Enbridge vs Suncor: The Dividend Pick I’d Own Through 2026

By Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA at The Motley Fool Canada

The year 2026 is shaping up to be volatile for the energy sector. Soaring oil prices, geopolitical conflict, and rising uncertainty about how everything will eventually play out are common concerns. In the meantime, supply concerns have driven energy prices and stocks higher. But energy stocks like Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) and Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU) have taken out a lot of this volatility and strive to thrive in all commodity cycles.

This is an attractive proposition for investors. I like both of these names, but let’s take a closer look at which one is the better buy in 2026.

Enbridge

As one of Canada’s most stable and predictable energy stocks, Enbridge is a solid pick most years. In 2026, Enbridge is more reliable than ever. This shift was brought about by management’s decision to acquire US utility assets in search of greater reliability and predictability.

Today, Enbridge’s four core businesses include liquids pipelines, natural gas pipelines, gas utilities and storage, and renewable energy. Today, every energy market is experiencing strong demand, and this bodes well for Enbridge. Enbridge stock is benefitting from this in all of its businesses.

And this is reflected in Enbridge’s results and outlook. In the three years ended December 31, 2026, Enbridge’s adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) are expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8%. Furthermore, looking ahead, Enbridge is expecting to post a medium-term CAGR of 5% in its EBITDA, cash flow per share and earnings per share.

Enbridge stock has a 31-year history of annual dividend increases. It currently pays an annual dividend of $2.96 and is yielding a very generous 4.9%.

Suncor Energy

Another energy stock that has made efforts to reduce the volatility of its business and of its results is Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU). Suncor’s oil and gas business is comprised of a large network of downstream locations (refining) as well as an upstream segment (exploration and production). It’s also comprised of approximately 1,800 Petro Canada retail and wholesale locations across Canada.

This means that the company has exposure to different parts of the oil and gas value chain. In recent years, Suncor has tweaked and perfected this integrated business, driving value and productivity in equal parts.

In Suncor’s latest results, this reality has been an obvious highlight. Upstream production was the highest ever for any first quarter and the second-highest quarter ever. In the last three years, Suncor’s production increased 133,000 barrels per day (bpd). This was accomplished without any major acquisitions or projects – it was simply driven by structural improvements in the business and the value chain.

This has brought Suncor stock to new heights as well. In the last five years, Suncor stock has rallied 230% to the current $86.85, and it continues to trade close to all-time highs. Suncor stock also has a strong dividend history, and it’s currently yielding a respectable 2.8%.

The bottom line

While I like both of these energy stocks, I currently favour Enbridge for the fact that it’s the more predictable and defensive option. This, along with its superior dividend yield and many avenues of low-risk growth, leads me to favour Enbridge stock.

The post Enbridge vs Suncor: The Dividend Pick I’d Own Through 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Karen Thomas has positions in Enbridge. The Motley Fool recommends Enbridge. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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