3 Reasons This High 6% Dividend Yielding Stock Is a Great Buy And Hold

Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) is living up to its reputation as the first-rate and top-notch utility stock on the TSX. Signs are emerging that FTS will be among the best stock performers in 2019.

| More on:

The shares of Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) have never been this strong from a year ago. Old-time investors in this Canadian-based electricity and gas producer and distributor have tasted superior growth returns. FTS is currently doing well, but the best is yet to come in the quarters ahead.

Utility stocks don’t usually land at the top of an investor’s buy list except for a few names. And Fortis is a utility stock that conservative investors regard highly. The company is stable with a good track record of dividend payments, and there’s a limited downside.

Let us isolate each attribute mentioned above and show cause as to why FTS looks headed to be elevated to the higher echelon of the TSX in 2019.

Stability

Without question, the company name is stability personified. Fortis has withstood every litmus test that came about since ever since the holding company was created in 1987. Fortis is not only among the top 15 utility companies in North America, but is also the industry pillar.

Last year was another solid year. President and Chief Executive Officer Barry Perry fitly summed up 2018’s performance, “After considerable acquisition-driven growth in recent years, Fortis is a premier North American utility forging ahead with excellence in operations, sustainability and financial performance.”

On a full-year basis, Fortis’ net earnings attributable to common equity shareholders for 2018 stood as US$1,100 million versus the US$963 million reported in 2017.  The regulated and non-regulated businesses contributed to the spike in annual earnings. Earnings were muted due to the impact of the U.S. tax reform.

The good thing is that this attribute is just one-third of Fortis’ viability as an investment prospect.

Lucrative dividends

Many investors can’t do without this Canadian utility stock. Exceptional returns are not promised, but served on a silver platter. That has been a time-honoured practice for the last 45 years. Fortis is no hard sell given the track record of increasing dividends for almost five decades.

The company timed the launching of its most ambitious utility capital expenditure plan worth $17.3 billion in 2018, which would cover the period from 2019 to 2023. Thereupon, the annual average dividend growth planned through 2023 would be 6.0%. Thus, investors would be compensated with lucrative dividends.

Growth opportunities

Apart from stability fueled by dividend increases, the third attribute are the growth opportunities in the horizon. Fortis is aggressive when it comes to expansion and diversification. However, the company is adept in prudently managing resources.

Fortis is up to speed in capitalizing on investment opportunities in infrastructure, renewable power, and strategic acquisitions. This mastery of the industry ensures earnings growth in the ten utility operations spread out in Canada, the U.S., and Caribbean regions.

All-weather stock 

There’s no way your investible fund would wither or perish on an unshakable company. Power up your stock portfolio now and pick up Fortis at $36.68. Some analysts smell a rally and a price tag of $45.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

A data center engineer works on a laptop at a server farm.
Tech Stocks

3 No-Brainer Data Centre Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

Data centres are going to be a huge growth opportunity in the next decade. And these are the top buys.

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Bank Stocks

1 Magnificent Canadian Dividend Stock Down 28% to Buy and Hold for Decades

This top Canadian dividend stock is underperforming its large peers this year, but a turnaround could be on the horizon.

Read more »

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

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution

The TFSA is attractive for investors who want to generate tax-free passive income.

Read more »

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

TFSA Investors: 3 Dividend Stocks Worth Holding Forever

These TSX stocks have the potential to grow their dividends over the next decade, making them top investments for TFSA…

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Investing

Secure a Wealthy Future With These 3 Canadian Stocks

These Canadian stocks have the potential to appreciate substantially over time and may also enhance returns through dividend payments.

Read more »

Tractor spraying a field of wheat
Dividend Stocks

Is Nutrien Stock a Buy for its Dividend Yield?

Nutrien is down more than 50% form the 2022 highs. Is NTR stock now oversold?

Read more »

analyze data
Investing

3 Blue-Chip Stocks Every Canadian Should Own

These blue-chip stocks are backed by large-cap companies with well-established businesses, solid fundamentals, and a growing earnings base.

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Stocks for Beginners

The Smartest Growth Stock to Buy With $2,000 Right Now

Do you have $2,000 to invest for the long term? These three TSX stocks have and will continue to deliver…

Read more »