3 Best Canadian Dividend Stocks to Buy Now and Hold Forever

Top TSX dividend stocks can provide predictable and regular income for a lifetime.

Growth from coins

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

Top dividend stocks can provide predictable and regular income for a lifetime. Moreover, dividend-paying companies can help you accumulate a significant amount of capital in the long run, thanks to their strong fundamentals, ability to grow earnings, and resilient cash flows. 

So, if you plan to invest in dividend stocks, take a look at these three Canadian Dividend Aristocrats, which I believe would help you generate a growing income for a lifetime. 

Fortis

Shares of the utility giant Fortis (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) are a must-have in your income portfolio. It generates its earnings from the rate-regulated utility assets that generate predictable and growing cash flows and support its higher dividend payments. 

Notably, Fortis has paid dividends for a very long period and increased the same in the last 47 years in a row. Thanks to its resilient cash flows and growing rate base, the company projects its future dividends to grow by about 6% annually through 2025. Fortis expects its rate base to increase by over $10 billion, which is expected to drive its high-quality earnings base, in turn, its dividend payouts.

Fortis’s resilient business model, robust balance sheet, and continued investments in renewable power, infrastructure, and acquisitions augur well for future growth. Currently, the utility company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.51 per share, translating into an annual dividend yield of 3.9%. 

TC Energy

TC Energy’s (TSX:TRP)(NYSE:TRP) low-risk business model and high-quality assets generate a significant amount of earnings and cash flows that support its higher dividend payments. It has paid and increased its dividends at an average annual rate of 7% in the past 21 years and remains on track to consistently hike it further in the future years. 

TC Energy generates about 95% of its adjusted EBITDA from the rate-regulated and contracted assets. Meanwhile, $20 billion secured capital program and robust development portfolio position its well to deliver robust cash flows and pay higher dividends.

It pays a quarterly dividend of $0.87 a share, reflecting an annual yield of about 6.0%. Further, TC Energy projects its dividends to increase by 5-7% in the coming years, implying that investors could continue to benefit from its higher dividend payments.

Enbridge 

Enbridge (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB) is known for its robust dividend payments. It has been paying dividends for over 65 years and has increased the same at an average annual rate of 10% in the past 26 years, which reflects the resilience of its cash flows. 

Enbridge’s diversified cash flows and contractual arrangements could continue to drive its distributable cash flow, in turn, its future dividends. Meanwhile, its strong secured capital program and recovery in mainline volumes provide a multi-year growth opportunity for Enbridge. Also, continued momentum in its base business is likely to support its higher dividend payments.

Enbridge expects its distributable cash flow to increase by 5-7% over the next three years, implying that its dividends could grow at a similar rate during the same period. Currently, the pipeline company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.84 a share, translating into a high yield of 7.4%. 

Final thoughts

These Canadian companies consistently generate strong cash flows and have the ability to increase their dividend payments in the future through continued investment in growth opportunities. Notably, a $75,500 investment (which is the cumulative Tax-Free Savings Account contribution limit in 2021) in these Dividend Aristocrats would generate a dividend income of $4,356/year.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Sneha Nahata has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Enbridge. The Motley Fool recommends FORTIS INC.

More on Dividend Stocks

growing plant shoots on stacked coins
Dividend Stocks

5 Dividend Stocks to Buy With Yields Upwards of 5%

These five companies all earn tonnes of cash flow, making them some of the best long-term dividend stocks you can…

Read more »

funds, money, nest egg
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Stocks to Start Building an Influx of Passive Income

A TFSA is the ideal registered account for passive income, as it doesn't weigh down your tax bill, and any…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

3 of the Safest Dividend Stocks in Canada

Royal Bank of Canada stock is one of the safest TSX dividend stocks to buy. So is CT REIT and…

Read more »

Growing plant shoots on coins
Dividend Stocks

1 of the Top Canadian Growth Stocks to Buy in February 2023

Many top Canadian growth stocks represent strong underlying businesses, healthy financials, and organic growth opportunities.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Wherever the Market Goes, I’m Buying These 3 TSX Stocks

Here are three TSX stocks that could outperform irrespective of the market direction.

Read more »

woman data analyze
Dividend Stocks

1 Oversold Dividend Stock (Yielding 6.5%) to Buy This Month

Here's why SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) is one top dividend stock that long-term investors should consider in this current market.

Read more »

IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT
Dividend Stocks

Better TFSA Buy: Enbridge Stock or Bank of Nova Scotia

Enbridge and Bank of Nova Scotia offer high yields for TFSA investors seeking passive income. Is one stock now undervalued?

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Stocks Just Became Canadian Dividend Aristocrats

These two top Canadian Dividend Aristocrats stocks are reliable companies with impressive long-term growth potential.

Read more »