Long-term investing is about owning resilient businesses that can compound wealth through all market cycles. The best stocks aren’t just those that surge temporarily, but those that investors feel confident adding to during downturns. This TSX stock is a good fit for this description — it has delivered solid gains for the long haul.

For example, over the past five years, Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) has climbed roughly 94%, outpacing the broader Canadian market’s rise of about 73%. Including dividends, its total return reaches approximately 103%, slightly ahead of the market’s 101%. Those are solid returns — but what’s more important is that the company still looks well-positioned for future growth.

A global leader built for stability

Couche-Tard is a dominant force in convenience and fuel retail, operating nearly 17,300 stores across 29 countries. Its core markets in Canada and the United States generate steady cash flow, while its strong presence in Europe provides additional diversification.

This is a business designed to endure economic uncertainty. Consumers continue to buy fuel, snacks, and everyday essentials regardless of the economic backdrop. That consistency translates into reliable earnings and robust free cash flow — key ingredients for long-term investors seeking stability.

Strong dividend growth backed by earnings

While Couche-Tard’s dividend yield sits at a modest 1.1%, focusing solely on yield misses the bigger picture. The company has delivered exceptional dividend growth, with a 15-year growth rate exceeding 25%. Its latest increase in November 2025 was over 10%, reinforcing management’s commitment to returning capital to shareholders.

This dividend growth is backed by solid fundamentals. The company’s disciplined operations and strong free cash flow allow it to reinvest in the business while steadily increasing payouts. For investors, that means a growing income stream over time rather than a high but stagnant yield.

Expansion opportunities fuel future upside

Couche-Tard’s growth story is far from over. In Scandinavia, the company is already capitalizing on the electric vehicle transition by offering integrated charging, food, and service experiences. This model is now being expanded into other European markets.

At the same time, management continues to identify acquisition opportunities in the fragmented U.S. market, alongside expansion prospects in Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. This combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions should support continued success.

Looking ahead, the company expects adjusted earnings per share to grow by more than 10% annually through fiscal 2030. That level of growth should

Why it still looks like a buy

At around $81 per share, Couche-Tard trades at an estimated 11% discount to analyst consensus price targets, implying near-term upside of roughly 12%. More importantly, its long-term growth prospects remain intact, supported by a proven business model and disciplined management team.

For investors building diversified portfolios, this stock offers a rare combination of stability, growth, and rising income. It may not deliver the highest yield today, but its ability to compound returns over time makes it one of the most attractive dividend stocks on the TSX.

Investor takeaway

Alimentation Couche-Tard has already delivered a 94% gain over five years, yet it still offers meaningful upside. With resilient operations, strong dividend growth, and expansion opportunities, it remains one of the best Canadian dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term — especially during market pullbacks.

The post This Canadian Dividend Stock Is Up 94% — and Still 1 of the Best on the TSX appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

• The 1 Canadian Stock I’d Be Happy to Hold in a TFSA Indefinitely
• 4 Canadian Stocks Worth Holding When Market Anxiety Starts to Rise
• How Do Most Canadians’ TFSA Balances Look at Age 30?
• Canadians Are Spending More Carefully. This Retail Stock Is Built for It.
• 1 Dividend-Growth Giant That Looks Attractive After a Recent Pullback

Fool contributor Kay Ng has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alimentation Couche-Tard. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

2026

Canadian energy stocks are back in vogue now that oil prices have shot over $100 per barrel. The conflict between Iran and the United States has revealed that the Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy supply lynchpin.

Canadian energy stocks could enjoy outsized cash flows for some time

Not only have energy production/infrastructure been damaged, but the ability to transport energy has been massively inhibited. Even if the conflict were to be resolved today, it will take months for stranded energy shipments to reach their final destinations.

Likewise, many countries’ energy reserves have been significantly depleted. This means that it will take months (or even years) to bring those back to sufficient levels.

All this to say that the price of energy is not likely to massively decline any time soon. Many experts believe $80 per barrel could be the new normal for some time. That all means a big tailwind of cash is heading towards Canadian energy stocks.

Cenovus Energy: Winning on all fronts

If you want large-cap exposure, Cenovus Energy (TSX:CVE) is one of the most interesting Canadian energy stock picks today. It has a market cap of $74 billion today. After its recent takeover of MEG Energy, Cenovus now sits as one of Canada’s largest integrated energy producers.

