Enbridge: Buy, Sell, or Hold in 2026?

Enbridge stock is a divisive pick among investors. Here’s a look at whether investors should buy, sell, or hold in 2026.

| More on:
Key Points
  • Enbridge’s diversified pipelines, gas utility, and renewables generate stable, regulated cash flows that support a ~6% dividend with 31 consecutive annual increases.
  • Its scale and defensiveness (transporting about one-third of North American crude and one-fifth of U.S. gas) plus a large project backlog make it a solid hold for reliable, growing income.
  • Growth-focused investors may opt to sell, as ENB’s recent returns trail the market and its capital‑intensive, debt‑reliant model is pressured by higher interest rates.

There are few if any stocks that resonate with investors as much as Enbridge (TSX:ENB). The energy behemoth boasts significant appeal in some areas but lacks in others. This has led to many questions as to whether the stock is a buy, sell, or hold in 2026.

Let’s try to answer that buy, sell, or hold in 2026 question by outlining a case for each.

man looks worried about something on his phone

Source: Getty Images

The case to buy

Enbridge is one of the most widely held stocks in Canada, and for good reason. The company offers a diversified line of business segments that generate ample revenue for Enbridge to reinvest back into the business and pay a handsome dividend.

The main driver is Enbridge’s lucrative pipeline business. The pipeline operation, which serves both natural gas and crude, hauls massive amounts of both each day.

Further to that, Enbridge operates a growing renewable energy business. That segment comprises approximately 40 assets located in North America and Europe. Renewable energy assets generate a recurring revenue stream that is backed by regulated contracts.

Finally, Enbridge also operates one of the largest natural gas utilities in North America. That segment boasts millions of customers and a similar regulated contract appeal.

The end result across all segments is the same. Enbridge generates ample revenue that is used to invest in growth initiatives and pay its dividend.

That dividend is the real driver in the decision to buy, sell, or hold in 2026. As of the time of writing, Enbridge offers a compelling 6% yield. This makes it one of the better-paying dividends on the market.

Enbridge has provided annual upticks to that dividend for 31 consecutive years without fail. That factor alone makes it a solid addition to any portfolio.

Prospective investors considering the buy, sell, or hold in 2026 question should factor in one last key differentiator.

None of those segments are directly tied to the volatile price of oil.

The case to hold

Investors not looking to buy, but still searching for an answer to the buy, sell, or hold in 2026 question, may want to consider holding.

Enbridge’s well-diversified business segments generate ample revenue. The company also boasts a multi-billion-dollar backlog of projects to increase that revenue stream further.

And those segments are incredibly defensive. The pipeline segment alone offers an almost unheard-of defensive moat thanks to the sheer volumes it transports.

Specifically, Enbridge transports approximately one-third of all North American-produced crude and one-fifth of the natural gas needs of the U.S. market.

Factoring in the reliable, regulated revenue stream from its renewable energy and utility segments adds more fuel to the overall defensive appeal of Enbridge.

More importantly, it positions Enbridge in a unique niche between pipeline operator and utility. That comes with unique advantages that warrant investors contemplating whether to buy, sell, or hold in 2026.

Sometimes the best option is to do nothing at all. Investors who go this route will continue to earn that strong, well-covered (and still growing) dividend.

The case to sell

Sometimes, a steady dividend and a defensive business aren’t enough. Investors seeking strong capital appreciation may be drawn to other parts of the market.

That’s especially true, seeing the trailing broader12-month return of the market was 33%, while Enbridge managed a modest 3% bump.

Adding to that anemic boost during a bull year is the capital-intensive nature of Enbridge’s business.

Building renewable energy assets, pipelines, and storage facilities is an expensive business. One that is particularly reliant on taking out debt. As interest rates remain stubbornly higher than historic levels, this draws on Enbridge’s profits and, by extension, growth potential.

In other words, there could be better options with stronger growth potential on the market right now.

Will you buy, sell, or hold in 2026?

Investors seeking reliable income, inflation‑resistant cash flows, and long‑term stability can justify buying Enbridge, even if that growth is modest.

Existing investors, unsure of whether to sell, can opt to hold Enbridge and still benefit from its reliable income generation.

Finally, investors who seek higher growth instead of income generation can sell Enbridge while the stock still trades well above its 52-week low.

Fool contributor Demetris Afxentiou has positions in Enbridge. The Motley Fool recommends Enbridge. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Top TSX Stocks

A close up color image of a small green plant sprouting out of a pile of Canadian dollar coins "loonies."
Dividend Stocks

Take Full Advantage of Your TFSA With These Dividend Stars

Build tax‑free income with top TFSA dividend stocks like Enbridge, Scotiabank, and Fortis for long‑term stability and growth.

Read more »

A worker uses a double monitor computer screen in an office.
Top TSX Stocks

Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now With $3,000

A $3,000 capital investment can buy the top Canadian stocks and create a mini-portfolio in 2026.

Read more »

diversification and asset allocation are crucial investing concepts
Dividend Stocks

Why Boring Utility Stocks Are Suddenly Looking Very Attractive

Utility stocks are often seen as boring and lacking growth, but shifting market conditions are making them surprisingly attractive for…

Read more »

Pile of Canadian dollar bills in various denominations
Top TSX Stocks

2 TSX Stocks Under $50 With Serious Upside Potential

Some of the best TSX stocks trade under $50 and offer long-term growth potential. Here are two for investors to…

Read more »

a man relaxes with his feet on a pile of books
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Average $2400 Per Year in Tax-Free Passive Income

Income-seeking investors should consider these picks to build a tax-free passive portfolio with some of the best Canadian dividend stocks…

Read more »

Person holding a smartphone with a stock chart on screen
Dividend Stocks

Should You Buy Telus Stock at $18?

Telus stock is trading at $18, raising questions about its dividend, valuation, and long‑term upside for Canadian investors.

Read more »

hand stacking money coins
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: How Much Do You Need to Invest to Make $1,000 Per Month?

Want to generate passive income? Learn how three top Canadian dividend stocks can help you generate $1,000 per month.

Read more »

Board Game, Chess, Chess Board, Chess Piece, Hand
Dividend Stocks

My 3-Stock TFSA Game Plan for 2026

Build a simple, high‑conviction TFSA portfolio for 2026 with three Canadian stocks offering stability, income, and long‑term compounding potential.

Read more »