Since 2009, the Canadian Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) has served as a cornerstone tool for residents seeking financial freedom. Because all income and gains that accumulate inside a TFSA are completely sheltered from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the account offers true financial liberation potential. Unfortunately, a recent BMO survey revealed that roughly 47% of TFSA holders still kept their contributions in cash, an asset that earns modest interest but fails to deliver capital growth.

Holding only cash or GICs is rarely the most efficient allocation for long-term retirement planning. An ideal TFSA investment strategy shelters heavily taxable income while retaining meaningful growth potential to protect purchasing power against inflation. To achieve this, an ideal dividend stock must deliver consistent cash flows, raise its payout regularly, and preserve capital appreciation over time.

CT Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:CRT.UN) is a Canadian retail REIT that fits this profile impressively right now.

CT REIT offering a rock-solid payout

While growing income is attractive, dependable underlying cash flows must support it. CT REIT’s monthly distributions are supported by its exceptionally solid operational foundation. During the first quarter of 2026, the retail properties REIT reported an Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO) payout rate of 72.5%. Because AFFO measures recurring distributable income after ongoing maintenance, a low-70% payout ratio provides a comfortable cushion.

First-quarter operational performance further supported financial strength, given 2.3% year-over-year growth in same-property net operating income (SP NOI) and a 2.8% increase in AFFO per unit. With second-quarter earnings set for release on August 10, 2026, the trust’s distribution should remain safe, sustainable, and well-covered.

But why should you buy CT REIT in a TFSA?

CT.UN units offer an annualized distribution yield of 5.3%. No GIC contract offers this much right now. Management has a culture of raising payouts every year and has done so for 13 consecutive years since the REIT’s 2013 IPO. The trust’s portfolio enjoys full occupancy and embedded rent escalations, and new developments should help support growing distributions.

Recently on July 15, CT REIT paid its newly raised monthly distribution of $0.08 per unit to unitholders of record as of June 30, 2026. Its recent 3.5% distribution hike meant the trust’s monthly distribution has increased by 50% since 2013. The TFSA dividend stock has never missed a single monthly payment since going public.

Investors who missed the July 15 payout still have an opportunity to join the distributions queue for August as the trust recently declared another monthly distribution payable to unitholders of record by July 31.

Strong economic moats and the Canadian Tire connection

CT REIT’s operational resilience is anchored in its tight relationship with retail titan Canadian Tire Corp. The retail giant spun out CT REIT as part of a wider wave of corporate real estate spin-offs alongside Magna International (Granite REIT), Empire Company (Crombie REIT), and Loblaw (Choice Properties REIT). Today, an investment-grade rated Canadian Tire remains a majority equity partner and an anchor tenant representing 92.1% of CT REIT’s total gross leasable area (GLA).

Being a property development (and redevelopment) partner for Canadian Tire, CT REIT receives an order flow of lucrative property investment opportunities. The trust’s development pipeline includes three new projects announced in May at a $43 million budget and a 6.3% yield.

Growth and cash flow visibility from the REIT’s fully occupied portfolio remains exceptional. Capital gains may persist as the Canadian real estate market continues to recover and capitalization rates compress.

Why CT REIT belongs in your TFSA

Asset location (which account you put your investment assets in) is just as vital as asset selection. REITs enjoy corporate tax exemption by distributing at least 90% of net income to unitholders. The CRA taxes those monthly distributions mostly as ordinary income when held in non-registered accounts. By holding CT REIT units inside your TFSA, every dollar of its 5.3% yield, along with future payout hikes and capital price gains on trust units, remain 100% tax free.

The post Here’s an Ideal TFSA Dividend Stock That Pays Consistent Cash appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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• Your 2026 TFSA Game Plan: How to Turn the Contribution Room Into Monthly Cash
• Got $14,000? Turn Your TFSA Into a Monthly Income Machine
• My 2 Favourite Stocks for Monthly Passive Income
• Use a TFSA to Make $500 in Monthly Tax-Free Income

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

Do you want to receive passive income while doing nothing more than holding shares inside your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)? That income may start small, but it can grow when dividends are reinvested and companies raise their payouts.

