How I’d Build a Monthly Income-Generating Portfolio From $20,000

Investing in monthly TSX dividend stocks such as Whitecap and EIF should help you benefit from a steady passive-income stream.

| More on:
Canadian Dollars bills

Source: Getty Images

Investors looking to create a low-cost passive-income stream can consider gaining exposure to quality dividend stocks that offer a tasty dividend yield in 2025. In addition to a steady stream of payouts, long-term investors could benefit from capital gains over time.

In this article, I have identified three TSX stocks that pay shareholders a monthly dividend in 2025. So, let’s see how you can build a monthly income-generating portfolio with just $20,000 right now.

Monthly dividend stock #1

Valued at a market cap of $3.8 billion, Exchange Income (TSX:EIF) is part of the aerospace manufacturing segment. EIF’s diversified business model across aerospace, aviation, and manufacturing segments offers resilience during uncertain times.

In the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, Exchange Income reported record revenue of $720 million and free cash flow of $123 million, showcasing its robust cash generation ability to support its dividend strategy.

EIF’s conservative leverage ratio of 3.21% remains well within historical norms, providing financial flexibility while maintaining dividend payouts. The management’s 20-year track record of consistent returns, combined with organic growth investments and strategic acquisitions like Canadian North, positions EIF stock to continue generating the stable cash flows essential for dividend growth.

With expanded government contracts and infrastructure investments supporting future growth, EIF offers investors reliable income backed by defensive, mission-critical operations.

Monthly dividend stock #2

Whitecap Resources (TSX:WCP) is an oil and gas company that offers shareholders a yield of almost 7% in 2025. It recently acquired Veren, making the combined entity Canada’s seventh-largest oil and gas producer with production of approximately 365,000 BOE (barrels of oil equivalent) per day.

Despite a challenging macro environment, Whitecap delivered exceptional second-quarter results with production of 292,754 BOE per day, well above internal forecasts, which showcases operational excellence across its diversified asset portfolio.

The integration has already unlocked value through early operational wins, consolidated corporate costs, and an improved credit profile that earned a BBB investment-grade rating from Morningstar’s DBRS.

Management expects $200 million in synergies over the next six to 12 months, positioning Whitecap for profitability and capital efficiency improvements.

Whitecap maintains a sustainable base dividend of $0.73 per share annually, well-covered by funds flow at current commodity prices. With $191 million returned to shareholders through dividends and buybacks in Q2, Whitecap demonstrates its commitment to shareholder returns while maintaining balance sheet flexibility for future growth opportunities.

Monthly dividend stock #3

The final TSX dividend stock on the list is Dream Industrial REIT (TSX:DIR.UN). In Q2, Dream Industrial grew its FFO (funds from operations) by 4% year over year while net operating income grew by 5%, driven by a 9.5% increase in in-place rents.

The real estate investment trust’s (REIT’s) leasing momentum accelerated in the June quarter as it signed 3.3 million square feet of leases at an attractive 20% average spread since Q1, boosting occupancy to 96%.

This strong performance reflects management’s ability to capitalize on evolving supply chains and trade dynamics, particularly evident in their successful Alberta expansions driven by tenants shifting from U.S. routing to direct Canadian imports.

Dream Industrial maintains a conservative balance sheet with net debt-to-earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of 8.2 times and over $900 million in available liquidity. The Canadian REIT pays shareholders an annual dividend of $0.70 per share, indicating a yield of almost 5.5%.

The Foolish takeaway

Investing a total of $20,000 split equally in these three TSX stocks 10 years back would help you generate cumulative returns of $65,000, after adjusting for dividend reinvestments. It’s essential to identify other such quality dividend stocks and further diversify your passive-income portfolio.

Fool contributor Aditya Raghunath has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Dream Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust and Whitecap Resources. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

shopper pushes cart through grocery store
Dividend Stocks

The Canadian Dividend Stock I’d Trust for the Next Decade

This northern grocer could anchor a 10‑year dividend plan. Here’s why NWC’s essential markets and steady cash flows make it…

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

A Perfect TFSA Stock Paying Out 4.2% Each Month

Northland Power’s dividend reset and long-term contracts could let TFSA investors lock in steady, tax-free monthly income with room to…

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Income: 2 Top Canadian Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now With $7,000

These Canadian stocks could continue to pay and increase their dividends year after year, making them to bets to generate…

Read more »

Piggy bank with word TFSA for tax-free savings accounts.
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 55 in Canada

Turning 55? See how a TFSA and a low‑volatility income ETF like ZPAY can boost tax‑free retirement cash flow while…

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

TD Bank’s Earnings Beat & Dividend Hike: Told You So!

The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) just released its fourth quarter earnings and hiked its dividend by 2.9%.

Read more »

senior couple looks at investing statements
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 54 in Canada

Holding the iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index Fund (TSX:XIC) in a TFSA can maximize your wealth.

Read more »

Train cars pass over trestle bridge in the mountains
Dividend Stocks

1 Top-Tier TSX Stock Down 18% to Buy and Hold Forever

Down almost 20% from all-time highs, Canadian Pacific Kansas City is a blue-chip TSX stock that offers upside potential in…

Read more »

View of high rise corporate buildings in the financial district of Toronto, Canada
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn $275 in Monthly Tax-Free Income

Discover how True North Commercial REIT’s government‑anchored leases could help turn a TFSA into monthly, tax‑free income even amid a…

Read more »