It produces around 972,000 barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) per day and refines around 460,000 BOE per day. For several years, Cenovus’s refinery business has been a drag on financial performance. However, today, its refineries are near full capacity and are enjoying higher margins from lower operating costs and higher fuel pricing.

Decades of reserves and strong cash flows

Cenovus has 28 years of energy reserves. Its oil sands operations have some of the lowest-cost production among its peers. It has six consecutive years of double-digit dividend growth under its belt. It expects to keep growing its dividend by a +10% annualized rate.

The cash windfall from elevated energy prices will help Cenovus reduce its debt burden from the MEG Energy acquisition. It has $8.1 billion of net debt. However, it has a target of $4 billion.

It generated $1.7 billion of excess free fund flows in the first quarter alone. If oil prices remain elevated through the rest of the year, Cenovus could go a long way toward hitting its net debt goals sooner than it expected. That also means this Canadian energy stock will be closer to returning 100% of its excess cash flows back to shareholders.

Not a cheap energy stock, but still good potential for strong total returns

Certainly, Cenovus stock is no longer cheap like it was a couple of years ago. Its stock is up 69% in 2026 and 141% over the past year. In the past three years, its free cash flow yield has compressed from 16% to 5.4% today!

However, this Canadian energy stock has significantly expanded its asset base and improved its overall operating structure. Today, it has attractive growth prospects.

Even though it is not cheap, you can collect its 2% dividend yield and likely many years of dividend growth ahead. Once Cenovus hits its debt targets, there are substantial cash returns coming towards shareholders. There are still good chances for attractive total returns in the years ahead.

The post 1 Canadian Energy Stocks Poised for Big Growth in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

• The Bank of Canada Held Rates: Here Are 3 Stocks to Watch
• 3 Canadian Stocks That Billionaire Investors Have Been Accumulating
• 2 Canadian Stocks to Buy Before the Crowd Piles In
• The Energy Stock I’d Most Want to Own for the Next Decade
• This $34 Stock Could Be Your Ticket to Millionaire Status

Fool contributor Robin Brown has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

2026

In a headline-driven market, the best stocks to buy are usually the ones with their own internal momentum. That means companies with strong assets, recurring demand, or steady cash flow that do not need every daily news swing to go their way. Today, let’s look at three Canadian stocks offering just that kind of demand and cash flow, no matter what happens in the markets.

AGI

Alamos Gold (TSX:AGI) operates mines in Ontario and Mexico, and over the last year, it kept pushing forward with the Island Gold District expansion while advancing PDA and Lynn Lake. In the first quarter of 2026, Alamos produced 123,900 ounces of gold, generated $338 million in operating cash flow before working capital and taxes, and lifted its quarterly dividend by 60%. Management still expects 2026 production of 570,000 to 650,000 ounces and says output could approach one million ounces annually by 2030 as its major projects ramp up.

The earnings picture gives Alamos Gold stock more bite. First-quarter net earnings jumped to $191.4 million from $15.2 million a year earlier, while adjusted net earnings rose to $232 million, or $0.55 per share. That kind of jump came from higher realized gold prices and stronger operating performance, especially at Island Gold and Mulatos. Alamos Gold stock trades at 15.6 times earnings, but that still looks reasonable for a miner with visible production growth, falling expected costs after 2026, and a large cash position of $659.5 million at the end of the quarter. In a noisy market, that is a nice mix of defence and upside.

MTL

Mullen Group (TSX:MTL) is one of Canada’s biggest logistics providers, with exposure across trucking, warehousing, specialized industrial services, and U.S. logistics. Over the last year, acquisitions kept driving growth, especially through Cole International, while management also pointed to improving market conditions and tighter supply in several freight markets.

Its latest numbers were steady enough to support that case. In the first quarter of 2026, revenue rose 10.2% to a record $547.7 million, net income climbed to $21 million, and operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) increased to $76 million. Full-year 2025 revenue also reached $2.13 billion. On valuation, the stock still looks fairly sensible, trading at about 20 times earnings. That looks fair for a company with recurring cash generation, acquisition optionality, and exposure to future infrastructure and industrial projects.

CAS

Cascades (TSX:CAS) rounds out the list as a quieter defensive pick. It makes packaging, tissue, and recovery products, so it sits in categories that tend to stay relevant even when the news flow gets messy. Over the last year, the company kept reshaping the business. It exited some lower-priority operations, sold its forest lands in a $20 million deal with Solifor, and said it had already surpassed its target for redundant asset monetizations.