While dividend income from a $14,000 investment will not replace a salary, it could certainly lay the foundation for a much larger passive-income portfolio. I would divide that money between one Canadian natural gas producer and one global infrastructure operator. Together, their current yields could generate around $711 annually.

In this article, I’ll spotlight these two Canadian dividend stocks and explain why their fundamentals support an optimistic long-term income outlook.

Peyto stock

The first income stock I would add to this TFSA is Peyto Exploration & Development (TSX:PEY). This company produces natural gas and natural gas liquids in Alberta. Its shares recently traded at $25.52 each, giving it a market value of $5.2 billion. PEY stock has climbed 36% over the last year and still offers a juicy 5.8% annualized dividend yield.

Peyto’s strong stock performance has mainly been supported by its stronger production, higher realized gas prices, and solid financial results. The company’s first-quarter production rose 10% year-over-year (YoY) to 147,513 barrels of oil equivalent per day. Its funds from operations jumped 30% YoY to $293 million, while earnings surged by 50% to $171 million.

Peyto also generated $139.7 million of free funds flow last quarter and reduced net debt by $89.2 million. The realized natural gas price after hedging reached $4.7 per thousand cubic feet, helped by market diversification and hedging gains.

The natural gas producer plans to invest between $450 million and $500 million in 2026 to add new production. These strong results and operations make Peyto an attractive higher-yield stock for investors seeking consistent passive income inside a TFSA.

Brookfield Infrastructure stock

To balance that energy exposure, I would pair Peyto with Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (TSX:BIP.UN). It owns utilities, transport, midstream, and data assets across several global markets. After climbing 29% over the last 12 months, its units now trade at $56.66 each, with a market cap of $25.9 billion. At this price level, the stock provides a 4.5% annualized distribution yield.

In the latest quarter ended in March, Brookfield Infrastructure’s funds from operations rose 10% YoY to US$709 million, while funds from operations per unit increased to US$0.90 from US$0.82. This growth came from inflation-linked revenue, strong midstream utilization, newly commissioned projects, and recent acquisitions.

The company’s data segment was especially strong, with funds from operations rising 46% YoY. Similarly, its midstream funds from operations climbed 12% from a year ago, while utilities posted 5% growth.

With predictable cash flows, global diversification, and a growing data infrastructure business, Brookfield Infrastructure looks like a dependable long-term holding for building TFSA passive income.

Generating reliable passive income inside a TFSA

If you split a $14,000 TFSA equally, you would invest roughly $7,000 in each stock. At Peyto’s current 5.8% annualized dividend yield, that investment could generate about $396 a year. Meanwhile, about $7,000 invested in Brookfield Infrastructure at its current 4.5% annualized distribution yield could add roughly $315 annually.

Together, that works out to about $711 in annual passive income, all while giving you exposure to two businesses with room to grow over time. If both companies continue raising their payouts, and you reinvest those distributions instead of spending them, your passive income could become even larger in the years ahead.

The post Here’s How I’d Grow a $14,000 TFSA Into $711 in Passive Income appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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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.

A six-figure Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) may sound exciting, but if you’re not using it to generate reliable long-term income, you may not be getting the most out of it. One of the biggest advantages of a TFSA is that any eligible investment income, including dividends, can be earned tax-free. That means a well-built portfolio can provide a meaningful stream of passive income without increasing your tax bill.

For example, a $109,000 TFSA portfolio invested in a Canadian dividend stock with a healthy yield could generate impressive monthly income. Whether you use that extra cash to cover everyday expenses, reinvest it to accelerate your portfolio’s growth, or save it for future goals, the flexibility of tax-free income is one of the TFSA’s biggest advantages.

In this article, I’ll highlight a TFSA-friendly monthly income stock and explain why it could be worth considering today.

A monthly income stock to consider for a TFSA

If you’re looking to turn your TFSA into a reliable source of monthly income, Slate Grocery REIT (TSX:SGR.UN) could be worth a closer look. It owns and operates grocery-anchored real estate across major U.S. metro markets. Because grocery stores provide everyday essentials, the real estate investment trust (REIT) benefits from a portfolio built around properties that tend to attract consistent customer traffic.

At the time of writing, the stock traded at $17.61 per share, giving it a market cap of roughly $1 billion. The REIT was only 1% below its 52-week high and had gained 22% over the last year. At this price, it also offered an attractive 6.9% annualized dividend yield with monthly distributions.

