3 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Now for Passive Income

Their strong fundamentals, a high-quality earnings base, and good growth opportunities could continue to drive future dividends. 

If you are looking to add a new and growing passive income stream, I have shortlisted three top Canadian stocks that could consistently deliver regular and higher dividends. Thanks to their resilient cash flows, these companies have been paying dividends for a very long period. Furthermore, their strong fundamentals, high-quality earnings base, and good growth opportunities could continue to drive future dividends. 

Enbridge

Speaking of top income stocks, Enbridge (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB) pops up first. It has paid dividends for 66 years in a row and offers a high yield of over 7.1%. Also, it has increased its dividends at a pace (compound annual growth rate of 10% since 1995), the highest among its peers. 

Enbridge’s robust dividend payments are supported by its resilient business model and over 40 diverse cash flow streams. Furthermore, the continued momentum in its core business, improving energy outlook, and investments in growth initiatives suggest that Enbridge’s future dividends could continue to grow at a healthy pace. The energy infrastructure giant is projecting annual growth of about 5-7% in its distributable cash flow per share. Meanwhile, its dividends could rise at a similar rate in the coming years. 

The steady recovery in its mainline throughout, growth opportunities in the renewable and gas business, cost efficiencies, and a secured capital program are likely to expand its high-quality earnings base and drive future dividends.

Fortis

Fortis (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) is another must-have stock in an income portfolio. Fortis has uninterruptedly increased its dividends in the last 47 years. Further, the utility company expects its dividends to grow by a CAGR of 6% over the next five years. 

Fortis’ robust dividend payments are backed by its rate-regulated utility assets that generate stellar earnings and predictable cash flows. Its low-risk business and diversified and high-quality regulated utility assets are likely to drive its high-quality earnings base. Meanwhile, strategic acquisitions and expansion of its renewable power business are likely to bolster its growth.

Investors can rely on Fortis for stable dividend income as the company projects its rate base to increase at a CAGR of 6% or by $10 billion through 2025. It currently offers a decent yield of about 3.7%, which is very safe.

TC Energy 

TC Energy (TSX:TRP)(NYSE:TRP) is another top Canadian dividend stock that has delivered stellar returns and paid regular dividends in the past, thanks to its high-quality earnings and solid asset base. Notably, it has uninterruptedly paid and increased its dividends by 7% annually over the past 21 consecutive years, backed by continued growth in its cash flows. It currently offers a solid yield of about 5.7%. 

I believe the company could continue to grow its dividends at a decent pace in the coming quarters, as TC Energy derives most of its earnings from the diversified assets that are regulated and contracted. Furthermore, its asset utilization rate remains high, which is encouraging.

Meanwhile, TC Energy expects to increase its annual dividends by 5-7%. Its robust development portfolio, solid growth potential, and a $20 billion secured capital program are likely to boost its earnings and cash flows. Further, its sustainable payout ratio and solid comparable EBITDA suggest that its yield is very safe. 

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

Blocks conceptualizing the Registered Retirement Savings Plan
Dividend Stocks

CPP at 70: Is it Enough if Invested in an RRSP?

Even if you wait to take out CPP at 70, it's simply not going to cut it during retirement. Which…

Read more »

a person looks out a window into a cityscape
Dividend Stocks

1 Marvellous Canadian Dividend Stock Down 11% to Buy and Hold Immediately

Buying up this dividend stock while it's down isn't just a smart move, it could make you even more passive…

Read more »

happy woman throws cash
Dividend Stocks

Step Aside, Side Jobs! Earn Cash Every Month by Investing in These Stocks

Here are two of the best Canadian monthly dividend stocks you can consider buying in December 2024 and holding for…

Read more »

chip with the letters "AI" on it
Dividend Stocks

The Top Canadian AI Stocks to Buy for 2025

AI stocks are certainly strong companies, and there are steady gainers in Canada as well. But these three are the…

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These stocks pay attractive dividends for investors seeking passive income.

Read more »

ETF chart stocks
Dividend Stocks

Here Are My 2 Favourite ETFs for December

Two dividend-paying ETFs are ideal investments for their monthly dividends and medium-risk ratings.

Read more »

Canada Day fireworks over two Adirondack chairs on the wooden dock in Ontario, Canada
Dividend Stocks

Here’s How Much Canadians Age 65 Need to Retire

Do you want to retire but need to catch up? A dividend stock like this top choice is the perfect…

Read more »

bulb idea thinking
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

These three top stocks offer attractive and sustainable dividend yields, and they're undervalued, making them some of the best to…

Read more »