The Best Dividend Stocks for Canadians in 2025

Find out how the stock market has shifted in 2025 and which dividend stocks are leading amidst changing economic conditions.

| More on:
Key Points
  • Granite REIT, with its diversified portfolio and strong financial flexibility, maintained steady dividend growth with a 4% CAGR over the last four years, making it a dependable choice for monthly passive income amidst market volatility.
  • Telus Corporation showed resilience by maintaining its dividend through strategic asset sales and debt reduction, while goeasy offers an attractive buying opportunity following a recent stock dip.
  • 5 stocks our experts like better than Granite REIT.

2025 has been a year of volatility and structural shifts. Just when the markets had overcome significant interest rate hikes, the tariff war created another wave of uncertainty. Canada and other nations began diversifying their trading partners to reduce dependence on the United States. Amid this chaos, a few dividend stocks maintained their ground and continued to produce normal returns. Stability amid uncertainty has made them some of the best dividend stocks of 2025.

Concept of multiple streams of income

Source: Getty Images

Best dividend stocks to buy in 2025

Granite REIT

The Canadian real estate market saw a tepid recovery, with some segments recovering faster than others. A few commercial REITs stopped paying dividends, while some retail REITs paid 99% of their funds from operations (FFO) as dividends.

When some REITs barely survived the last four years, Granite REIT (TSX:GRT.UN) thrived. It increased its distribution per share at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% between 2021 and 2025. It even reduced its dividend payout ratio from 75% to 58% of funds from operations (FFO). For 2026, the REIT increased the dividend per share by 4.1% to $3.55.

Granite sustained its growth because of its diversified property portfolio in North America and Europe. The REIT has also diversified its tenant base, with the top 10 tenants accounting for 46.4% of revenue, and its largest tenant, Magna International, accounting for 27% revenue.

The REIT has lower leverage than its peers, which gives it financial flexibility to grow dividends. It continues to develop new properties at a gradual pace that it can absorb, without trapping too much capital in several developing properties.

You can consider buying this dividend stock in 2025 and beyond to build a monthly passive income source that can adjust to inflation.

Telus stock

Telus Corporation (TSX:T) is another resilient dividend stock that has withstood the regulatory change that disrupted the competitive advantage of the telco. The rule to share network infrastructure with competitors diluted the capital investment Telus made in its 5G infrastructure and reduced prices. This rule change led to major restructuring and cost-cutting measures, massive job cuts, and a reduction in capital spending by large telcos to sustain dividends and make sense of the significant debt on their balance sheets.

BCE slashed dividends after funding dividends from its cash reserves for almost four years (2021–2024). Telus also faced some financial stress as its dividend payout ratio crossed its target range of 60–75% of free cash flow (FCF) and reached as high as 81% in 2024. However, the company resorted to selling non-core assets to accelerate debt repayment and reduce interest expense. This increased its FCF and brought the payout ratio down to 75%.

Telus has increased its 2026 quarterly dividend by 4%, showing the company’s resilience and commitment to dividend growth. The company has the cash flow flexibility to sustain dividend growth.

goeasy stock

goeasy (TSX:GSY) stock nosedived 41% after a short-seller report in September questioned the non-prime lender’s accounting rules to calculate credit risk. The lender’s chief financial officer (CFO) resigned in the same month as the short-seller’s report was released. goeasy has denied the claims of the short seller and reported strong lending activity but increased provisions.

Even if the short-seller’s accusations are true, a change in the CFO will set the accounting straight. The management will now be vigilant with its numbers to sustain investor confidence, as that is the single largest asset in non-prime lending.

The dip has created an opportunity to buy the stock for its 4.9% dividend yield. The lender is a regular dividend payer and has been growing dividends at a CAGR of 30% for the last 11 years.

The Motley Fool recommends Granite Real Estate Investment Trust, Magna International, and TELUS. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Fool contributor Puja Tayal has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

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

The 2 Stocks I’d Combine for a Strong TFSA Strategy in 2026

Build a strong TFSA strategy in 2026 by combining two reliable Canadian dividend stocks that offer stability, income, and long‑term…

Read more »

diversification is an important part of building a stable portfolio
Dividend Stocks

Beyond the Banks: 3 TSX Dividend Stocks Most Canadians Ignore

Looking beyond Canada's reputable banks can diversify a portfolio and open the door to income from energy royalties, retail real…

Read more »

a man relaxes with his feet on a pile of books
Dividend Stocks

The Dividend Stocks I’d Feel Most Comfortable Buying and Holding Forever

Fortis Inc (TSX:FTS) is a stock I'd probably be willing to hold forever.

Read more »

doctor uses telehealth
Dividend Stocks

This Monthly Dividend Stock Could Turn Every Month Into Payday Season

This monthly dividend stock is currently yielding a very generous 6.4%, and it’s armed with a defensive business and an…

Read more »

man looks surprised at investment growth
Dividend Stocks

10% Yield: Here’s the Dividend Trap to Avoid in April

What is a dividend trap? Discover how dividend policies can change and what investors should consider in difficult markets.

Read more »

Real estate investment concept with person pointing on growth graph and coin stacking to get profit from property
Dividend Stocks

A TFSA Dividend Stock Yielding 7.2% With a Reliable Payout History

This high-yield TSX stock could be a reliable income generator for your TFSA.

Read more »

happy woman throws cash
Dividend Stocks

How $20,000 Across 4 TSX Stocks Can Deliver $1,000 in Passive Income

Discover how a $20,000 portfolio of four TSX stocks can deliver more than $1,000 in passive income annually through dependable…

Read more »

the word REIT is an acronym for real estate investment trust
Dividend Stocks

How Owning 1,000 Shares of This Dividend Stock Could Generate $79 a Month in Passive Income

Find out why CT REIT stands out as a reliable dividend stock amidst fluctuating dividend policies and market changes.

Read more »