Why the business continues to grow

In the first quarter, Slate Grocery REIT completed more than 725,000 square feet of leasing activity. Its renewal leases were signed at rents 18.9% above expiring levels, while new leases were completed at 49% above the comparable average in-place rent, highlighting continued demand for its properties.

Those leasing gains helped the trust’s rental revenue jump 11.8% year-over-year (YoY) to US$59.3 million. Similarly, its net operating income (NOI) rose 3% YoY to US$42.5 million, while net profit climbed 17.5% from a year ago to US$18.9 million.

Meanwhile, Slate’s portfolio occupancy remained stable at 94.4%. Even more importantly, the REIT’s average in-place rent was US$12.98 per square foot, well below the reported market average of US$24.59. That gap gives the business meaningful room to increase rents as existing leases expire, and new agreements are signed.

Why it could still be worth buying today

Interestingly, about 90.2% of Slate’s debt carries fixed interest rates, with a weighted average interest rate of 5%, giving it stability even if borrowing costs remain elevated.

For TFSA investors focused on building reliable passive income, Slate Grocery REIT offers an attractive combination of a high monthly yield, solid leasing momentum, and opportunities for future rental growth.

A $109,000 TFSA could generate over $103,000 in income in 10 years

Slate Grocery REIT’s 6.9% yield could make a noticeable difference inside a TFSA over the long run. A $109,000 investment today could generate about $7,521 in annual income, or roughly $627 every month.

These figures become even more impressive over the long term. If those monthly distributions are consistently reinvested, a $109,000 investment could generate more than $103,000 in cumulative dividends over 10 years, assuming a 6.9% annualized yield and annual reinvestment. That highlights how combining tax-free income with compounding can significantly increase the long-term value of a TFSA.

Note that this is a conservative estimate that assumes dividends are reinvested once each year at a constant 6.9% annual yield. Because Slate Grocery REIT pays monthly distributions, reinvesting those distributions more frequently could result in slightly higher long-term returns. That said, long-term investors may want to diversify their TFSA portfolio instead of investing such a large amount in a single stock.

The post Your TFSA Could Be Worth $109,000: Here’s the Monthly Income That You Could Earn appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

• Yielding 6.8% Every Month: 1 TFSA Dividend Stock Doing Just That
• Use a TFSA to Make $500 in Monthly Tax-Free Income
• The Perfect TFSA Stock: A 7% Yield With Monthly Paycheques
• A Simple Way to Turn $25,000 in TFSA Savings Into Consistent Cash Flow
• How to Build a Paycheque Portfolio With 2 Stocks That Pay Monthly

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

Your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) doesn’t have to sit around waiting for share prices to rise. In fact, it could also pay you while you wait. A carefully built dividend portfolio could create recurring tax-free cash, and the $1,000 yearly mark is more achievable than it first appears to most investors.

Using the current yields of two fundamentally solid Canadian stocks, an investment of nearly $28,850 split evenly could produce about that amount each year. At the same time, it also gives you exposure to companies with real operations and clear growth plans.

In this article, I’ll highlight these two Canadian dividend stocks that could help turn your TFSA into a reliable long-term passive income engine starting today.

Keyera stock

The first dividend stock that could help achieve your $1,000 TFSA income target is Keyera (TSX:KEY), an integrated Canadian energy infrastructure firm.

It mainly gathers and processes natural gas and handles natural gas liquids through transportation, storage, processing, and marketing assets. Its stock recently closed at $60.54 per share, after gaining 40% over the last year. Following that gain, the company had a market cap of $17.8 billion and offered a 3.6% annualized dividend yield.

That strong share-price performance was mainly supported by rising demand for Keyera’s fee-for-service assets and progress across its growth platform. In the first quarter of 2026, the company’s gathering and processing segment delivered a record realized margin of about $118 million, up from about $109 million a year ago. Record Wapiti throughput and contributions from the acquired Simonette East interests supported that increase.

Recently, Keyera completed the Plains Canadian natural gas liquids acquisition and is working to capture integration benefits. Meanwhile, its KAPS Zone 4 and KFS Frac III projects remain on track and on budget. The company also continues to target 7% to 8% compound annual growth in its fee-based adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) from 2024 through 2027.

