2 Nearly Flawless Stocks to Buy If You Fear a Recession

Investors tend to panic during a recession or when it is coming. Some would sell at a loss or rebalance their portfolios every time. Invest in the Capital Power stock and TC Energy stock instead to calm your fear and rest easy.

| More on:
stock data

Image source: Getty Images

Economists say Canada has been in recession since May 2020 following two consecutive months of gross domestic product (GDP) decline (March and April). The good news is that the Canadian economy is recovering better than other advanced nations. Still, the abnormal recession today strikes fear among investors.

If you’re on a quest toward financial freedom or retirement, you must find appropriate assets with dividend stability because the businesses can mitigate risks. Capital Power (TSX:CPX) and TC Energy (TSX:TRP)(NYSE:TRP) are passive income machines. The companies’ attributes can weather economic downturns, even the deepest recessions.

Growth-oriented power generator

A leading wholesale power generator in Canada like Capital Power should attract risk-averse investors. The $4.13 billion company has 28 facilities across North America. Its power generation capacity of over 6,500 MW is mostly contracted. The end users are commercial, large industrial, government, and institutional customers.

The key takeaway for Capital Power is that a balanced portfolio of natural gas, Natural gas/coal dual-fuel, and renewables contribute to total revenue. Its exposure to coal is near-zero. Furthermore, the average economic life of the assets is 14%, where only 2% are due for retirement over the next decade.

This leading growth-oriented power producer should benefit from the electrification trend in Canada, especially renewable generation. Capital Power’s gas and renewables generation technology has doubled. For this reason, management projects adjusted EBITDA from renewables to increase from 27% last year to 34% in 2025. It’s achievable given the improving outlook in Alberta’s power market.

The dividends should be safe because cash flow is stable. Capital Power enters into secured fixed-price contracts, where currently, the average contract life is 10 years. If you were to initiate a position today, the share price is $38.49, and the dividend yield is a high 5.37%.

Rate regulated assets

TC Energy is not easy to pass up, even if the energy sector is a bit risky. The $58.52 billion company supplies more than 25% of North America’s daily consumption of natural gas. Hence, the business is enduring. Moreover, it boasts a strong portfolio of diversified assets, storage facilities and power generation plants.

The 57,500 miles long natural gas pipeline network TC Energy operates is one of North America’s largest. All of the energy infrastructure businesses (natural gas, nuclear, and wind) complement each other. The company has been serving its core geographies (Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.) for 65 years.

In early 2020, the company put about $5.9 billion worth of growth projects (new long-term contracted and rate-regulated assets) into service. This energy stock is for yield-hungry investors chasing after stable income. At $59.28 per share, TC Energy pays an eye-popping 5.87% dividend. The payouts should be safe since low-risk regulated cost-of-service businesses and long-term contracted energy infrastructure delivers uninterrupted cash flows.

Avoid loss-aversion tendency

A seasoned investor will always keep a cool head and maintain composure regardless of market fluctuations You could lose more if you tend to lean towards a loss-aversion strategy. The better approach to invest in near-flawless stocks like Capital Power and TC Energy. If you own one or both, you don’t need to rebalance your portfolio or leave the market when recession strikes.

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 Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

edit Woman in skates works on laptop
Dividend Stocks

3 No-Brainer Stocks to Buy Under $30

These three stocks all offer a huge deal for investors looking for dividends, as well as growth that will last.

Read more »

You Should Know This
Dividend Stocks

How to Convert a $300 Monthly Investment Into $338 in Monthly Income

If you want a certain amount in monthly passive income, invest a similar amount today and leave the rest to…

Read more »

Increasing yield
Dividend Stocks

3 Income Stocks With Big Yields to Consider in April 2024

If you haven’t yet made your March investments, here are three income stocks to buy the dip and lock in…

Read more »

Senior Man Sitting On Sofa At Home With Pet Labrador Dog
Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: Don’t Miss Out on This Contribution Hack!

This hack has so many benefits for you -- not just when you put it in your RRSP but for…

Read more »

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

Passive Income: 2 Safe Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years

Dividend stocks such as Manulife and Fortis can help you generate a stable and recurring passive-income stream.

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own for the Long Haul

For investors looking for top-tier dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term, here are three of my…

Read more »