Making Your $20,000 Investment Work Harder for the Long Term

Building wealth doesn’t have to be complicated when you invest in strong, top dividend-paying stocks like these.

| More on:
engineer at wind farm

Source: Getty Images

If you think building wealth from the TSX is about constantly trading or finding the next big thing, you might be missing the real magic. Long-term investing works best when it’s simple and focused. With $20,000 at your disposal today, the question isn’t how fast you can grow it – it’s how smartly you can put it to work.

Before I highlight two such top TSX stocks to buy now, let me walk you through how to make that $20,000 work harder over the long term.

How to make your investment work harder in the long run

One of the smart ways to grow your investment over time is by focusing on quality. This simply means putting your money into businesses with strong balance sheets, dependable earnings, and a proven ability to navigate both good times and bad. Every extra day your money stays invested in the right place adds a little more to your future returns.

Another important part of making your investment work harder is diversification. You want your money spread across different sectors and industries so it’s not all riding on one trend or one company. In this way, some parts of your portfolio will do better than others at different times but that balance could help you grow reliably without getting shaken by short-term market moves.

Now, let me quickly highlight two top TSX stocks that could help you achieve that kind of growth.

Canadian Utilities stock

A top stock that fits well into a long-term investing approach is Canadian Utilities (TSX:CU). This Calgary-based firm operates in the energy infrastructure space, offering electricity and natural gas transmission, clean energy storage, and utility services across Canada and Australia.

CU stock has climbed nearly 24.5% over the last year to currently trade at $37.91 per share, giving it a market cap of about $7.8 billion. Long-term investors looking for income will definitely appreciate its 4.8% annualized dividend yield, paid quarterly.

In the first quarter of 2025, Canadian Utilities delivered a 3% YoY (year-over-year) increase in its adjusted net profit to $232 million and invested over $400 million into growth projects, mainly across its regulated businesses. With its focus on major projects, CU stock continues to plant seeds for future growth, which long-term investors love.

Brookfield Infrastructure stock

Another solid pick for a long-term portfolio is Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (TSX:BIP.UN). This global infrastructure giant runs essential assets like pipelines, toll roads, utilities, and data centers across several continents.

Brookfield Infrastructure stock has climbed 19.3% in the last 12 months and is now trading at $45 per share with a market cap of about $20.8 billion. It also offers a healthy 5.3% annualized dividend yield.

In the first quarter, it posted a 5% YoY increase in its funds from operations to US$646 million, with strong contributions from its data and midstream segments. Despite some currency headwinds and higher borrowing costs, the business continues to generate reliable cash flow backed by inflation-linked contracts.

For patient investors, Brookfield Infrastructure stock could keep delivering stable income and long-term growth, especially with its ongoing focus on investments and strong capital recycling strategy.

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 Jitendra Parashar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions with a 100 dollar banknote and dollar coins.
Dividend Stocks

What Salary You Need to Get Maximum CPP

Here's exactly how much you would need to create, and how to get there.

Read more »

woman checks off all the boxes
Dividend Stocks

CPP Collectors: Here Are 3 More Red Flags the CRA is Watching

Worried about the CRA? Stop immediately by taking these steps and investing wisely.

Read more »

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

This 7.4% Dividend Stock Is My Top Pick for Immediate Income

With a solid 7.4% dividend yield, a proven history of dividend growth, and strong fundamentals, it offers both stability and…

Read more »

Hand Protecting Senior Couple
Dividend Stocks

How Should Canadians Calculate the Perfect Retirement Income for Maximum Benefits

Here's how Canadians should calculate the perfect retirement income for maximum benefits.

Read more »

Train cars pass over trestle bridge in the mountains
Dividend Stocks

1 Canadian Railway Stock That’s Built for the Long Haul

A Canadian railway stock with solid growth fundamentals and a network that connects a continent is built for the long…

Read more »

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income
Dividend Stocks

1 Dividend Stock Down 14% to Buy for Lifetime Income

Buy it when it drops, hold it for forever. That's the kind of stock every investor should want.

Read more »

Canadian dollars are printed
Dividend Stocks

This 5.5% Dividend Stock Is a Cash Flow Machine

Are you worried about the future? Worry no more with this top dividend stock.

Read more »

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

I’d Put My Entire TFSA Into This 5.8% Dividend All-Star

If you're looking at a place to pop your TFSA contribution, stop right now and consider this dividend all-star.

Read more »