2 Slam-Dunk Dividend Stocks to Buy Now for Passive Income

These stocks have increased their dividends annually for decades.

| More on:
Pile of Canadian dollar bills in various denominations

Source: Getty Images

Key Points

  • Income investors should consider stocks with long track records of dividend growth throughout the economic cycle.
  • Fortis raised its dividend in each of the past 51 years and intends to boost the payout steadily.
  • Enbridge has a large capital program on the go and continues to drive growth through acquisitions.

With the TSX continuing to hit new record highs, investors are wondering which top Canadian dividend stocks are still attractive to buy for a self-directed Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) focused on generating reliable and growing passive income.

Fortis

Fortis (TSX:FTS) trades near $70 per share at the time of writing. The stock is up about 18% in 2025 and is close to its 12-month high.

The Bank of Canada cut its target interest rate on September 17, and more reductions could be on the way in 2026 as the central bank switches its focus from fighting inflation to supporting the economy. This is the main reason the stock moved higher in recent weeks.

Utility stocks like Fortis use debt to fund part of their large development programs. Lower borrowing expenses can boost profits and increase cash available for distributions. Fortis is working on a $26 billion capital program that will increase the rate base from $39 billion in 2024 to $53 billion in 2029. An updated five-year projection is expected when Fortis provides its third-quarter (Q3) 2025 results.

Under the current investment schedule, Fortis expects cash flow from the new assets to support planned annual dividend increases of 4% to 6% over five years. Additional projects are under consideration that could extend the growth outlook. Fortis could potentially be an active player in Canada’s new plan to build a cross-country power grid. Fortis owns and operates electricity transmission assets and power generation facilities, along with natural gas distribution utilities.

Fortis raised the dividend in each of the past 51 years. Investors who buy FTS stock at the current level can get a dividend yield of 3.5%.

Enbridge

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) has increased its dividend annually for the past three decades. The stock has enjoyed a nice rally over the past year, but still offers a solid 5.4% dividend yield at the current price.

Enbridge is similar to Fortis in that it uses debt to fund growth initiatives. As such, the reduction in interest rates should be positive for the company. Enbridge continues to expand its portfolio through acquisitions and organic projects. The company spent US$14 billion in 2024 to buy three natural gas utilities in the United States. The deal made Enbridge the largest natural gas utility operator in North America.

In addition, Enbridge is working on a $32 billion capital program. As new assets are completed and go into service, the company expects to deliver steady growth in adjusted earnings and distributable cash flow that should enable the board to continue raising the dividend.

Alberta is pushing to get a new oil pipeline approved and built to connect producers to the northern coast of British Columbia as part of Canada’s goal of reducing its reliance on sales to the United States. Enbridge is a giant in the energy infrastructure industry and could potentially be a partner on the project.

The bottom line

Fortis and Enbridge pay good dividends that should continue to grow. If you have some cash to put to work in a portfolio focused on dividend income, these stocks deserve to be on your radar.

The Motley Fool recommends Enbridge and Fortis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Fool contributor Andrew Walker has no position in any stock mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

Colored pins on calendar showing a month
Dividend Stocks

3 Monthly Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Three monthly dividend stocks that provide consistent income, strong fundamentals, and long‑term potential for investors building passive cash flow.

Read more »

dividend stocks bring in passive income so investors can sit back and relax
Dividend Stocks

5 Canadian Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own

Let's dive into five of the top dividend stocks Canada has to offer, and why now may be an opportune…

Read more »

Investor reading the newspaper
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: What to Know About the New CRA Limit for 2026

Stashing your fresh $7,000 of 2026 TFSA room into a steady compounder like TD can turn new contribution room into…

Read more »

a person prepares to fight by taping their knuckles
Stocks for Beginners

3 Defensive Stocks That Could Thrive During Economic Uncertainty

Market volatility doesn’t disappear entirely. That’s why owning one or more defensive stocks is key.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend-Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold Through 2026

Are you looking for some dividend-growth stocks to add to your portfolio? Here are two great picks that every investor…

Read more »

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

3 Dividend Stocks to Help You Achieve Financial Freedom

These three quality dividend stocks can help you achieve financial freedom.

Read more »

senior man and woman stretch their legs on yoga mats outside
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: How to Earn Safe Dividends With Just $20,000

Here's what to look for to earn safe dividends for passive income.

Read more »

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

Buy Canadian With 1 TSX Stock Set to Boom in 2026 Global Markets

Canadian National could be a 2026 outperformer because it has a moat-like network, improving efficiency, and a valuation that isn’t…

Read more »