The financial story improved in 2025 as well. Sales rose to $4.776 billion, operating income climbed to $235 million from $95 million, and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) reached $576 million. Net debt fell to $1.896 billion, down from $2.096 billion a year earlier. There’s still some near-term pressure, with the company trimming its first-quarter 2026 EBITDA outlook because of weather, weaker packaging volumes, and operating inefficiencies. Even so, Cascades kept its longer-term target of delivering $100 million in profitability improvements by the end of 2026. With a market cap of around $1.09 billion and trading at 15.7, it looks like a reasonable stock for investors who want resilience without paying a huge premium.

Bottom line

Put them together, and the appeal is pretty clear. Alamos Gold stock gives you hard-asset strength and growth. Mullen adds dependable logistics exposure with acquisition support. Cascades brings everyday demand and a cleaner balance sheet. In a market that lurches from one headline to the next, those are the kinds of Canadian stocks that can still keep investors moving in the right direction.

The post 3 Resilient Canadian Stocks to Own in a Headline-Driven Market appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

• How to Structure a $50,000 TFSA for Practically Constant Income
• 2 TSX Stocks That Could Benefit if the Loonie Keeps Climbing
• 5 TSX Dividend Stocks for Steady Cash Flow in Any Market
• Why Smart Investors Are Eyeing These 3 Canadian Stocks Right Now
• 5 TSX Dividend Stocks I’d Move Quickly to Buy on Any Market Pullback

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Mullen Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

2026

2026 has been a busy year for dividend hikes so far. Not two quarters into the year, we have already seen several major Canadian companies hike their dividends. In the paragraphs below, I’ll explore three companies that raised their dividends in recent months — one of them by 17.5%!

Canadian Pacific

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (TSX:CP) is one of the Canadian companies to have raised its dividend recently, having increased the payout by 17.5%. The dividend hike corresponded with a quarter in which revenue and earnings both decreased slightly (2% and 3%, respectively). In the year ahead, earnings are expected to grow 13.5%. Given the high growth in the dividend alongside low (or even negative) growth in earnings, CP’s payout ratio appears set to increase this year. If forward earnings play out as expected, then the increase in the payout ratio may not be that high.

Propel Holdings

Propel Holdings (TSX:PRL) is a Canadian fintech firm that recently increased its dividend from $0.90 to $0.96, a 6.7% increase. The hike was apparently not well supported by the company’s earnings. In its most recent quarter, Propel earned the following:

• $166 million in revenue, up 19.5%.
• $20.7 million in reported net income, down 12%.
• $23 million in adjusted net income, down 1.7%.
• $0.49 in diluted earnings per share (EPS), down 12.5%.
• $0.54 in adjusted EPS, down 1.8%.
• A 34% return on equity (ROE), down 8%.
• $466 million worth of loans outstanding, up 22.7%.
• $592.7 billion in loans and advances outstanding, up 22.6%.

Overall, the company’s earnings showed a negative trend in the quarter, although offset by high growth in revenue and assets. It appears that the cause of the decline was a mismatch between the timing of interest costs and customer acquisition costs. The cost of acquiring a customer is recorded immediately, while the customer’s interest contribution accrues over the years. So, the high growth in assets last quarter may indicate future high growth (I’ll stop short of declaring that a certainty, though, and am overall neutral on PRL stock).

Fortis

On November 4 of last year, Fortis (TSX:FTS) announced it would be hiking its dividend by 4.1%. In February, the dividend hike went into effect, bringing dividends per share to $0.64. The hike brings Fortis’s dividend-growth streak to 52 consecutive years, among the longest of any TSX-listed company.

How has Fortis managed to achieve so much dividend growth over the years? It’s down to consistent, predictable growth.

Fortis usually grows its earnings and cash flows 4% to 5% per year. There are some years when they grow less or more than that, and some when they decline, but usually, the earnings growth is positive and predictable. This allows the company to raise its payout without also raising its payout ratio.

Fortis’s consistent revenue growth is due to a number of factors. Consistent/predictable revenue is a typical characteristic of regulated utilities, which lock in long-term recurring revenue, often with government protection. Fortis is such a company. Secondly, Fortis invests more in growth than other utilities do, investing consistently in infrastructure upgrades that allow it to increase rates and even connect new areas to the grid. Overall, it’s a pretty safe and consistent business model.

