3 Pandemic-Proof Dividend Stocks to Hold Forever

Utilities and grocery retailers have proven resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has boosted dividend stocks like Metro Inc. (TSX:MRU).

| More on:

Canadians stocks were in the throes of one of the worst market retreats in a decade in the month of March. At the time, I’d suggested that investors should retreat to defensive stocks. Nearly every sector has been impacted in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, companies that cover essential services have been able to provide stability for investors while also doing the heavy lifting on the ground. Today, I want to look at three dividend stocks that have proven to be pandemic proof.

Two dividend stocks in grocery retail

Grocery retailers have played a vital role during this crisis. These dividend stocks have offered stability for investors in the spring. Investors have been more willing to take on risk, which may have pushed defensive stocks out of favour. However, the economic consequences of the lockdowns are just beginning to reveal themselves. Foolish readers should brace for more volatility in the near term.

Loblaw (TSX:L) is the largest food retailer in Canada. Its shares have been practically static in 2020 as of close on May 21. This dividend stock has dropped 8.3% month over month in the face of a broader market rally. Loblaw released its first-quarter 2020 results on April 29.

Revenue increased 10.7% year over year to $11.8 billion. The company reported food retail same-store sales growth of 9.6% and drug retail same-store sales growth of 10.7%. Adjusted net earnings climbed 21.4% from the prior year to $352 million. Meanwhile, adjusted EBITDA rose 12.4% to $1.17 billion. Overall, it was a very strong quarter for the grocery retail giant.

Shares of Loblaw last had a price-to-earnings ratio of 22 and a price-to-book value of 2.1. This is in favourable territory relative to industry peers. It declared a quarterly dividend of $0.315 per share, representing a 1.9% yield.

Metro is a Montreal-based grocery retailer with a large footprint in the province of Quebec. The dividend stock has climbed 6.5% in 2020 so far. In its Q2 2020 report, Metro revealed sales growth of 7.8% to $3.98 billion. Food same-store sales increased 9.7% and pharmacy same-store sales were up 7.9%. Metro announced a quarterly distribution of $0.225 per share — up 12.5% from the prior year. This represents a modest 1.4% yield.

The ultimate utility on the TSX

Utilities have also provided essential services, as Canadians have been forced to retreat to their homes for the entire spring season so far. Fortis (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) is a St. John’s-based utility holding company. As far as dividend stocks go, this is an elite option on the TSX.

Shares of Fortis have dropped 5.2% in 2020 as of close on May 21. The stock has declined 13% over the past three months. This is a great opportunity for investors to add this utility at a discount. Fortis’s rate base is set to post strong growth on the back of its $18.8 billion five-year capital-expenditure plan. This plan has remained unchanged in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fortis last paid out a quarterly dividend of $0.4775 per share. This represents a 3.8% yield. Fortis has achieved dividend growth for over 45 consecutive years. This utility remains one of my top dividend stocks on the TSX.

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 Ambrose O'Callaghan owns shares of FORTIS INC.

More on Dividend Stocks

Map of Canada showing connectivity
Dividend Stocks

Trump’s Tariffs: 1 Canadian Stock to Dump and 1 to Buy Immediately

As Trump threatens tariffs on Canada, these are two top stocks to watch.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: 4 Canadian Stocks to Buy Now and Hold Forever

These top Canadian stocks could give a big boost to your hard-earned TFSA savings in the long run.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Prediction: These Could Be the Best-Performing Value Stocks Through 2030

Despite short-term challenges, these top Canadian value stocks could outperform the broader market by a wide margin in the coming…

Read more »

An investor uses a tablet
Dividend Stocks

Where Will BCE Stock Be in 5 Years?

Despite facing big short-term challenges, BCE stock’s strong market position, steady dividend, and long-term vision make it worth watching.

Read more »

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

Want Safe Dividend Income in 2025? Invest in the Following 3 Ultra-High-Yield Stocks!

The market is full of great income stocks, but this trio can provide growth potential and safe dividend income for…

Read more »

A meter measures energy use.
Dividend Stocks

Power Up Your Defences: Canadian Utility ETFs for Steady Income

It is time to power up your defence strategy to withstand market uncertainty around a looming trade war with Canadian…

Read more »

A train passes Morant's curve in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
Dividend Stocks

What to Know About Canadian Railway Stocks for 2025

The Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) isn't the only railroad stock in town.

Read more »

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

Top Canadian Stocks to Buy for Monthly Income

Looking for some stocks to buy for monthly income? Here's a pair of great stocks that can provide both income…

Read more »