5 Reasons to Buy and Hold This Canadian Stock for Life

Altagas offers investors exposure to the stable and growing utilities business as well as the lucrative LNG business.

| More on:
Key Points
  • • Altagas delivered strong Q3 2025 results with 21% EBITDA growth to $1.4 billion, benefiting from diversified operations across defensive utilities (56% of EBITDA) and higher-growth midstream segments (44% of EBITDA).
  • • The company projects 8% EBITDA growth and 6% dividend growth for 2026, supported by expanding LNG opportunities, data center energy demand, and a sustainable 3% dividend yield with a 50% payout ratio.
  • 5 stocks our experts like better than Altagas

Altagas Ltd. (TSX:ALA) is one of Canada’s energy success stories. In fact, this Canadian stock has a history of strong performance, both from the perspective of capital appreciation and dividend payments. It represents a relatively low-risk way to gain exposure to the long-term trend of growing North American and global energy needs.

Without further ado, here are five reasons to buy and hold this Canadian stock for life.

woman checks off all the boxes

Source: Getty Images

Altagas – strong results

In the first nine months of 2025, Altagas’ earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased 21% to $1.4 billion. In the third quarter, cash from operations increased 62% to $34 million. The midstream segment accounted for 44% of total EBITDA, and the utilities segment accounted for approximately 56%.

These results are benefitting from continued strong demand in both segments, as well as Altagas’ continued expansion to meet this demand.

Diversification

Altagas operates in two segments – utilities and midstream. These segments each have their own growth and risk profiles, making Altagas stock a well-diversified, stable opportunity for investors.

The utilities segment is the ultra-defensive segment that benefits from regulated cash flows. This segment is positioned for strong long-term growth. This will continue to come from rate increases, new customers and population growth, as well as the expected boost in energy demand from data centres. In fact, analyst estimates are calling for data centre power demand to triple by 2030 and to be 10% of US power demand by the end of this decade.

LNG opportunity

The midstream segment is the higher growth one. The liquified natural gas opportunity remains strong, and is boosting the long-term outlook for Altagas’ midstream segment. Today, three Canadian LNG projects are now up and running, and Altagas has positioned itself well for this growth.

LNG growth is being driven by strong demand from Asia. Altagas continues to invest in new projects in order to take advantage of this growth. The company has a strong history of being on time and on budget, and these projects are working out similarly.

Altagas’ dividend

Altagas stock is currently yielding a very respectable 3%. This dividend is backed by the company’s strong, diversified business and healthy balance sheet. In the last five years, Altagas’ dividend has grown by 26.5% – or at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 5%. The company’s payout ratio is at 50%, and from a cash perspective it’s much lower.

Altagas is currently spending on new growth projects to meet the strong demand that it is seeing in both segments. This is a good thing as it will drive stronger dividend growth once these projects are up and running and delivering additional cash flows and earnings.

Outlook

Altagas’ 2026 guidance is looking robust. The company is guiding toward an 8% growth rate in EBITDA, a 6% growth rate in earnings per share (EPS), and a 6% growth rate in its dividend. Analyst expectations are calling for an even stronger EPS growth rate of 14% in 2027.

The bottom line

Altagas is on a very positive long-term growth trajectory. It’s supported by industry growth trends and by the company’s own strategic positioning over the last few years. Everything seems to be falling into place, positioning Altagas as a Canadian stock that will thrive in the long term.

Fool contributor Karen Thomas has a position in Altagas. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Energy Stocks

hand stacks coins
Energy Stocks

3 Ultra-High-Yield Energy Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold for 2026

These high-yield Canadian energy stocks could help investors generate strong passive income in 2026 and beyond.

Read more »

trading chart of brent crude oil prices
Energy Stocks

Oil Is Surging Again: 2 Canadian Stocks to Watch Closely

An oil spike can lift energy stocks fast, but the best plays aren’t always pure producers.

Read more »

A meter measures energy use.
Energy Stocks

Why This Boring, Reliable Utilities Stock Is Starting to Look Very Profitable

Fortis (TSX:FTS) stock looks like a steady, profitable grower to pay more attention to, especially if you like rising dividends.

Read more »

trading chart of brent crude oil prices
Energy Stocks

3 TSX Stocks to Buy Before the Next Oil Spike Hits

These three TSX energy names can turn a commodity rally into real cash flow, without needing perfect conditions.

Read more »

how to save money
Energy Stocks

2 TSX Stocks That Could Win Big From Oil Near $100

Oil near US$100 can supercharge cash flow, and these two TSX producers offer different ways to get leverage to that…

Read more »

Yellow caution tape attached to traffic cone
Energy Stocks

The Dangerous Reason Why Chasing High Dividend Yields Can Backfire

Although high-yield dividend stocks can look attractive on the surface, here's why focusing too much on yield can get you…

Read more »

Canadian energy stocks are rising with oil prices
Energy Stocks

The Dividend Stocks I’d Consider the Smartest Use of $5,000 Right Now

Suncor Energy (TSX:SU) could be a great bet for value investors seeking income and appreciation this year.

Read more »

woman gazes forward out window to future
Energy Stocks

1 Dividend Stock I’d Feel Confident Buying and Holding for a Decade

Here's why this dividend stock, which returns 75% of its free cash flow to investors, is one of the best…

Read more »