Foolish takeaway

As we’ve seen, many Canadian companies have been hiking their dividends lately. Does that mean you should rush out to buy their shares? In and of itself, no. But it is a vote of confidence in Canada’s economy from some of its biggest players. That’s a fact worth considering.

The post The Canadian Companies That’ve Been Quietly Raising Their Dividend Payouts appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

• 5 TSX Dividend Stocks to Hold for the Next Decade
• 5 Canadian Stocks I’d Buy If I Wanted Instant Income
• A Smart TFSA Portfolio for 2026: 3 Stocks I’d Buy Now
• 5 TSX Dividend Stocks for Steady Cash Flow in Any Market
• A Reliable Dividend Stock Worth Putting $20,000 Behind Right Now

Fool contributor Andrew Button has no positions in the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Propel. The Motley Fool recommends Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Fortis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

2026

Some of the best stocks to hold are those which can withstand different market cycles without worry. And while there’s no shortage of great picks to choose from on the market, there is one Canadian stock that I would absolutely refuse to sell.

That Canadian stock is Enbridge (TSX:ENB) and here’s why it should be a core part of your portfolio, just like it is in mine.

Why Enbridge stands out as a superb pick

There are few, if any, companies that are as well-known as Enbridge. Enbridge is one of the largest energy infrastructure companies on the planet. The company is best known for its lucrative pipeline business, which transports massive amounts of crude and natural gas each day.

In fact, Enbridge hauls so much crude and natural gas that it makes the company one of the most defensive picks on the market. Specifically, Enbridge transports one-third of all North American-produced crude and one-fifth of the natural gas needs of the U.S. market.

And that’s not even the best part.

Enbridge charges for use of that impressive network, often through long-term contracts. This means that irrespective of which way oil prices move, Enbridge keeps generating a predictable stream of revenue.

That level of stability is rare on the market, let alone from the energy sector.

Beyond its lucrative pipeline business, Enbridge also boasts two other impressive segments that make it a great Canadian stock to own.

That includes both a renewable energy business and a natural gas utility. Both provide a recurring and stable revenue stream backed by regulated contracts that span decades.

The renewable energy business includes over 40 facilities located across North America and Europe. Those facilities include wind, geothermal and solar assets. Collectively, those assets generate enough electricity to power the needs of 1.9 million homes.

The natural gas utility offers equally impressive appeal. Enbridge operates the largest natural gas utility by customer count on the continent. The utility boasts over seven million customers spread across markets in the U.S. and Canada.

Why Enbridge keeps me invested for the long term

Like most investors, one of the reasons why I’m drawn to stay invested in Enbridge is not for its superb business segments (which are great), but for its dividend.

Enbridge has been paying out dividends for over seven decades without fail. Over the past three decades, the company has provided investors with generous annual upticks to that dividend.

This not only makes it one of, if not the only Canadian stock I won’t ever sell, but one that offers a certain comfort around owning.

As of the time of writing, Enbridge’s dividend works out to an attractive 5.20%. This means that investors who can drop $5,000 into the stock will begin to generate several new shares each year from reinvestments alone.

In other words, this is a Canadian stock you can buy and forget about for a decade.

For investors looking at a stock that can pay a handsome yield that’s backed by a solid defensive business with decades of experience, Enbridge is hard to beat.

How Enbridge’s growth strategy strengthens its future

Beyond the dividend and its defensive business units, Enbridge also offers investors an opportunity for growth.

Not only is Enbridge’s cash flow supported by its current regulated and contracted assets, but the company also offers a project backlog that’s measured in the billions.

Those projects span multiple areas, including pipeline expansions, natural gas infrastructure, and renewable energy initiatives. The diversification helps Enbridge to strengthen its position in a changing energy landscape.

In short, Enbridge shouldn’t be viewed merely as just another Canadian stock that pays a good dividend. The company is actively growing its already impressive portfolio.

And that makes this a Canadian stock worth holding for the long term.

This is one Canadian stock I won’t sell

No stock is without risk, and that includes an otherwise defensive titan like Enbridge. Fortunately, Enbridge’s massive defensive moat, diversified operations and stellar history of paying dividends minimize much of that risk.

In my opinion, Enbridge is the perfect Canadian stock to own in any well-diversified portfolio. I’m not selling it, and neither should you.