With a useful yield, expanding infrastructure, and fee-based growth plans, Keyera could be an attractive TFSA holding for investors looking to build tax-free income.

Canadian Utilities stock

Canadian Utilities (TSX:CU) is another great dividend stock for this tax-free cash plan, offering a regulated utility base and another dependable dividend stream.

It owns energy infrastructure businesses spanning electricity and natural gas transmission, distribution, generation, storage, and cleaner fuels. After climbing 41% over the last year, CU stock currently trades at $54.87 per share. At this market price, it has a market cap of $11.3 billion and a 3.4% annualized dividend yield.

The company’s first quarter 2026 adjusted earnings rose 4.3% YoY to about $242 million. It also invested about $353 million during the quarter, with 94% directed to regulated utilities.

At the same time, Canadian Utilities’ $2.9 billion Yellowhead Pipeline Project was moving through the approval process, while construction of its 85-kilometre Central East Transfer-Out transmission line finished ahead of schedule. The line was expected to be energized by June 2026 and support more than 1,500 megawatts of electricity on Alberta’s grid.

Overall, its regulated operations, growing earnings, and large infrastructure pipeline make Canadian Utilities another appealing TFSA dividend stock for investors seeking durable tax-free cash.

How to generate $1,000 in yearly TFSA income

Keyera currently offers a 3.6% dividend yield, while Canadian Utilities yields 3.4%. That works out to an average yield of about 3.5%. So, if you invest roughly $28,850 and split it equally between these two stocks, you could generate around $1,000 in annual dividend income based on their current payout rates. Moreover, reinvesting those dividends could boost your TFSA’s growth and increase the amount of tax-free income it generates over time.

The post How to Use Your TFSA to Generate $1,000 Every Year in Tax-Free Cash appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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

The U.S. tariff policy toward Canada has changed repeatedly in recent years, with deadlines, pauses, court rulings, and higher duties arriving one after another.

Most recently, in the July 20 announcement, the U.S. added a 50% tariff on selected Canadian goods and removed the trade-agreement protection for those products. That uncertainty could punish companies heavily reliant on cross-border demand and trade.

Nevertheless, the Toronto Stock Exchange still has many stocks that are built differently and could continue to thrive even if trade tensions remain elevated. One such TSX stock is George Weston (TSX:WN). Its exposure comes from Loblaw’s grocery and pharmacy network and Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust’s necessity-focused real estate portfolio.

In this article, I’ll spotlight why this top TSX stock could be a solid holding when trade headlines refuse to settle down.

A defensive business mix

Simply put, George Weston operates through Loblaw and Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. Loblaw sells groceries, pharmacy products, healthcare services, apparel, and general merchandise. And the real estate investment trust (REIT) Choice Properties owns and manages commercial and residential properties across Canada, with many tenants serving everyday needs.

Despite broader market volatility, WN stock has risen nearly 18% over the last 12 months to currently trade at $103.62 per share. It has a market capitalization of $38.9 billion and an annualized dividend yield of roughly 1.2%. The recent rally in George Weston stock reflects the solid performance of its underlying businesses.

Growth backed by essential spending

While the company is yet to release its second-quarter earnings report (due on July 31), George Weston’s revenue rose 4.2% year-over-year (YoY) in the first quarter to $14.6 billion. Its adjusted quarterly EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) climbed 6.2% YoY to $1.7 billion, while the adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 11.7% from 11.4%.

More importantly, the company’s net earnings for the quarter available to common shareholders climbed 27.7% to $106 million. That solid jump was mainly helped by lower amortization related to intangible assets from Loblaw’s 2014 Shoppers Drug Mart acquisition.

In the latest quarter, Loblaw acted as the main growth engine as its revenue rose 4.2% YoY to $14.5 billion. Food same-store sales inched up by 2.4%, while drug retail same-store sales increased 4.1%. Higher customer traffic, larger baskets, prescription growth, beauty sales, e-commerce demand, and new store openings all contributed.

Meanwhile, Choice Properties REIT also added stability to George Weston’s results. Choice’s revenue climbed 4% YoY to $361 million in the latest quarter, while funds from operations rose 2.6% to $196 million. New leasing, higher rental rates, acquisitions, completed developments, and lease surrender revenue backed the gain.

