The Canadian fairness market is upbeat this yr, with the S&P/TSX Composite Index rising 4.7% amid stable quarterly performances and indicators of easing inflation. Nonetheless, analysts are projecting a world financial slowdown as a result of a chronic high-interest-rate surroundings. Apart from, the continued geopolitical tensions are a trigger for concern.

Given the unsure outlook, traders ought to look so as to add high quality dividend shares to strengthen their portfolios and earn a steady passive revenue. Additionally, dividend shares have traditionally outperformed the broader fairness markets. So, let’s assess Fortis (TSX:FTS) and Enbridge (TSX:ENB) to resolve which might be a greater purchase proper now.

Fortis

Fortis is a Canadian utility firm that serves round 3.5 million prospects throughout North America, assembly their electrical and pure fuel wants. Its low-risk utility enterprise and controlled belongings make its financials much less vulnerable to market volatility. Supported by its steady and predictable money flows, the corporate has raised its dividends for 50 consecutive years, making it one of many Canadian firms with longer dividend progress. Apart from, its common whole shareholder return for the final 20 years stands at 10.7%, outperforming the S&P/TSX Composite Index.

In the meantime, Fortis has deliberate to take a position round $25 billion from this yr to 2028, increasing its price base at an annualized price of 6.3% to $49.4 billion by 2028. Of those investments, the corporate has devoted 80% to smaller tasks and the remaining 20% to main capital tasks. Apart from, the utility firm has adopted a balanced strategy to fund these investments. It expects to generate 55% of its investments from the money generated from its operations, 11% from issuing extra shares, and 34% from debt. Pushed by these progress initiatives, Fortis’s administration expects to lift its dividend by 4 to six% yearly by means of 2028. 

Given Fortis’s capital-intensive enterprise, it has been beneath strain over the previous few months amid rising rates of interest. In comparison with its 52-week excessive, FTS inventory has misplaced round 13.5% of its worth. Amid the weak point, it trades at 16.7 occasions analysts’ projected earnings for the subsequent 4 quarters and affords a ahead dividend yield of 4.42%.

Enbridge

Enbridge is one other prime Canadian dividend inventory to have in your portfolio, given its constant dividend-paying document and excessive yield. The midstream power firm transports oil and pure fuel throughout North America. With round 98% of its adjusted EBITDA (earnings earlier than curiosity, tax, depreciation, and amortization) generated from long-term contracts, its financials are much less vulnerable to commodity worth fluctuations.

With its steady money flows, the corporate has paid dividends uninterruptedly for 69 years and has elevated its dividends for 29 earlier years at a CAGR (compound annual progress price) of 10%. Apart from, it affords a juicy ahead yield of seven.50%.

Additional, Enbridge not too long ago acquired East Ohio Fuel Firm and is engaged on finishing two different pure fuel utility asset buys in america. After finishing these acquisitions, Enbridge would turn out to be North America’s largest pure fuel utility firm, serving round seven million prospects. The elevated contribution from low-risk utility belongings may additional stabilize Enbridge’s financials.

The corporate can also be increasing its asset base and expects to place an extra $8 billion of belongings into service by the top of subsequent yr. Apart from, the corporate has strengthened its monetary place by reducing its debt-to-equity ratio to 4.1. So, given its wholesome progress prospects and stable monetary place, I imagine Enbridge is well-positioned to keep up its dividend progress. Additionally, its valuation seems cheap with an NTM (subsequent 12 months) price-to-earnings a number of of 17.5%.

Traders’ takeaway

Fortis and Enbridge supply glorious shopping for alternatives, given their stable underlying companies, stable monitor document of dividend progress, and wholesome progress prospects. Nonetheless, I’m extra bullish on Enbridge as a result of its excessive yield and growth initiatives.