The post Revealed: Here’s the Only Canadian Stock I’d Refuse to Sell appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

• 2 No-Brainer Dividend Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist
• 2 Dividend Stocks I’d Feel Good About Holding for the Next 7 Years
• A TFSA Pick Yielding 5% With Dependable Cash Payments
• 2 Canadian Dividend Giants Worth Considering While Interest Rates Stay Flat
• The 3 Dividend Stocks I Think Every Investor Should Own

Fool contributor Demetris Afxentiou has positions in Enbridge. The Motley Fool recommends Enbridge. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

2026

Long-term investing is a fundamentally sound strategy, especially if income generation is your primary focus. However, success depends largely on your investment selection. Why do many investors sleep more easily at night? The answer is simple: they limit holdings to established TSX dividend stocks.

In the current market environment, Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) and Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ) stand out as premier buy-and-hold candidates. A holding period of 10 years or more can dramatically boost total returns, complemented by uninterrupted quarterly dividend payments.

Trustworthy big bank

You won’t have reservations investing in Royal Bank of Canada, the country’s largest lender. The $338 billion bank beat expectations in the first quarter (Q1) of fiscal 2026. In the three months ending January 31, 2026, net income increased 13% year over year to $5.8 billion on total revenue of nearly $18 billion. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were $4.08 compared to consensus estimates of $3.95.

RBC president and CEO Dave McKay credits the diversified business model for the record performance. The Wealth Management segment, its top performer, reported $1.3 billion in net income, representing a 32% increase versus Q1 fiscal 2025. Also, the 13.7% common equity tier-one (CET1) ratio at the quarter’s end indicates strong capital efficiency.

During the quarter, RBC paid $2.3 billion in common share dividends, along with $1 billion of share buybacks. At $247.72 per share, the trailing one-year price return is +54.3%. This big bank is undoubtedly a trustworthy and reliable passive-income provider, given its 155-year dividend track record.

RBC currently pays a decent 2.7% dividend. A $20,000 investment today will compound to $26,177.17 in 10 years, including dividend reinvestment. According to McKay, RBC entered the 2026 fiscal year in a position of strength. He also stressed the focus on compounding long-term shareholder value. RBC commits to using its strong internal capital generation to return capital to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.

Dividend grower

Energy is the TSX’s top-performing sector thus far in 2026 with a 38.38% return. Canadian Natural Resources has likewise shown strength. At $62.26 per share, the large-cap energy stock is up 35% year to date, benefiting greatly from rising oil prices. The total return in 10 years is +463.45%, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 19%.

Notably, this $135 billion crude oil and natural gas producer is a dividend grower. The 6.4% board-approved dividend increase in early March 2026 marked 26 consecutive years of dividend hikes. If you invest today, the yield is 3.83%. 

CNQ has the largest reserves in Canada and the second-largest among global energy peers. It boasts a diverse, balanced asset base with significant long-life, low-decline production. Management’s free cash flow (FCF) allocation policy is linked to net debt.

When net debt is: a) >$16 billion, CNQ will return 60% of FCF to shareholders; b) between $13 billion and $16 billion, 75% of FCF; and c) <$13 billion, 100% of FCF. Net debt at year-end 2025 was $15.9 billion.

Sleep easily

Royal Bank of Canada and Canadian Natural Resources are must-haves for long-term investors with income-focused portfolios. You can sleep easily and expect relentless cash flows for a decade and more.

The post 2 TSX Dividend Stocks I’d Hold for the Next Decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

• 5 TSX Dividend Stocks to Hold for the Next Decade
• 2 Canadian Stocks That Offer Both Growth and Dividends in One Portfolio
• A Smart Strategy to Use Your TFSA to Effectively Double Your $7,000 Contribution
• A Cheap Canadian Dividend Stock—Down 12%—Worth Buying Today
• Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now With $2,000

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Canadian Natural Resources. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

2026

Dividend-growth stocks can be powerful tools for investors who want to build sustainable wealth. The income that dividend stocks offer makes them attractive holdings, but there is more to it than just the quarterly income. Many dividend stocks also increase their payouts each year, helping investors earn passive income that can keep pace with inflation.

Businesses with strong cash flows, solid fundamentals, disciplined management, and resilient business models can be some of the top dividend stocks you can own. This past April, several high-quality Canadian stocks demonstrated this strength by increasing dividends. Here are my top picks from those TSX dividend stocks that can be attractive long-term holdings.

Brookfield Corp.

Brookfield Corp. (TSX:BN) is a $141.88 billion market-cap company that engages in managing public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients. Through its subsidiaries, it provides investors with exposure to virtually every segment of the global economy. As one of the leading investment firms worldwide, it focuses on real assets like renewable energy, real estate, infrastructure, and private equity.

