Got $5,000? 5 Income Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

With these top Canadian dividend stocks, you can build the foundation for a solid and well-diversified income portfolio.

| More on:
Pile of Canadian dollar bills in various denominations

Source: Getty Images

A well-diversified dividend portfolio can provide a steady income for life, but choosing the right mix of high-quality Canadian stocks is important. If you have $5,000 to invest, these five dividend stocks from various sectors could help you build the perfect foundation for a well-balanced, income-generating portfolio.

Kinross Gold stock

The first stock in my list is from the mining sector, Kinross Gold (TSX:K). Right now, Kinross stock is trading at $16.44 per share, with a market cap of $20.1 billion and a 1% annualized dividend yield. While this may not be very high, Kinross Gold’s strong cash flows and stable operations make it an attractive long-term stock.

Kinross stock has been on an incredible run of late, up 122% in the last year. This strong momentum mainly comes from its strong financials. In the third quarter of 2024, its revenue surged 71% sequentially, and free cash flow hit a record US$414.6 million. To accelerate its financial growth further, Kinross is continuing to expand operations with disciplined cost control, making it a top dividend stock to own for the long term.

Enbridge stock

The Calgary-based oil and gas infrastructure giant Enbridge (TSX:ENB) could also be a top dividend stock you can add to your portfolio for the long term. After rallying by 32% over the last year, its stock currently trades at $62.70 per share with a market cap of $135.6 billion. At this market price, ENB offers an impressive 6% dividend yield.

The ongoing trend in its financials looks strong as the company reported a 51.2% YoY (year-over-year) increase in its revenue in the September 2024 quarter, while its adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) climbed by 8.5%.

In addition to its well-diversified traditional energy business, Enbridge’s consistently growing footprint in crude oil exports and renewable energy segments brightens its long-term growth outlook.

Royal Bank stock

With a market cap of $238.5 billion, Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) is the largest bank in the country and a great stock for long-term income-focused investors. After rallying by nearly 30% over the last 12 months, RY stock currently trades at $169.90 per share with an annualized dividend yield of 3.5%.

The recent rally in Royal Bank stock has been supported by its solid financials. In its fiscal year 2024 (ended in October), the bank’s net profit jumped by 11% YoY to $16.2 billion. Its recent acquisition of HSBC Canada is continuing to boost its earnings. At the same time, Royal Bank of Canada’s expanding wealth management business and ongoing investments in digital banking and advisory services could drive its future growth.

Thomson Reuters stock

Another strong income stock you can consider buying right now is Thomson Reuters (TSX:TRI). Its stock currently trades at $240.55 per share with a market cap of $107.4 billion and a 1.25% dividend yield. Over the past year, TRI stock has surged 18.4%, benefiting from steady revenue growth.

In the September 2024 quarter, Thomson Reuters registered an 8.2% YoY increase in its total revenue to $1.7 billion, but its adjusted EBITDA fell 4% from a year ago due to higher investments.

With its growing investment in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions, strategic acquisitions, and a strong focus on expanding its “Big 3” segments, TRI stock’s long-term growth outlook remains strong, making it a compelling income stock to own for years to come.

Hydro One stock

The last stock in my list of top Canadian dividend stocks is Hydro One (TSX:H). It’s Ontario’s largest electricity transmission and distribution provider. After climbing by around 14% over the last nine months, its stock currently trades at $44.53 per share, with a market cap of $26.5 billion and an annualized dividend yield of 2.82%.

In the latest reported quarter, Hydro’s revenue rose 13.3% YoY to $2.2 billion, while its adjusted earnings rose 5.1% from a year ago to $0.62 per share. With strategic investments in infrastructure and transmission projects, Hydro One stock continues to be a reliable income stock for long-term investors.

Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has positions in Enbridge. The Motley Fool recommends Enbridge. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

earn passive income by investing in dividend paying stocks
Dividend Stocks

Want Set-and-Forget Income? This 4% Yield TSX Stock Could Deliver in 2026

Emera looks like a “sleep-well” TFSA utility because its regulated growth plan supports a solid dividend, even after a big…

Read more »

man looks surprised at investment growth
Dividend Stocks

The Market’s Overlooking 2 Incredible Dividend Bargain Stocks

Sun Life Financial (TSX:SLF) stock and another dividend bargain are cheap.

Read more »

Confused person shrugging
Dividend Stocks

1 Simple TFSA Move Canadians Forget Every January (and it Costs Them)

Starting your TFSA early in January can add months of compounding and dividends you can’t get back.

Read more »

Person holding a smartphone with a stock chart on screen
Dividend Stocks

DIY Investors: How to Build a Stable Income Portfolio Starting With $50,000

Telus (TSX:T) stock might be tempting for dividend investors, but there are risks to know about.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

These Dividend Stocks Are Built to Keep Paying and Paying

These Canadian companies have durable operations, strong cash flows, and management teams that prioritize returning capital to investors.

Read more »

Woman checking her computer and holding coffee cup
Dividend Stocks

New Year, New Income: How to Aim for $300 a Month in Tax-Free Dividends

A $300/month TFSA dividend goal starts with building a base and can be a practical “income foundation” if cash-flow coverage…

Read more »

top TSX stocks to buy
Dividend Stocks

Last Chance for a Fresh Start: 3 TSX Stocks to Buy for a Strong January 2026

Starting fresh in January is easier when you buy a few durable TSX “sleep-well” businesses and let time do the…

Read more »

Man looks stunned about something
Dividend Stocks

Don’t Overthink It: The Best $21,000 TFSA Approach to Start 2026

With $21,000 to start a TFSA in 2026, a simple four-holding mix can balance Canadian income with global diversification.

Read more »