profitable in the last two recessions to maintain or increase its dividend. CT REIT last reported an industry-leading occupancy rate of 99.1%. Canadian Tire also maintains an investment-grade S&P credit rating of BBB.

Year to date, CT REIT increased its funds from operations (FFO) per unit by 3.8% and adjusted FFO (AFFO) per unit by 5.4%, resulting in FFO payout ratio of about 67% and AFFO payout ratio of about 73%. Both ratios indicate a sustainable monthly payout.

Notably, Canadian REITs pay out cash distributions that are like dividends but are taxed differently. In non-registered accounts, the return-of-capital portion of the distribution reduces the cost base. The return of capital is tax deferred until unitholders sell or their adjusted cost base turns negative.

REIT distributions can also contain other income, capital gains, and foreign non-business income. Other income and foreign non-business income are taxed at your marginal tax rate, while half of your capital gains are taxed at your marginal tax rate.

If you hold Canadian REITs inside tax-advantaged accounts like a Tax-Free Savings Account, Registered Retirement Savings Plan, Registered Disability Savings Plan, Registered Education Savings Plan, or First Home Savings Account, you won’t need to worry about the source of income other than foreign income which may have foreign withholding tax. When unsure of where best to hold REIT units, seek advice from a tax professional.

Investor takeaway

Although it’s convenient to earn monthly income to help pay the bills and budget, investors should make investment decisions for dividend stocks by researching the fundamentals of the underlying businesses. Whether a stock pays monthly or quarterly should not be a factor. Investors can project the annualized payout amount and ensure they have enough cash on hand for their spending needs.

The post Monthly vs. Quarterly: The Dynamics of Dividend Payouts in Canada appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Kay Ng 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.

2023

Monthly vs. Quarterly: The Dynamics of Dividend Payouts in Canada (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to receive dividends monthly or quarterly? ›

Additionally, monthly dividend payments can help smooth out income streams, providing a more consistent and predictable source of cash flow compared to quarterly payments. This can be particularly beneficial for retirees or those relying on investment income to meet their financial needs.

How often are dividends paid in Canada? ›

Dividends are often paid quarterly, but can be paid out on other frequencies (or even as a one-time payment, for special dividends). The amount received depends on the number of shares you own in that company.

What is the dividend cycle Canada? ›

Over the course of a year, there are three dividend cycles that occur. Companies that make their quarterly dividend payments in: January, April, July and October. February, May, August and November.

Do monthly dividends compound faster? ›

From an investment perspective, if you're reinvesting dividends, all else equal, a monthly dividend stock would compound for higher returns than a quarterly dividend stock. That is because you'd receive the dividend amount and reinvest it sooner.

Is it better to invest monthly or quarterly? ›

In theory, investing in stocks that pay dividends monthly versus quarterly could work in an investor's favor if they're able to compound their money faster. So not only could they benefit from more regular dividend income payments, they could also potentially see more income from those stocks over time.

Why is the agnc dividend so high? ›

The main reason is that the share price has declined over time to its most recent close at $9.81, so the yield has remained so high that dividend boosts are not needed. But an investor who purchased shares five years ago has had a total return (including dividends) of negative 2.32% over that five-year time frame.

What are the top 3 monthly dividend stocks in Canada? ›

Securities Mentioned in Article
Security NamePriceChange (%)
Lundin Mining Corp16.34 CAD-3.71
Pan American Silver Corp22.15 USD-2.16
Paramount Resources Ltd Class A32.09 CAD-1.62
Parex Resources Inc22.55 CAD-2.00
1 more row
May 1, 2024

How does dividend income work in Canada? ›

Are dividends included in taxable income in Canada? When a shareholder receives a dividend, they must include it in their tax return. Dividends are federal and provincial taxes. The tax component of qualified dividends is taxed at 15.0198 percent, while the tax portion of non-eligible dividends is taxed at 9.031%.

Is it better to take dividends or salary in Canada? ›

It really depends on your unique circ*mstances. If you're planning to apply for a home mortgage or loan, paying yourself a steady salary is the way to go. If you want to keep more cash in your corporation, paying yourself via dividends is the better option.

What are the new dividend rules in Canada? ›

Draft legislation introduces rules that will also prevent financial institutions from claiming this 'dividends received' deduction, for dividends received on shares that are mark-to-market properties (which are generally portfolio shareholdings), to be effective for dividends received after 2023; the 2023 federal Fall ...

What is the Canadian dividend growth strategy? ›

The strategy will invest in high-quality Canadian companies which pay a dividend, have a history of growing dividends, and are publicly traded. This strategy will be particularly advantageous in taxable accounts, where the Canadian dividend tax credit can be applied.

What are the deemed dividend rules in Canada? ›

Deemed dividend
  • increases its paid-up capital (other than by a stock dividend) by an amount that exceeds any increase in the corporation's net assets or any reduction in its net liabilities;
  • reduces its paid-up capital by an amount that is less than the amount paid by it on a reduction of the paid-up capital;
Feb 8, 2024

How to make $1,000 in dividends every month? ›

In a market that generates a 2% annual yield, you would need to invest $600,000 up front in order to reliably generate $12,000 per year (or $1,000 per month) in dividend payments.

How much to make $5,000 a month in dividends? ›

To generate $5,000 per month in dividends, you would need a portfolio value of approximately $1 million invested in stocks with an average dividend yield of 5%. For example, Johnson & Johnson stock currently yields 2.7% annually. $1 million invested would generate about $27,000 per year or $2,250 per month.

Are most dividends paid quarterly? ›

Dividends are typically issued quarterly but can also be disbursed monthly or annually. Distributions are announced in advance and determined by the company's board of directors. Companies pay dividends for a variety of reasons, most often to show their financial stability and to keep or attract investors.

Do you pay taxes on quarterly dividends? ›

Qualified dividends are taxed at 0%, 15% or 20% depending on taxable income and filing status. Nonqualified dividends are taxed as income at rates up to 37%. IRS form 1099-DIV helps taxpayers to accurately report dividend income.

Are monthly dividend stocks worth it? ›

Monthly dividend payers are especially important to retirees and others who are on a fixed budget or use their stock holdings as a source of income. Low commission rates start at $0 for U.S. listed stocks & ETFs*. Margin loan rates from 5.83% to 6.83%.

What is considered a good quarterly dividend? ›

Yields from 2% to 6% are generally considered to be a good dividend yield, but there are plenty of factors to consider when deciding if a stock's yield makes it a good investment. Your own investment goals should also play a big role in deciding what a good dividend yield is for you.

What are the benefits of quarterly dividends? ›

A dividend is typically a cash payout for investors made quarterly but sometimes annually. Stocks and mutual funds that distribute dividends are generally on sound financial ground, but not always. Stocks that pay dividends typically provide stability to a portfolio but may not outperform high-quality growth stocks.

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