1 Canadian Dividend Stock Down 44% to Buy and Hold Forever

A 4.9% yield, AI exposure, and steady cash flow make this Canadian dividend stock worth another look.

| More on:
Key Points
  • Open Text (TSX:OTEX) is using cloud growth and cash flow to support long-term value.
  • This dividend stock yields about 4.9% while trading far below its 52-week high.
  • Its Ireland investment, AI focus, and Vertica sale could sharpen its future growth prospects.

Buying a stock after it has fallen requires a different mindset than buying one that’s making new highs. Instead of chasing momentum, you’re actually asking a much harder question: has the market correctly priced the risks, or has it become too pessimistic about the company’s future?

That distinction matters because some stocks deserve lower valuations than they already have, while others continue making consistent financial progress even as investor sentiment deteriorates. Open Text (TSX:OTEX) falls into the second category in my opinion. The stock has spent the past year navigating slower technology spending and changing investor expectations, yet it continues to generate strong free cash flow, grow its cloud business, and return capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. That’s not what you’d expect from a business in decline.

Let’s look at why Open Text remains a top Canadian dividend stock I’d be comfortable buying after its recent pullback and holding for the long term.

A person's hand cupped open with a hologram of an AI chatbot above saying Hi, can I help you

Source: Getty Images

A top Canadian dividend stock with AI exposure

To give you a little background, Open Text is a Waterloo-based information management firm that provides software and services for global enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses, and governments. Its platform helps organizations manage content, cybersecurity, business networks, information technology operations, analytics, and the data needed for artificial intelligence (AI) workflows.

Although OTEX stock has gained nearly 5% over the last three months, it remains 44% below its 52-week high. As a result, it now trades at $31.39 per share and carries a market cap of $7.6 billion.

Open Text is one of the few Canadian technology stocks that combines enterprise software growth with a reliable dividend, as it currently yields about 4.9%.

Recent results point to durable demand

Note that Open Text reports its earnings in U.S. dollars, and its third-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended in March) results showed that demand for its services has not disappeared. The tech firm’s total quarterly revenue rose 2.2% year-over-year (YoY) to US$1.3 billion. Its cloud revenue jumped by 6.6% YoY to US$493 million, marking the company’s 21st consecutive quarter of organic cloud growth.

On the profitability side, Open Text delivered a strong 13% net profit margin and an adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margin of 34%. It generated US$355 million in operating cash flow and US$305 million in free cash flow during the quarter.

Why long-term investors may look past the dip

In addition to its strong financials, Open Text is also positioning itself around several long-term technology trends. The company plans to invest around US$120 million in Ireland over three years. Interestingly, these investments are linked to agentic AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and digital operations capabilities.

At the same time, its US$150 million divestiture of Vertica, a non-core structured data analytics platform, should help Open Text concentrate more capital and attention on its core businesses.

Given its large customer base, positive AI momentum, strong margins, meaningful free cash flow, and a nearly 5% dividend yield, I find this undervalued dividend stock really attractive to buy on the dip, especially for patient investors.

Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has positions in Open Text. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

alcohol
Dividend Stocks

This is the TFSA Balance You’ll Likely Need to Retire Comfortably in Canada

A $500,000 TFSA goal sounds big, but a simple, low-fee S&P 500 ETF like VFV can help compounding do the…

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Dividend Stocks

2 TSX Dividend Stocks I’d Hold for the Next Decade

These TSX dividend stocks consistently generate solid earnings, produce healthy cash flow, and reward shareholders year after year.

Read more »

Woman checking her computer and holding coffee cup
Dividend Stocks

What Is Going On With BCE’s Dividend?

After a 56% dividend cut in 2025, BCE’s 5.8% yield faces fresh pressure -- yet its AI data-centre pivot may…

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

How the Average TFSA Changes Across Canada

Boost your TFSA balance by aiming to max contributions and investing wisely for long-term growth.

Read more »

Piggy bank with word TFSA for tax-free savings accounts.
Dividend Stocks

The Average TFSA Balance for Canadians at 55

Canadians average $43,519 in their TFSA at 55, but unused room tops $57,000. Here's how dividend stocks like BMO can…

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

Today’s Perfect TFSA Stock: 5% Monthly Income

This top REIT continues to pay reliable monthly distributions to investors while being fundamentally solid. Here’s what to know.

Read more »

senior relaxes in hammock with e-book
Dividend Stocks

2 Canadian Dividend Stocks Perfect for Retirees

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) stands out as a magnificent retiree-friendly dividend payer.

Read more »

Man holds Canadian dollars in differing amounts
Dividend Stocks

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

Given their reliable business models, stable cash flows, and solid growth prospects, these five dividend stocks are excellent buys for…

Read more »