The company’s strategy has been successful over the decades, and its dividend growth alone exhibits that. The company recently hiked its quarterly dividend by 16.7%, extending its dividend-growth streak to over a decade. As of this writing, Brookfield stock trades for $63.42 per share and pays US$0.07 per share each quarter, translating to a 0.60% dividend yield. While the payout might seem meagre, it’s the dividend-growth streak that makes it an attractive investment to consider.

Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters (TSX:TRI) is a $55.75 billion market-cap multinational conglomerate headquartered in Toronto. The company is famous for providing news and information for professional markets. The company has been a global provider of specialized information for decades. It has recently started foraying into more software and AI-powered solutions that help professionals across various industries.

The demand for data-driven insights keeps growing, making businesses like Thomson Reuters increasingly crucial for the economy. As of this writing, the stock trades for $125.86 per share. It recently increased its payout by 10%, indicating the management’s confidence in its long-term earnings potential.

The stock pays its investors US$0.8911 per share each quarter, translating to a 2.83% annualized dividend yield.

CCL Industries

CCL Industries (TSX:CCL.B) is another dividend-growth stock to keep on your investment radar. The $14.47 billion market cap American-Canadian company describes itself as the world’s largest label maker. The company manufactures and sells packaging and packaging-related products through various business segments.

With over 200 production facilities worldwide, it produces specialty packaging that clients worldwide rely on for their packaging needs. The company serves large global clients across the electronics, healthcare, and consumer packaging markets. Backed by solid demand and a resilient business model, it also boasts an over 20-year dividend-growth streak.

As of this writing, the stock trades for $83.71 per share and pays investors $0.36 per share, translating to an annualized 1.72% dividend yield.

Foolish takeaway

Dividend hikes are often a sign, telling investors that the business they are investing in has a management confident in its operations and financial strength. Companies like Brookfield, Thomson Reuters, and CCL Industries increased payouts recently, exhibiting the same strength as dependable dividend-growth stocks.

For investors building income-focused self-directed investment portfolios, these three TSX stocks can be excellent foundational holdings to consider.

The post 3 Top-Tier Canadian Stocks That Just Bumped Up Dividends Again appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

• This Canadian Dividend Stock Is Down 57% and Worth Owning for Decades
• 2 Dividend Stocks to Hold for the Next 20 Years
• 3 TSX Stocks That Look Ready for a Strong Second Half
• 5 Dividend Stocks That Could Deserve a Spot in Nearly Any Portfolio
• 2 Canadian Stocks That Could Benefit From a Stronger Loonie

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Brookfield Corporation. The Motley Fool recommends CCL Industries and Thomson Reuters. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

2026

Many new investors consider Canadian energy stocks to be highly unpredictable because commodity prices can swing sharply and global uncertainty can rattle markets, which could make the shares of energy producers highly volatile. But beneath all that volatility, some oil and gas companies continue to strengthen their businesses and set themselves up for long-term growth.

One Canadian energy firm that appears to be doing exactly that is Freehold Royalties (TSX:FRU). While it may not be one of the most popular energy stocks on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the company has consistently improved its operations, expanded its royalty portfolio, and continued rewarding shareholders with reliable monthly income. In this article, I’ll explain why this Canadian energy stock could be positioning itself for a very strong year ahead. Let’s take a closer look.

Freehold Royalties stock

Headquartered in Calgary, Freehold Royalties manages a large portfolio of oil and natural gas royalty lands in Canada and the United States. Unlike traditional producers, Freehold earns royalty income from production activity on its lands without directly funding large drilling operations itself. That business model helps it keep costs lower while still providing exposure to energy prices and production growth.

At the time of writing, FRU stock traded at $17.41 per share with a market cap of $2.9 billion. Over the last year, the stock has surged by nearly 54% due mainly to its improving financial performance. The company also offers a monthly dividend, with an annualized yield of about 6% at the current market price.

Record production and stronger cash flow

Despite global economic concerns, Freehold’s latest full-year results highlighted why investors have become increasingly optimistic about its future. Its total production for the year reached a record 16,294 barrels of oil equivalent per day, up 9% year over year (YoY). A major contributor to that production growth was its U.S. operations, where Freehold’s production climbed 33% from a year ago, helped by acquisitions completed in late 2024 and continued development across its U.S. portfolio.

