1.Canadian National Railway
CNR.TO (TSX)
Canadian National Railway (CNR.TO) stands out for its solid profitability and low operating ratio, making it a dependable choice for investors seeking steady dividend cash flow. With a dividend yield of 2.62% and recent analyst ratings of "Buy" from Citigroup and "Outperform" from CIBC, CNR is recognized as a strong long-term hold, especially for those who purchased shares below $130. Despite a 1-year return of -4.82% and a 5-year return of -5.28%, its financial health and consistent payouts position it as an attractive option for income-focused investors.
Pros:
- Solid profitability
- Low operating ratio
Cons:
- Recent underperformance
- Market competition
2.Power Corporation of Canada
POW.TO (TSX)
Power Corporation of Canada (POW.TO) stands out as a diversified financial holding company, showcasing impressive double-digit income growth alongside a solid dividend yield of 3.36%. With a remarkable one-year return of 73.82% and a five-year return of 144.07%, it positions itself as an attractive option for investors seeking reliable income and growth potential. However, investors should note the mixed signals from analysts, indicating a buy signal from the long-term moving average but a sell signal in the short term.
Pros:
- Diversified financial holding
- Double-digit income growth
Cons:
- Market volatility
- Dependence on financial markets
3.Bank of Nova Scotia
BNS.TO (TSX)
The Bank of Nova Scotia stands out as a top pick for dividend investors, boasting a robust yield of 4.37%. With impressive returns of 38.05% over the past year and 45.99% over five years, it's an attractive option for those seeking both reliable income and capital appreciation. Analysts maintain a neutral consensus, suggesting a positive outlook for the stock, which may continue to outperform in the near term.
Pros:
- Strong dividend yield
- Capital appreciation potential
Cons:
- Market sensitivity
- Economic downturn risks
4.SmartCentres REIT
SRU.UN (TSX)
SmartCentres REIT (SRU.UN) stands out as a highly rated investment option, boasting a dividend yield of 7.18% and a solid investment-grade status. This REIT is particularly appealing for income seekers, with 25% of its rental income sourced from Walmart, enhancing its stability and recession-resilience. With impressive 1-year and 5-year returns of 11.40% and 15.69%, respectively, SRU.UN is a strong choice for those looking to secure reliable income streams.
Pros:
- High dividend yield
- Investment-grade status
Cons:
- Market volatility risk
- Dependence on retail sector performance
5.Fortis
FTS.TO (TSX)
Fortis (FTS.TO) stands out as a robust utility investment, boasting a 52-year track record of dividend growth and a generous yield of 3.50%. With a long-term earnings growth rate of 4.29%, it has consistently met or exceeded earnings expectations, making it an attractive choice for passive income seekers. Though currently facing short-term market sentiment challenges, its oversold status presents a valuable opportunity for long-term investors looking for reliable income.
Pros:
- 52 years of dividend growth
- Strong cash flows
Cons:
- Lower yield compared to some peers
- Market sensitivity
6.Manulife Financial
MFC.TO (TSX)
Manulife Financial (MFC.TO) stands out with a solid dividend yield of 3.61%, reflecting its commitment to rewarding investors through consistent payouts. The company has demonstrated remarkable growth, achieving a 21.19% return over the past year and an impressive 113.59% over the last five years, driven by robust new business growth in Asia and the U.S. Analysts maintain a favorable outlook, with RBC Capital consistently rating it as an "Outperform," supported by its disciplined expense control and strong insurance margins.
Pros:
- Strong global growth
- Diverse product offerings
Cons:
- Market competition
- Regulatory challenges
7.TC Energy
TRP.TO (TSX)
TC Energy Corporation (TRP) stands out as a stable investment in energy infrastructure, with consistent quarterly dividends around C$3.40. Boasting a strong dividend yield of 4.50%, TRP has delivered impressive returns of 12.94% over the past year and 38.51% over five years, positioning it for growth as we approach 2026. Analysts regard it as a Moderate Buy, with a favorable price target suggesting a potential 13.01% increase from its current value of C$74.17.
Pros:
- Stable assets
- Positioned for growth
Cons:
- Market fluctuations
- Regulatory risks
8.Canadian Natural Resources
CNQ.TO (TSX)
Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ.TO) stands out as a strong contender in the energy sector, boasting a noteworthy dividend yield of 5.17% and a history of 23 consecutive years of dividend increases. Although the stock has faced a slight decline of 1.41% over the past year, it has impressively surged by 168.32% over the last five years, reflecting robust revenue growth and a solid performance in earnings per share, averaging a 16.79% increase annually.
Pros:
- Strong revenue growth
- Long history of dividend increases
Cons:
- Volatility in oil prices
- Dependence on energy market
Final Words
As you consider the best dividend stocks this January 2026, remember that evaluating options like SmartCentres REIT can enhance your investment strategy. Take time to compare different opportunities and conduct your own research to make informed decisions that align with your financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
SmartCentres REIT is considered a top investment due to its high dividend yield of 7.18% and investment-grade status, making it appealing for income seekers. Additionally, it has a solid performance record with a 1-year return of 11.40%.
SmartCentres REIT distributes dividends on a monthly basis. The next dividend payment is scheduled for January 15, 2026, at a rate of $0.1542 per share.
As of January 2026, SmartCentres REIT has a market capitalization of approximately $3.90 billion. This positions it as one of Canada's largest fully integrated REITs.
Investing in SmartCentres REIT carries risks typical of real estate investments, including market fluctuations and changes in occupancy rates. Additionally, its 3-year return of -5.30% highlights potential volatility.
SmartCentres REIT offers a competitive dividend yield and has a strong focus on enhancing its portfolio through an intensification program, which includes the development of mixed-use communities. Investors should compare its yield, occupancy rates, and growth potential with other dividend stocks.
The 10-year return for SmartCentres REIT is -8.94%, which indicates that while the REIT has had recent positive performance, it has faced challenges over a longer period. Investors should consider long-term trends alongside recent performance when evaluating this investment.


