Our top dividend stocks for 2019

Article Excerpt

We’ve selected CIBC, Cisco Systems and Choice Properties REIT as our top dividend picks for 2019. All three stocks offer high yields, and will likely increase their dividends this year. What’s more, each trades at an attractive multiple to its projected earnings or cash flow. CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE $110 (Toronto symbol CM; Income-Growth Portfolio, Finance sector; Shares outstanding: 442.9 million; Market cap: $48.7 billion; Dividend yield: 4.9%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Highest; www.cibc.com) is the smallest of Canada’s big five banks, with assets of $597.1 billion. It last raised its quarterly dividend with the October 2018 payment. Investors now receive $1.36 a share, up 2.3% from $1.33. The new annual rate of $5.44 yields a high 4.9%. CIBC has paid dividends continuously since 1868, and has increased the payment each year since 2011. Cisco Systems’ focus on software and services will give it more cash for dividends Choice Properties REIT has room to increase its distribution rate Dividends accounted for 43.4% of CIBC’s earnings in the…