2 Dividend Growth Stocks Look Like Standout Buys as the Market Keeps Surging

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) stock and another standout name to watch closely in the new year.

| More on:
Key Points
  • With the TSX rallying on banks, materials and energy, consider rotating into Canadian dividend growers like Enbridge and Barrick as defensive, income-oriented plays heading into 2026.
  • Enbridge offers a ~6% yield, recent dividend raise and pipeline growth that could boost cash flow, while Barrick (just over $60) trades near 13.1× forward P/E with a ~1.6% yield and upside from higher gold prices.

It has paid dividends to stay bullish on the Canadian stock market, with the TSX Index looking to add to its already impressive (and historic) 2025 gains. Undoubtedly, it’ll take a few big up days (around 3.5% to go) for the TSX Index to finish the year up 30%. A Santa Claus rally, if it’s in the cards this year, will probably do it.

Either way, the Canadian market’s comeback, led by strength in banking, materials, and energy, might have another year of solid results. So, whether you’re looking to rotate from U.S. names back to Canadian names, either for more momentum or lower valuations, consider the following two dividend growers, which, I think, are set up quite well as the year comes to a close.

Business success of growth metaverse finance and investment profit graph concept or development analysis progress chart on financial market achievement strategy background with increase hand diagram

Source: Getty Images

Enbridge

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) stock looks like a great pick up after underperforming the TSX Index, gaining just over 4% year to date. Undoubtedly, one had to think that shares of ENB were overdue to consolidate after last year’s impressive leg higher.

Now that the stock has gone sideways for quite some time (shares are pretty much where they were in the back half of January 2025), I think there’s an opportunity for value seekers to punch a ticket at a relatively attractive price of admission. Shares certainly do look like a better deal today than at their peak in September.

With a 6% dividend yield and a history of dividend hikes, even amid industry turmoil, I’m inclined to believe the pipeline juggernaut is worth more of a premium, especially as lower interest rates and yields across the board (can you believe some of the big banks are now yielding less than 4%?) become a bit harder to come by.

It’s not just relative yield scarcity that should have investors more upbeat on shares of ENB, though. The company sees more growth in the new year, as some of its new pipeline projects come online. Indeed, management sounded pretty confident about the prospects in the new year. With a recent dividend raise delivered only a few weeks ago and a potential cash flow growth spurt on the horizon, I’d argue ENB stock is one of the timelier dividend payers in the midstream energy space.

If you like predictable, growing cash flows and a shareholder friendly (arguably one of the friendliest) management team, it’s tough to overlook ENB stock after a relatively eventful year.

Barrick Mining

Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX) has gone parabolic, but it’s probably not too late to pick up a few shares, especially at just over $60 per share. Of course, the gold miners can be a far more volatile ride than the shiny yellow metal itself. And though physical bullion is the better way to go if you’re looking to reduce beta, I think the miners are a far higher-upside play on continued strength in the price of gold.

Undoubtedly, there are many macro factors at play that could drive even higher gold prices. Whether we’re talking about the eroding value of the U.S. dollar (the debasement trade) or continued central bank buying, I think the miners are one of those momentum stocks to stick with for the long run. With a solid 1.6% yield, potential to increase the payout as cash flows surge amid rising gold, and a modest 13.1 times forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple, ABX stock is a must-watch for 2026 in my books.

Fool contributor Joey Frenette has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Enbridge. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 TSX Dividend Stocks That Still Look Cheap Right Now

These three TSX dividend stocks look cheap for different reasons, but each has a plausible path to keeping payouts going.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

My Favourite Stock for Immediate Income Right Now Yields 5.2%

This Canadian company offers attractive yield and sustainable payout, making it my favourite stock for moderate income.

Read more »

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income
Dividend Stocks

How Splitting $30,000 Across 3 Stocks Could Generate $1,350 in Annual Passive Income

These three quality dividend stocks can deliver a healthy passive income of over $1,350 annually.

Read more »

woman stares at chocolate layer cake
Dividend Stocks

Why Smart Investors Are Eyeing These 3 Canadian Stocks Right Now

These three TSX picks offer real assets and clear catalysts, without needing a perfect market to work.

Read more »

Couple working on laptops at home and fist bumping
Dividend Stocks

The Canadian Stocks I’d Prioritize if I Had $5,000 to Invest Right Now

These two TSX stocks offer a good combo of growth and stable income, making them excellent picks to consider for…

Read more »

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income
Dividend Stocks

Today’s Perfect TFSA Stock: 6% Monthly Income

SmartCentres REIT stands out as the perfect TFSA stock for Canadians seeking reliable monthly income, and long‑term stability.

Read more »

A modern office building detail
Dividend Stocks

2 Canadian REITs That Look Worth Buying Right Now

SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) and another yield-rich, passive-income play are fit for Canadian value seekers.

Read more »

man gives stopping gesture
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks That Canadian Retirees May Want to Think Twice About Owning

If you have a long investment horizon and a portfolio geared for retirement planning, these two stocks are investments you…

Read more »