TSX stocks are trading on a mixed note in September 2021. Investors’ concerns about slowing economic growth amid rising Delta variant cases are affecting investors’ sentiments. Investing in dividend stocks for the long term could be the safest strategy to set aside short-term market sell-off or correction worries right now. In this article, I’ll highlight four of the best Canadian dividend stocks that long-term investors can buy today.
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BCE stock
BCE (TSX: BCE)(NYSE: BCE) is the largest Canadian communications company with a market cap of about $60.6 billion. Its stock has been trading on a positive note for the last eight months in a row. The company’s resilient business model, solid profitability, and impressive dividend yield of 5.2% make it one of my favourite Canadian dividend stocks to own right now.
The COVID-19-related headwinds affected BCE’s bottom line last year, as its adjusted earnings in 2020 fell by nearly 14% from the previous year. Despite the pandemic woes, BCE increased its dividend by about 5% in 2020 to $3.33 per share. Reopening economies and businesses and easing restrictions are helping its business recover faster than expected this year.
Enbridge stock
Enbridge (TSX: ENB)(NYSE: ENB) is the Canadian energy sector gem that rewards its investors with solid dividends. It currently has a notable dividend yield of 6.5%, as its stock trades at $51.28 per share. Despite COVID challenges, ENB raised its dividend per share by 9.8% last year. The company owns high-class energy infrastructure assets across North America. Its decades-long track record of consistent earnings and dividend growth makes it one of the best Canadian dividend stocks to own today.
Earlier this week, Enbridge acquired Moda Midstream Operating LLC — one of the key North American crude export facilities for US$3 billion. The deal is likely to significantly improve Enbridge’s competitive position in the oil export market and accelerate its financial growth further.
Hydro One stock
Hydro One (TSX: H) is my third recommendation for dividend investors right now. It’s Ontario’s largest electricity provider — with assets worth about $30.3 billion. Its dividend yield of about 3.4% might not look very impressive to many. Nonetheless, the company’s stable and transparent business model and strong balance sheet make it a part of my list of top TSX dividend stocks to buy right now.
In the first half of 2021, Hydro One’s earnings growth has remained strong. This consistent earnings growth along with higher revenues are likely to help the company expand its margins further in the coming quarters. Hydro One stock is trading at $31.72 per share at the time of writing with 11% year-to-date gains.
Canadian Natural Resources stock
Canadian Natural Resources (TSX: CNQ)(NYSE: CNQ) is another attractive TSX dividend stock from the energy sector. This well-known energy company is one of the largest Canadian natural gas and heavy crude oil producers.
CNQ stock currently has a dividend yield of around 4.4% at the current market price of $42.75 per share. But, more importantly, its track record of dividend growth has been outstanding. In five years between 2015 to 2020, the company’s dividend per share rose by nearly 85%. Overall, its diversified energy sector portfolio, quality assets, and stellar dividend and earnings-growth track record make Canadian Natural one of the best Canadian dividend stocks to buy.
