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:
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.

golden sunset in crude oil refinery with pipeline system

Source: Getty Images

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

Retirees sip their morning coffee outside.
Dividend Stocks

Retiring? $1 Million Isn’t Enough Anymore

$1,000,000 invested in iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index Fund (TSX:XIU) doesn't provide enough income to retire on.

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Dividend Stocks

Got $10,000? This Dividend Stock Could Deliver $44.26 a Month in Passive Income

You can turn $10K into an easy $44.26/month passive-income stream with this rock-solid Canadian REIT that's raised its payout for…

Read more »

Printing canadian dollar bills on a print machine
Dividend Stocks

Transform Your TFSA Into a Cash-Creating Machine With $10,000

These two monthly dividend stocks can deliver stable, reliable passive income.

Read more »

shopper checks her receipt
Dividend Stocks

Canadians Are Spending More Carefully. This Retail Stock Is Built for It.

Here's a retailer that can keep growing even when consumers get cautious.

Read more »

man touches brain to show a good idea
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Way to Invest $10,000 in Your TFSA Right Now

Unlock tax-free dividend income in your self-directed investment portfolio by allocating a portion of your TFSA to hold these two…

Read more »

drinker sniffs wine in a glass
Dividend Stocks

Inflation Just Hit 2.4%: 3 Canadian Dividend Stocks Built to Hold Up

Investors will want to own companies that can survive even when costs rise.

Read more »

Woman in private jet airplane
Dividend Stocks

One TSX Dividend Stock That Might Have More Upside in 2026 Than Most People Expect

Discover how dividend cuts can impact stocks and why some companies slash dividends to strengthen their financial health.

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

5 TSX Dividend Stocks With Solid Yields Built for Steady Cash Flow in Any Market

These TSX dividend stocks have solid yields and backed by businesses that generate steady cash flow in any market.

Read more »