Like it or not, retirement sneaks up on us faster than we think it will. If it’s fast approaching for you, I’ve got a way for you to create a generous retirement dividend income stream. Here are three dividend stocks to buy in support of your retirement hopes and dreams.
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Enbridge: A 7.24% dividend yield to help fund your retirement
As one of North America’s leading energy infrastructure companies, Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) has shown us the power of this business. Essentially, it’s a business that provides reliable, predictable, and growing cash flows over time. This is what makes Enbridge an ideal dividend stock. It’s also what makes it one of the stocks I’m recommending to create a healthy dividend income stream for retirement.
So, in order to help you gain more confidence in Enbridge, let me highlight the company’s dividend history. Enbridge stock has 28 years of annual dividend increases under its belt. During this time period, its annual dividend has grown at a CAGR of 7.25%, to the current $3.55 per share. Essentially, the dividend today is 1,320% higher than it was in 1995.
Looking ahead, I see more of the same for Enbridge stock and its dividend. This is because its business deals are long-term and contracted. In fact, 98% of Enbridge’s cash flow is contracted. Also, 95% of Enbridge’s customer base is investment grade. Lastly, 80% of Enbridge’s EBITDA is inflation-protected. And as Enbridge increasingly invests in renewable energy, the company is operating along the same principles, thereby ensuring staying power.
Fortis: Predictable and certain
As far as dividends go, we can say that nothing is technically certain. But Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS) is pretty close. Fortis is a $27 billion utility giant with a diverse geographic footprint and asset mix. Utilities are regulated. They’re predictable. And they’re an essential service. This is why Fortis’ dividend has also been so predictable and reliable.
You see, Fortis has a 49-year history of dividend growth. Also, in the last 28 years, Fortis’ dividend has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%, from $0.42 per share to the current $2.26 per share. It’s almost 440% higher today than it was back in 1995. The latest dividend increase was a 5.6% increase this year, and the company expects dividend growth in the range of +4% to +6% until 2027.
So, as you can see, Fortis’ business is really supportive of a dividend that we can rely on in our retirement.
Northwest Healthcare Properties: A dividend yield of over 10%
With a dividend yield of 10%, Northwest Healthcare Properties REIT (TSX:NWH.UN) certainly has the ability to power your retirement in a big way. But, of course, anytime we see a dividend yield that’s so high, we must also pay close attention to possible risks.
In Northwest Healthcare’s case, the risk lies in the company’s high debt-load. This is a real risk, but there are some mitigating factors that leave me comforted. Firstly, Northwest is the owner and operator of health care properties around the world, and this is a highly defensive business. Secondly, the company’s buildings are characterized by long-term tenancy, with a weighted average lease expiry of 14 years. Finally, Northwest Healthcare’s revenues are inflation-indexed.
So, we can see that this business is defensive in so many ways. This is what makes me comfortable owning the stock. In my view, the benefit of its 10%-plus dividend yield is greater than the downside risk. It’s a calculated risk I consider worth taking.
Motley Fool: The bottom line
In summary, these three dividend stocks can create a very attractive retirement income stream. Investing a total of $100,000 equally between these stocks would give you $7,223 in annual dividend income. This equates to $601 per month.
