Our top utilities are a better choice than bonds

Article Excerpt

Even though it looks like interest rates will rise over the next year or two, they will still be at historically low levels. We feel the best way to generate income (and capital gains!) is with high-quality utility stocks like Enbridge and Fortis instead of bonds. The extra cash flow from their new projects should continue to spur their dividends. ENBRIDGE INC. $49 is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol ENB; Income-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 2.0 billion; Market cap: $98.0 billion; Dividend yield: 6.8%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Highest; www.enbridge.com) operates pipelines pumping oil and natural gas from Western Canada east and to the U.S. It also distributes gas to 3.8 million consumers in Ontario and Quebec. With the March 2021 payment, Enbridge increased its quarterly dividend by 3.1%, to $0.835 a share from $0.81. The company’s new annual rate of $3.34 yields a high 6.8%. Enbridge entered into mediation with the State of Michigan in April over its Line…