Want Decades of Passive Income? 2 Stocks to Buy Now and Hold Forever

These two dividend stocks offer everything you need: passive income that’s risen every year for over 27 years and consistency from essential industries.

| More on:
Start line on the highway

Source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Creating decades of passive income through investing might sound like a far-off dream, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable. No magic wand is needed. The key is consistency, patience, and a laser focus on quality investments that provide steady dividends and long-term growth. The beauty of this strategy is that it doesn’t require constant tinkering. It’s about setting the wheels in motion, letting time do its work, and enjoying the rewards along the way. So, let’s look at two solid options.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Canadian National Railway + Fortis PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.ca

CNR stock

Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) might not seem glamorous, but it’s absolutely essential to the North American economy. This is a passive-income stock that literally keeps goods moving, from grain and lumber to oil and consumer products. Without CNR’s sprawling rail network, supply chains across Canada and the United States would grind to a halt. That kind of essential role gives it a unique stability, even in uncertain times.

In its most recent third-quarter (Q3) 2024 earnings, CNR reported revenue of $4.46 billion, up from $4.34 billion the year before. Plus, it reported earnings per share (EPS) of $2.05, beating expectations of $2.01. The numbers might seem small. Yet, for a company of CNR’s size and scale, that steady performance is a testament to its operational efficiency and long-term focus.

The real magic of Canadian National Railway is in its dividend. For 27 consecutive years, the passive-income stock has increased its dividend payouts, a streak that shows no signs of stopping. Its current yield might sit around 2%, but the beauty lies in its growth potential. As CNR’s business expands and it improves efficiencies, those dividends grow right alongside its profits. And while 2% might seem modest now, compounding turns it into something much more significant over time. Combine that with steady capital appreciation, and you’ve got a stock that doesn’t just keep up with inflation but outpaces it.

Fortis stock

On the other side of the coin is Fortis (TSX:FTS), a regulated utility giant that delivers energy to millions of customers across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. Utilities might not make headlines, but these are some of the most reliable passive income-generating businesses out there. People need electricity and natural gas no matter what’s happening in the economy. That steady demand allows Fortis to plan for the long term, with reliable cash flow supporting both growth and shareholder returns.

In its Q3 2024 earnings, Fortis reported revenue of $2.61 billion, slightly ahead of estimates, and earnings per share of $0.72, right in line with expectations. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable. And that’s what makes Fortis such a valuable long-term investment. Fortis’s dividend history is where the company really shines. For 50 consecutive years, Fortis has increased its dividend, putting it in an elite group of companies globally. Its current dividend yield of 4.2% is already attractive for income investors.

Yet what makes it truly special is its predictability. Fortis’s management team has laid out a clear plan for the future, focusing on renewable energy and infrastructure upgrades to meet evolving energy demands. As the world shifts toward cleaner energy, Fortis is positioning itself to be part of that change. And it’s doing so without sacrificing the stability that investors rely on. It’s the rare combination of growth, income, and reliability that makes Fortis a cornerstone stock for anyone looking to build passive income.

Bottom line

Together, Canadian National Railway and Fortis provide a one-two punch of growth and income that can anchor any portfolio. CNR benefits from its critical role in the economy, moving the goods we rely on every day, while Fortis delivers the energy we can’t live without. Both passive-income stocks have long histories of rewarding shareholders, with consistent dividend growth and strong financials that stand the test of time. These aren’t speculative plays or stocks you need to constantly monitor. Once you’ve added them to your portfolio, you can sit back and let time work its magic, knowing that these companies are built to last.

Should you invest $1,000 in Canadian National Railway right now?

Before you buy stock in Canadian National Railway, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Canadian National Railway wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Canadian National Railway and Fortis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Dividend Stocks

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

Why I’d Invest in Canadian Value Stocks for Both Stability and Growth

Three Canadian value stocks are buying opportunities for investors looking for stability and growth.

Read more »

investment research
Dividend Stocks

Got $15,000? 3 Blue-Chip Stocks Every Canadian Should Consider

Here's why investing in blue-chip TSX stocks such as CNQ and CNR should derive outsized gains in 2025 and beyond.

Read more »

protect, safe, trust
Dividend Stocks

Where I’d Allocate $20,000 in 2 Safer High-Yield Dividend Stocks for Retirement Needs

Here are two safer, high-yield dividend stocks I'm looking at for my retirement needs.

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

3 Reasons I’m Considering Enbridge Stock for a $5,000 Investment This April

I'm considering Enbridge stock to provide some defensive appeal and a juicy dividend to my long-term portfolio.

Read more »

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

A 9.2% Dividend Stock Paying Cash Every Single Month

With one of the highest dividends out there, this dividend stock deserves attention in your portfolio.

Read more »

Happy golf player walks the course
Dividend Stocks

Build a Powerful Passive Income Portfolio With Just $20,000

If you are worried that the bear market could reduce your savings, these stocks can build a powerful passive income…

Read more »

Hand Protecting Senior Couple
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Use My $7,000 TFSA Contribution to Start Retirement Planning

These TSX stocks have solid fundamentals and are well-positioned to deliver significant tax-free total returns over time.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

How to Turn Your TFSA Into a Gold Mine Starting With Only $10,000

It doesn't have to be complicated or scary. You can turn any portfolio into a major gold mine.

Read more »