Despite a relative run-up in evaluation multiples of utilities stocks, there are still pockets of value today I’d encourage investors to consider, particularly in Canada.
One such company, I think, presents excellent value for income-oriented investors is Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS). This utilities player is one which has proven to be one of the best long-term buy and hold stocks in the past decade. This is, in part, due to the company’s past track record of continuous annual dividend increases, one of the key investing theses for Fortis.
Fortis’ dividend increase history spanning nearly five decades makes this company among the greatest dividend growth companies in Canada.
While previous records of dividend increases do not necessarily dictate what the future holds, Fortis’ history as a dividend aristocrat makes it far less likely we’ll see anything in the way of a cut moving forward.
This history, combined with an incredibly stable business model, generating vast amounts of growing cash flows each and every year have propelled the company’s share price higher at a time when so many companies in this sector have been absolutely decimated.
As a stable defensive play or an income-generating retirement stock, Fortis truly fits the investment profile for a wide swath of investors. The company’s valuation multiple of approximately 12 times EBITDA is reasonable, and is relatively attractive given the price investors are likely to be willing to pay, should volatility pick up again.
Invest wisely, my friends.