At the same time, the company’s heavy oil production in Canada rose 13% YoY, helping it offset weaker Canadian natural gas drilling activity. Last year, Freehold’s liquids weighting also improved to 66% in 2025 from 64% in 2024, which is important because crude oil and natural gas liquids accounted for 90% of its total revenue during the year.

Leasing activity and balance sheet strength

In recent years, Freehold’s leasing activity has also remained strong. The company entered into 91 new leases in Canada and 25 new leases in the United States during 2025. Together, bonus and leasing revenue contributed $8 million to its financials, up sharply from $3 million in the previous year.

More importantly, its balance sheet also appears healthy. The company returned $177 million to shareholders through monthly dividends last year while maintaining a dividend payout ratio of 75%. Meanwhile, its long-term debt declined by $18 million to $283 million.

That relatively conservative debt level gives Freehold additional flexibility to continue investing in growth opportunities while still supporting shareholder payouts.

Why this stock could be positioned for a big year

Notably, Freehold’s management expects production to average between 15,500 and 16,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026. That guidance reflects some near-term pressure from lower drilling activity in late 2025, weaker Canadian natural gas pricing, and weather-related downtime in the southern United States. However, management also expects production to moderate in the first half of 2026 before returning to growth in the second half.

Freehold is also continuing to add to its royalty portfolio, as it acquired $38 million of additional crude oil-focused royalty interests in the Permian Basin and Canada last year. These assets are still in the early stages of development and could support future drilling inventory over time.

Given these solid fundamentals, I wouldn’t be surprised if Freehold Royalties stock outperforms the broader market by a big margin in 2026 and beyond.

The post 1 Canadian Energy Stock Quietly Positioning for a Big Year appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

• Use a TFSA to Earn $500 a Month With No Tax
• 3 Ultra-High-Yield Energy Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold for 2026
• 2 Canadian Stocks That Could Utterly Destroy a $100,000 Portfolio
• A Standout TFSA Stock With a 6 % Monthly Payout Worth Knowing About
• How to Create Your Own Pension With Canadian Dividend Stocks

Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Freehold Royalties. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

2026

In today’s environment, earning additional income is not only a nice-to-have but a necessity. The Bank of Canada warns that geopolitical volatility could drive prices higher. To boost purchasing power, Canadians can use the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) to generate income with no tax. 

If you’re investing in dividend stocks, the capital requirement varies depending on the yield. As of 2026, the $7,000 annual contribution limit has raised the cumulative TFSA contribution room to $109,000 for those eligible since 2009. Thus, earning $500/month within the tax-sheltered account is realistic for many Canadians.

A $100,000 TFSA stock portfolio with an average yield of 6% will produce the desired result. However, if a lump-sum investment upfront isn’t possible, you can hit the target over time through consistent contributions. By maximizing your annual limit each year and reinvesting dividends, you harness the power of compounding. It would take 11 years, more or less, to achieve the milestone.

Stable foundation

Ideally, a TFSA “monthly income” powerhouse strategy consists of two or more high-yield stocks with reliable dividend payment histories to mitigate risks. Freehold Royalties (TSX:FRU) can serve as the core holding, providing a stable foundation through its business model.

The $2.9 billion royalty company is not an oil producer or driller, but rather a “landlord” in the energy sector. Freehold collects royalties from over 380 industry operators in North America, including Exxon Mobil and Canadian Natural Resources Limited. It owns sizeable oil and natural gas properties in Canada and the United States.

Performance-wise, FRU has been steady thus far in 2026, benefiting from recent oil price shocks. At $17.90 per share, the year-to-date gain is 20.3%, while the dividend yield is 6.07%. Regarding dividend track record, the oil and natural gas royalty company hasn’t missed a monthly payout since May 1998.

Financial resilience is a salient feature of the royalty model. In 2025, royalty and other revenue increased 1.3% year over year to $313.5 million amid weaker commodity prices. Nevertheless, Freehold delivered record annual production of 16,294 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d).

Given its lower-risk, high-margin business, particularly its “zero” capital costs, management is confident Freehold can generate meaningful cash flows and sustain its dividends.      

Income accelerator

A suitable complement to Freehold Royalties is Plaza Retail (TSX:PLZ.UN). This $489 million REIT acts as an income accelerator, with its 6.32% dividend offer and $4.44 share price. The monthly distributions have been consistent since January 2022.

According to its president and CEO, Jason Parravano, 2025 was an important transition year for Plaza Retail. He noted the steady operating fundamentals and a portfolio positioned around non-discretionary retail.

