The Best Stocks to Invest $25,000 in Right Now

Got a bunch of cash to deploy? These four Canadian stocks would make an excellent start for a long-term investment portfolio.

| More on:

Without a doubt, $25,000 is a substantial chunk of change to invest in stocks. It is a nice amount to get started if you are a new investor. You can build a substantial position in a stock. You can also diversify your portfolio across several holdings.

If you are looking for some stocks to buy, here are four Canadian stocks I wouldn’t hesitate adding now.

Image source: Getty Images

Dividend stocks for a long-term hold

With the potential for higher stock market volatility through 2025 (and potentially beyond), it doesn’t hurt to hold some stocks that produce income. If the market declines, you can still collect a nice stream of income to offset some of the stock price fluctuations.

One stellar Canadian stock for income is Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ). Canada’s largest energy producer and one of its best-run companies has built out a resource network that should stand the test of time.

The world’s largest independent crude oil and natural gas producer has a sector-leading low cost of production. Likewise, it has decades of energy reserves. CNQ is down 6% in the past month. It trades at an attractive valuation. The stock yields 4.9% and has a 25-year history of annually increasing its dividend.

Another stock for a mix of income, value, and growth is Calian Group (TSX:CGY). It provides a diverse mix of services that include healthcare, specialized technologies, cybersecurity, and crisis/military training.

The business services and solutions firm is a major supplier to the Canadian military. Yet, it has been diversifying its revenue sources in the past few years. If Trump threats have any impact, Canada will need to beef up its military spending. That could benefit Calian over the long run.

The company trades at a very low valuation, despite putting up steady growth in the past few years. CGY stock also has a nice 2.3% yield.

Top compounder stocks in Canada

If you want growth that can compound, Topicus.com (TSXV:TOI) is an attractive buy today. The company is a serial acquirer of software companies in Europe and abroad.

Its mix of niche software companies earn high recurring revenues and tend to be essential to the customers they serve. The company generates substantial cash that it deploys into more acquisitions.

It has already made some big deals in 2025. This could translate into very good results through the year. TOI stock is not cheap today, but if it can continue to execute, it could still be a good deal.

Another excellent long-term compounder is Colliers International Group (TSX:CIGI). Many see this as just a commercial real estate brokerage business. However, it has transformed into a multi-faceted services company.

Today, engineering/advisory and asset management make up over 50% of its earnings. Likewise, over 70% of its earnings are from recurring sources.

The company is building out some substantial platform businesses. The market doesn’t yet recognize its value so you can nab this stock at a reasonable valuation today.

The Foolish takeaway

Each of these are great companies that have considerable capacity to deliver strong returns for shareholders. With these you get a mix of income, value, growth, and compounding. Invest in these stocks and diversify with stocks like these, and you can stand to do very well long term.

Fool contributor Robin Brown has positions in Calian Group, Colliers International Group, and Topicus.com. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Colliers International Group and Topicus.com. The Motley Fool recommends Calian Group and Canadian Natural Resources. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Stocks for Beginners

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

I’m Using These 3 Canadian Stocks as My TFSA Cornerstones

Wondering what Canadian stocks can form the foundation of a great TFSA strategy. These three stocks give you a mix…

Read more »

stocks climbing green bull market
Dividend Stocks

If the TSX Rally Continues, These Are 2 Stocks You’ll Wish You Bought

A TSX record can trigger FOMO, but the best buys are often the profitable names with catalysts still unfolding.

Read more »

electrical cord plugs into wall socket for more energy
Energy Stocks

Canada’s AI Boom Needs Far More Electricity: These TSX Stocks Could Provide It

Canada’s AI boom may hinge on electricity supply, and two TSX power producers offer very different risk-reward paths.

Read more »

man looks surprised at investment growth
Dividend Stocks

3 Ridiculously Cheap Canadian Dividend Stocks to Buy Now and Hold for Years

These three Canadian dividend stocks look unusually cheap for different reasons, and each could rebound if today’s problems ease.

Read more »

The virtual button with the letters AI in a circle hovering above a keyboard, about to be clicked by a cursor.
Dividend Stocks

This Beaten-Down TSX Stock Yields 4.5%, and I’d Double Down for $448 Today

A profitable, cash-rich software company is yielding 4.5% while trading 38% below its high, and management is buying back shares.

Read more »

shopper pushes cart through grocery store
Dividend Stocks

A Top-Notch 7.4% Dividend Stock Paying Cash Every Month

A 7.4% monthly yield can feel like a paycheque, but it only works if AFFO actually covers the distribution.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Stocks for Beginners

Why I’m Buying This Growth Stock Hard After its 40% Drop

This Canadian growth stock has fallen sharply in 2026, but its cost-cutting plan and exposure to growing automation markets could…

Read more »

Abstract Human Skull representing AI
Dividend Stocks

This AI Stock Is Down 13%, but Could Be the Safest One Out There

AI stocks can look unstoppable until investors remember that great demos don’t always equal durable profits.

Read more »