Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Enbridge vs TC Energy?

Enbridge and TC Energy are two highly regarded Canadian dividend stocks. But which stock is a better buy for 2026?

| More on:
golden sunset in crude oil refinery with pipeline system

Source: Getty Images

Key Points

  • Enbridge (ENB, ~$142B, ~5.9% yield) and TC Energy (TRP, ~$78B, ~4.5% yield) are large, highly contracted North American energy‑infrastructure dividend stocks with mid‑single‑digit growth profiles.
  • Enbridge is the preferred pick: larger, more diversified, slightly better leverage/valuation and higher yield, and it has modestly outperformed TC Energy recently.
  • Five stocks our experts like even better than Enbridge for 2026. 

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) and TC Energy (TSX:TRP) are both renowned Canadian dividend stocks and renowned energy infrastructure stocks. They are giants across North America. Enbridge has a market cap of $142 billion and a dividend yield of 5.9%. TC Energy has a market cap of $78 billion and a dividend of 4.5%.

While both operate similar infrastructure businesses, there are nuances to each. If you are wondering which one might be a better buy, here are some thoughts.

Enbridge: The North American energy behemoth

Enbridge remains the larger business, especially after TC Energy spun out its $14.5 billion Keystone Pipeline system into South Bow last year. Enbridge is the more diversified of the two stocks. It operates liquids pipelines, a gas transmission network, gas storage/distribution utilities, and renewable power assets.

The fact that it moves around 30% of the crude oil produced in North America indicates the scale of this company. 98% of its assets are cost-of-service or contracted. Its portfolio is further hedged by its diverse asset base and strong mix of high-quality counterparties.

For the first nine months of 2025, Enbridge saw adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) rise 9% to $14.7 billion. Earnings per share increased 10.3% to $2.34. In the third quarter, Enbridge affirmed its guidance for 9% EBITDA growth for the full year.

All around, 2025 was a strong year for Enbridge. The company just increased its dividend per share by 3%. That is its 31st consecutive annual dividend increase. The company envisions 5% EBITDA, and earnings per share and dividend per share growth in 2026 and 2027.

TC Energy: A natural gas infrastructure major

TC Energy is less diversified and more focused on natural gas infrastructure and power. In fact, it operates over 93,000 kilometres of gas pipelines across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Thirty percent of the natural gas consumed in North America is transported by TC’s infrastructure.

As a balance to its extensive gas network, it also generates 6,400 megawatts of nuclear power through its Bruce Power subsidiary. Around 98% of TC Energy’s annual EBITDA is regulated or on long-term take-or-pay contracts.

For the first nine months of 2025, EBITDA rose 7.5% to $8 billion. In the third quarter, TC Energy affirmed its intention to grow EBITDA by 7–9% in 2025. Likewise, it targets $12.6 billion to $13.1 billion of EBITDA by 2028, which would imply a 5–7% annual growth rate over the coming three-year period.

TC Energy has increased its dividend for 25 consecutive years and it is likely to raise that dividend by a modest 3–5% annually going forward.

So which dividend stock is a better buy?

Enbridge and TC Energy are parallel entities. Enbridge is larger and more diversified. TC is smaller, but more focused. Both have highly contracted income sources, and both are growing by a mid-single digit rate going forward.

Yet, I think Enbridge edges in front of TC Energy. While it has substantial amounts of debt, its debt ratios are just a little lower than TC Energy’s. Likewise, Enbridge trades at the slightest valuation discount to TC Energy. Enbridge has the higher dividend, and its stock has modestly outperformed TC Energy over the past five years.

For a steady dividend from utility-like companies, both are decent bets for income investors. However, Enbridge wins my pick if I had to choose one over the other.

Fool contributor Robin Brown 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

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

These Canadian Stocks Have Serious Growth Potential in 2026

These five stocks have reliable operations and tons of growth potential, making them some of the best to buy in…

Read more »

four people hold happy emoji masks
Dividend Stocks

Got $5,000? 5 Income Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

These income stocks have resilient payout history and are most likely to pay and increase their dividends in the years…

Read more »

top TSX stocks to buy
Dividend Stocks

1 Magnificent Canadian Dividend Stock Down 6% to Buy and Hold for Decades

This company has increased its dividend annually for more than three decades.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

The 1 Single Stock That I’d Hold Forever in a TFSA

Here is why this Canadian stock’s defensive business model makes it a compelling buy-and-hold investment for TFSA investors.

Read more »

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

3 Canadian Stocks With Ultra-Safe Dividend Yields

These three Canadian dividend stocks offer solid long-term growth potential, and all have payout ratios of 75% or below.

Read more »

a person watches stock market trades
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

Backed by strong underlying businesses, reliable dividend payouts, and healthy growth prospects, these three dividend stocks appear to be compelling…

Read more »

Piggy bank on a flying rocket
Dividend Stocks

Use a TFSA to Make $500 in Monthly Tax-Free Income

A 7% monthly TFSA payout sounds great, but the real question is whether the rent engine can keep it growing.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Got $14,000? Turn Your TFSA Into a Cash-Gushing Machine

Own high-dividend stocks such as QSR and Cenovus Energy in a TFSA to create a tax-free passive-income stream for life.

Read more »