In the 12 months ending December 2025, net operating income (NOI) and total comprehensive income increased 2.7% and 96.2% year over year to $77 million and $55.9 million. Demand for retail space was healthy, as evidenced by the 97.6% committed occupancy at year-end.

“From an operations standpoint, the portfolio continued to demonstrate resilience,” Paravano added. National retailers account for 91.1% of gross rents, and nearly 54% of revenue comes from essential needs retail.

Tax-exempt income

Earning $500 a month is an achievable and practical objective in today’s market. The TFSA and investments in reliable monthly-income stocks make the no-tax scenario possible.

The post Use a TFSA to Earn $500 a Month With No Tax appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

• 1 Canadian Energy Stock Quietly Positioning for a Big Year
• 3 Ultra-High-Yield Energy Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold for 2026
• 2 Canadian Stocks That Could Utterly Destroy a $100,000 Portfolio
• A Standout TFSA Stock With a 6 % Monthly Payout Worth Knowing About
• How to Create Your Own Pension With Canadian Dividend Stocks

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Canadian Natural Resources and Freehold Royalties. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

2026

If you keep on chasing whatever stock is soaring at the moment, you might miss out on great investing opportunities for the long term. More often than not, long-term wealth is built by buying high-quality companies during periods of temporary weakness and then holding them patiently for years. Such stocks become even more attractive when they also pay reliable dividends along the way.

In this article, I’ll highlight one magnificent TSX dividend stock that long-term investors may want to consider buying and holding for decades.

Brookfield Asset Management stock

When it comes to building wealth over the long run, stocks tied to real assets and global investment trends usually have an edge — and Brookfield Asset Management (TSX:BAM) fits right into that category. It’s one of the largest alternative asset managers in the world, focusing on investing client capital into real assets and essential service businesses across sectors such as renewable power, infrastructure, real estate, private equity, and credit.

As of May 5, BAM stock settled at $66.03 per share with a market capitalization of about $108 billion. Although the stock currently trades nearly 25% below its 52-week high, it has gained nearly 7% so far in the second quarter, showing signs of recovery despite broader market volatility. In addition to its long-term growth potential, Brookfield currently offers investors a quarterly dividend, with an annualized yield of around 4.2%.

What makes BAM stock even more attractive is the quality and diversification of its business model. The company invests in assets that tend to remain important regardless of economic cycles. Infrastructure, renewable energy, and essential real estate assets continue generating demand over time, which helps provide Brookfield with durable long-term cash flow opportunities.

Stronger investment income and valuation gains

Brookfield Asset Management posted record financial performance in 2025, driven by strong fundraising activity, capital deployment, and asset monetization.

In the fourth quarter alone, BAM raised a record US$35 billion of capital, bringing total 2025 fundraising to US$112 billion. Its fee-bearing capital grew 12% year over year (YoY) to US$603 billion.

Similarly, the company’s fee-related earnings — a key profitability metric for asset managers — rose 22% YoY in 2025 to a record US$3 billion, while its distributable earnings increased 14% from a year ago to US$2.7 billion.

Encouraged by these strong results, Brookfield Asset Management also raised its quarterly dividend by 15% to US$0.5025 per share, reflecting management’s confidence in future cash flow growth.

This TSX dividend stock could benefit from these trends

Notably, governments and corporations worldwide are investing heavily in infrastructure modernization, energy transition projects, private credit markets, and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. BAM appears well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities given its global scale and deep operational expertise.

For example, the company recently launched a US$100 billion global AI infrastructure program focused on developing the physical infrastructure needed to support AI growth, including data centres, power generation, and compute infrastructure.

At the same time, BAM’s balance sheet and liquidity position also remain solid. At the end of 2025, the company had US$134 billion of uncalled fund commitments and US$3 billion of corporate liquidity, giving it great flexibility to pursue new investments and strategic acquisitions. Given these fundamentals, Brookfield Asset Management could be a great TSX dividend stock that rewards patience for decades, especially for investors willing to think beyond near-term market noise.

The post 1 Magnificent TSX Dividend Stock Down 25% to Buy and Hold for Decades appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

• The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $250 Right Now
• 2 TSX Stocks I’d Move Quickly to Buy the Next Time Markets Pullback
• Got $10,000? Here’s a Simple TFSA Plan for Income and Growth
• The Sectors Where Canada Actually Beats the United States
• How Do Most Canadians’ TFSA Balances Look at Age 30?

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

2026