Want a Recession-Proof Stock to Buy?

The market is full of risky investments Fortunately, here’s a recession-proof stock that should be core to any portfolio.

| More on:

How diversified is your portfolio? Adding one or more defensive stocks to your portfolio isn’t only a solid way to counter volatility. Buying a recession-proof stock, particularly the right ones, can lead to years of solid growth and income generation. This is especially true if you are new to investing.

One such example to consider is Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI).

What can a railroad realistically offer in 2021?

When we think about a railroad, images of long freight cars stretching into the horizon come to mind. Unfortunately, many of us associate that image with trying to get around the train, instead of what freight that train is hauling.

Canadian National is the largest railroad in Canada, hauling goods across a network that spans coast to coast and down through the U.S. Midwest to the gulf region. Access to the gulf coast is a unique factor that shouldn’t be summarily dismissed. Canadian National is the only railroad on the continent with direct access to three different coastlines.

So, Canadian National is huge. The railroad also hauls a lot of goods. Anything from automotive components, chemicals, crude oil, and grain to raw materials and finished products can be hauled. Collectively, the railroad hauls over $250 billion worth of goods each year to and from ports and storage warehouses across its vast network.

In other words, the necessity of the goods that they haul makes railroads some of the most defensive investments on the market. That’s just one reason why railroads such as Canadian National are often referred to as arterial veins of the North American economy.

This fact alone makes Canadian National an ideal recession-proof stock to add to your portfolio. But that’s not the only reason you should consider Canadian National.

Let’s talk growth: Is there still growth potential?

Canadian National recently tried to acquire one of its peer railroads, Kansas City Southern in a multi-billion-dollar deal. The deal raised concerns with the Surface Transportation Board (STB), which has been very anti-merger since a slew of mergers back in the 90s.

The proposed deal also raised concerns with investors who saw Canadian National as taking on too much debt in the deal. Needless to say, the deal never happened, and Canadian National can now move on to other initiatives.

One of those other initiatives to note is Canadian National’s dividend. The railroad currently offers a quarterly dividend that works out to a yield of 1.66%. While that may not sound like much, particularly when compared to other income stocks, Canadian National’s dividend is very appealing.

Specifically, the stock has provided investors with impressive annual dividend growth going back years. In short, buy it, hold it, and let it grow.

Time to bunker down with a recession-proof stock

While no stock is without risk, Canadian National really does shine as an investment during times of volatility. In case you haven’t noticed, both food and fuel prices are steadily creeping up. If the market does indeed tread towards a correction, placing a recession-proof stock like Canadian National (who could see a bump in revenue as a result) could be very helpful.

In my opinion, a small position in Canadian National should be a core holding in every well-diversified portfolio.

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 Demetris Afxentiou owns shares of Canadian National Railway. The Motley Fool recommends Canadian National Railway.

More on Dividend Stocks

Train cars pass over trestle bridge in the mountains
Dividend Stocks

Is CNR Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Can CNR stock continue its long-term outperformance into 2025 and beyond? Let's explore whether now is a good time to…

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

These top dividend stocks both offer attractive yields and trade off their highs, making them two of the best to…

Read more »

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 »