1 Top Dividend Stock to Buy When the Economy Is Slowing

Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) is one of the top dividend stocks that perform better in a slowing economy.

| More on:

What stocks are best positioned to beat the market when the pressures on the economy are building up and the central bank is more likely to cut interest rates?

This is quite a common dilemma faced by many retail investors when the economy starts showing signs of weakness. In the latest report on the GDP growth, Statistics Canada said the nation’s economy shrank in February.

In Canada, investors have turned positive about the nation’s largest gas and electric utility stocks after the central bank hinted this year that it may not hike its interest rates in 2019 after five increases amid signs that the economy is slowing fast. When rates fall, bond-like utility stocks outperform due to their fixed rate of return.

In the utility space, Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) is one of the best-performing stocks. Let’s take a deeper look at the company’s business and the reasons that make its stock a top buy.

Diversified assets

St. John’s-based Fortis has a diversified asset base, providing electricity and gas to 3.2 million customers in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean countries. Its U.S. operations account for about 60% of its regulated earnings, while the rest comes from its Canadian and Caribbean operations.

What makes Fortis a great defensive stock is the company’s robust capital spending program and the projected dividend growth of 6% per year. Last year, Fortis’ net earnings rose to US$1.1 billion from US$963 million reported in 2017.

With more than $17-billion worth of projects in the pipeline, there is a good possibility that Fortis will continue to show strong earnings, especially when interest rates remain favorable to fund that growth.

Growing dividends

If you’re buying Fortis stock for income growth, it’s one of the best stocks among the Canadian utilities. With a 3.64% dividend yield and about 6% expected growth in its annual dividend payouts through 2023, Fortis holds strong appeal for income investors.

Between 2006 and 2019, Fortis’ annual distribution increased from $0.67 to $1.80 a share, a very impressive track record of rewarding investors.

During the past one year, Fortis’ stock has been a great performer, delivering more than double the return that the S&P/TSX Composite Index has produced. If interest rates decline going forward, it will further strengthen the case for utility stocks.

RBC Dominion Securities analyst Robert Kwan has recently raised his price target for Fortis, highlighting the reasons we discussed earlier. He raised his 12-month price target to $53 from $50, which equates to a forward price-to-earnings multiple of 19 times 2020 estimates.

Bottom line

Trading around $49.31 a share at the time of writing, Fortis stock has gained more than 14% during the past one year, trading close to the analysts’ 12-month price target. However, the company has a good pipeline of growth projects that will fuel further expansion in its earnings and payouts. 

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 Haris Anwar has no positions in the stocks mentioned in this report.

More on Dividend Stocks

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 35 in Canada

At age 35, it might not seem like you need to be thinking about your future cash flow. But ideally,…

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

How to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution in 2024

Here's how I would prioritize a $7,000 TFSA contribution for growth and income.

Read more »

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

CPP Pensioners: Watch for These Important Updates

The CPP is an excellent tool for retirees, but be sure to stay on top of important updates like these.

Read more »

Technology
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Dividend Stocks I’d Buy and Hold Forever

These TSX dividend stocks are likely to help TFSA investors earn steady and growing passive income for decades.

Read more »

four people hold happy emoji masks
Dividend Stocks

Love Dividend Growth? Check Out These 2 Income-Boosting Stocks

National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA) and another Canadian dividend-growth stock are looking like a bargain going into December 2024.

Read more »

An investor uses a tablet
Dividend Stocks

A Dividend Giant I’d Buy Over Enbridge Stock Right Now

Enbridge stock may seem like the best of the best in terms of dividends, but honestly this one is far…

Read more »

how to save money
Dividend Stocks

Got $1,000? The 3 Best Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now

If you're looking for some cash flow from your $1,000 investment, these are the ideal investments to make.

Read more »

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

A Dividend Giant I’d Buy Over BCE Stock Right Now

Don't get sucked in by BCE's 10% dividend -- the stock is a total yield trap. Buy this instead.

Read more »