Better Buy: Fortis Stock vs. TD Stock for Passive Income

Fortis and TD are top TSX dividend-growth stocks. Is one now oversold?

| More on:
data analyze research

Image source: Getty Images

Fortis (TSX:FTS) and TD (TSX:TD) are two of Canada’s top dividend stocks. The market correction has driven down the share prices of Fortis and TD from their 2022 highs, giving investors seeking reliable passive income a chance to buy these TSX stocks at undervalued prices. Is FTS stock or TD stock more attractive to buy right now for a retirement portfolio?

Fortis

Fortis trades for close to $55 per share at the time of writing compared to a high around $65 in 2022. The steep drop gives investors a chance to buy a leading dividend-growth stock at a big discount.

Fortis should be a good stock to buy and hold during a recession. The company has $64 billion in utility assets and a full 99% of the revenue comes from regulated businesses. Power generation, electricity transmission, and natural gas distribution operations are spread out across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. These provide the essential power and fuel that companies and households need, regardless of the state of the economy.

Fortis is working on a $22.3 billion capital program that is expected to drive the rate base considerably higher in the next five years. The resulting increase in revenue and cash flow should support management’s planned annual dividend growth of 4-6% through 2027. Fortis raised the dividend in each of the past 49 years, so there is good reason to believe the company will deliver on its targets.

The stock currently provides a 4.1% dividend yield.

TD Bank

TD trades for $86 at the time of writing. That’s down from more than $100 a year ago. The pullback occurred through most of 2022, as investors increasingly worried that the rate hikes by the Bank of Canada and the United States Federal Reserve would trigger an economic downturn that is worse than anticipated. Central banks are trying to get inflation under control.

TD stock actually bottomed out in the summer around $78 and rebounded as high as $92 in early December. Volatility could continue, as the economic impact of the aggressive rate hikes emerges.

Despite the headwinds, TD expects to deliver solid earnings growth in fiscal 2023. The 2022 results topped a strong year in 2021, so the market might be too negative on the company’s prospects.

TD is using the large cash hoard it built up during the pandemic to make two strategic acquisitions in the United States. The US$13.4 billion purchase of First Horizon will make TD a top-six retail bank in the American market. TD is also bolstering its capital markets operations with the US$1.3 billion purchase of Cowen, an investment bank.

TD raised its dividend by 13% for fiscal 2022. Another generous increase should be on the way in 2023 when the U.S. deals close. At the current level, the stock provides a 4.5% dividend yield.

Is one a better buy today?

Additional downside is certainly possible if the economic slump is worse than anticipated. That being said, both Fortis and TD appear oversold right now and should be solid picks for a buy-and-hold portfolio focused on passive income.

If you only buy one, I would probably make TD the first choice. The current yield is higher, and TD’s dividend growth could outpace Fortis in the next few years.

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.

The Motley Fool recommends Fortis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Fool contributor Andrew Walker has no position in any stock mentioned.

More on Investing

Dividend Stocks

Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now With $1,000

Investing in stocks is not about timing but consistency. If you have $1,000 to invest, these stocks offer an attractive…

Read more »

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

1 Way to Use a TFSA to Earn $250 Monthly Income

Here's one way long-term investors can utilize a Tax-Free Savings Account to generate $250 per month in passive income in…

Read more »

cloud computing
Dividend Stocks

Is Manulife Stock a Buy for its 3.5% Dividend Yield?

Manulife stock has been a long-time dividend winner, but the average has come down over the last few years. So…

Read more »

Person holds banknotes of Canadian dollars
Dividend Stocks

This 7.5% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Single Month

Monthly dividend income can be a saviour, but especially when it provides passive income like this!

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Investing

3 No-Brainer TSX Stocks Under $50

Amid buoyant markets and improving optimism, these three under-$50 Canadian stocks are poised to earn superior returns in the long…

Read more »

jar with coins and plant
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These TSX stocks still offer attractive dividend yields.

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

Oil Price Outlook for 2025, Plus Smart Energy Stocks

If you are looking to buy some energy stocks now or next year, it's essential to consider the oil price…

Read more »

Data center servers IT workers
Tech Stocks

2 Things to Know About Dye & Durham Stock Before You Buy

Dye & Durham stock has given some good returns to those who bought the dip. Is the stock still a…

Read more »