3 Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Want a low-maintenance dividend portfolio to generate passive income and earn steady price appreciation from? Check out these three solid dividend stocks.

Below are three dividend stocks to buy and hold forever. They’re all trading at good valuations. Therefore, if you have lots of cash on the side and want to start generating passive income, you can consider picking up some shares. Among the three, I find TC Energy (TSX:TRP)(NYSE:TRP) stock to be the most attractive today.

Fortis stock

After buying Fortis (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) stock at a reasonable valuation, investors can pretty much hold their shares forever. The stable dividend stock is unlikely to give you any surprises.

Rain or shine, Fortis stock has increased its dividend for 46 consecutive years. That will remain unchanged, as the regulated utility’s earnings are highly predictable, and its payout ratio is estimated to be 73% this year, which is reasonable for a utility of Fortis’s quality.

At about $52 per share at writing, the stock trades at about 20 times this year’s estimated earnings, which isn’t particularly expensive. However, if it retreats to $48 per share or lower by the end of the year, it’ll really start getting attractive.

Analysts have an average 12-month price target of $59.80 on the stock, which represents a decent 15% near-term upside potential. Let’s not forget that Fortis stock also provides a robust yield of close to 3.7%. Its dividend is set to increase real soon by about 6% by October, implying a forward yield of nearly 3.9%.

Open Text stock

The advent of the internet has led to an explosion of digital data. Analyzing and gaining insights from this data haven’t been more critical for enterprises. Open Text (TSX:OTEX)(NASDAQ:OTEX) provides the solutions to do so.

Open Text’s profits are highly predictable. It generates 78% of annual recurring revenue, while it sees further room to increase the percentage to approximately 81% in the next fiscal year. Importantly, management also aims to expand its margins. Its adjusted EBITDA margin was 36.9% in fiscal 2020, and it can expand it to about 39% in about three years.

Open Text is set for above-average growth among TSX stocks with its cloud revenue, recurring revenue, and M&A strategy. It has increased its dividend for seven years straight with a five-year dividend-growth rate of 15%. A low payout ratio and growing earnings allow it to continue growing its dividend at a good pace.

At about $57 per share at writing, the tech stock is reasonably valued with a 1.6% yield. Analysts’ average 12-month price target of the stock represents compelling 18% near-term upside potential in a proven stock.

TC Energy stock

TC Energy stock is another Canadian Dividend Aristocrat you can trust to get safe passive income. Its business performance has been resilient amid lower energy demand and COVID-19’s far and wide impacts to the economy.

In the first half of the year (H1), its revenues only declined 5%, comparable EBITDA marginally increased, and it raised its dividend by 8% against H1 2019. The earnings from its natural gas pipeline businesses and cost reductions have more than offset the earnings declines in its other segments.

TC Energy has increased its dividends for 19 years straight with a five-year dividend-growth rate of 9%. The stock is experiencing a dip, which is giving income-focused investors another chance to buy shares for a starting yield of close to 5.5%.

At $59.50 per share at writing, the dividend stock is undervalued with 12-month upside potential of 22%!

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 Kay Ng owns shares of TC Energy. The Motley Fool recommends FORTIS INC, Open Text, and OPEN TEXT CORP.

More on Dividend Stocks

Two senior friends playing beat tennis on sand tennis court
Dividend Stocks

2 Safer, High-Yield Dividend Stocks for Canadian Retirees

Given their solid underlying businesses, consistent dividend payouts, and higher yields, these two dividend stocks are ideal for retirees.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution for Long-Term Gains

These stocks have increased their dividends annually for decades.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

Use Your TFSA, Earn $145.58 Each Month in Tax-Free Income

Are you looking to create some more income but don't have the time? Use your TFSA and make some every…

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

2 Passive-Income Stocks to Watch in January

Check out BMO Equal Weight REITs Index (TSX:ZRE) and another intriguing passive-income play this month.

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Dividend Stocks

1 Magnificent Canadian Dividend Stock Down 39% to Buy and Hold for Decades

This stock is a magnificent dividend stock that can withstand crises, generate wealth, and give inflation-adjusted annual payouts is down…

Read more »

clock time
Dividend Stocks

Time to Buy: 1 Dividend Stock Offering a Huge Deal

This dividend stock might be down, but don't keep that from missing out on this major deal.

Read more »

oil and gas pipeline
Dividend Stocks

Canadian Pipeline Stocks: TC Energy vs. Enbridge

Investors seeking to stabilize cash flows in this volatile market can invest in these dividend-paying Canadian pipeline stocks.

Read more »

Person holding a smartphone with a stock chart on screen
Dividend Stocks

Outlook for Rogers Communications Stock in 2025

Rogers stock has been going through a tough time, but what does the future hold for this telecom giant?

Read more »