Why George Weston’s long-term outlook remains strong

George Weston’s subsidiary Loblaw plans about $2.4 billion in gross capital spending during 2026, focused on stores and distribution centres. It also expects retail earnings to grow faster than sales and adjusted earnings per share to rise at a high-single-digit rate.

Meanwhile, George Weston has committed $600 million to support Choice Properties’ planned acquisition of about $5 billion in First Capital REIT’s retail assets. The deal would expand Choice Properties’ urban retail platform, while George Weston expects distributions from the added units to more than cover related financing costs.

More importantly for income investors, George Weston recently raised its quarterly common-share dividend by 8%, marking a fifteenth straight annual increase.

These essential businesses, improving earnings, growing dividends, and expansion prospects make George Weston look like an attractive TSX stock for investors seeking resilience when tariff headlines keep changing the market mood.

The post This 1 TSX Stock Looks Built for Trade-Headline Chaos appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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• How I’d Invest $250,000 in Canadian Dividend Stocks for Lifelong Income
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• How to Use a TFSA to Generate $300 in Monthly Tax-Free Income

Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

As an income investor searching the Toronto Stock Exchange for long-term passive income opportunities, finding a top tier TSX dividend stock to buy for the long haul remains a priority. A titan of Canadian telecommunications, TELUS (TSX:T) stock captures the market’s attention due to its jaw-dropping dividend yield hovering near 11.7%. While a double-digit yield often raises immediate warning flags for cautious investors, the long-term story unfolding inside TELUS suggests this TSX dividend giant could be a powerful buy-and-hold candidate.

A strategic reorganization underway at TELUS

A major turning point for TELUS could have arrived on July 1 as newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Victor Dodig officially assumed leadership alongside new Chief Financial Officer Gopi Chande. Dodig has wasted no time initiating a broad structural transformation, unveiling a sweeping executive reorganization on July 22.

The strategic moves are designed to streamline operations and drive sustainable long-term growth. Under this new operating framework taking effect on September 1, 2026, re-hired telecom veteran David Fuller will oversee the consolidated consumer and business telecom operations, while Navin Arora will head the global platform businesses.

This bold executive shakeup directly invokes new questions from potential investors: Can TELUS maintain its massive payout, or is a strategic dividend reset on the horizon?

What if TELUS slashes its outsized dividend?

Even if Dodig, Chande, and the board choose to slash the current payout in half to better align with industry peers, a passive income investment case on TELUS stock remains exceptionally compelling.

A 50% dividend cut would lower the yield to a still lucrative 5.8%, creating a payout fully covered by recurring free cash flow.

Going further with this speculation, resetting its outsized dividend would free up significant capital each year. Those hundreds of millions in saved funds could be redirected toward aggressive debt reduction, share repurchases, or strategic investments like expanding artificial intelligence data centres to strengthen its position in Canada’s Sovereign AI program. Such reinvestments ensure TELUS stays competitive alongside rivals like BCE, which is aggressively building out Canadian AI infrastructure.

Using the Rule of 72, an investor collecting a sustainable 5.8% dividend yield would only require a modest 1.4% average annual capital gain on TELUS stock to double their money in just a decade. To achieve that 1.4% annual capital gain, TELUS simply needs to grow its revenue and free cash flow per share at a steady single-digit annual rate while keeping share dilution in check and valuation multiples static.

Multiples may expand if Dodig’s execution delights the market with strong cash flow and steady revenue growth.

Cash flow expansion and strong growth drivers

TELUS’s foundation for future investment gains is already falling into place. On May 20, 2026, TELUS announced a massive $66 billion investment in Canada through 2030 to bolster connectivity and support national AI leadership. At the same time, the company is growing its free cash flow as heavy network buildouts taper off. Management reaffirmed a consolidated free cash flow target of $2.4 billion for 2026, representing 10% growth as capital expenditures drop by a similar 10% magnitude.

To put this trajectory into perspective, telecom peers show similar top-line resilience. On July 22, Rogers Communications reported 8% revenue growth for the second quarter, bolstered by a 50% surge in media revenue. Meanwhile, TELUS reported 1% consolidated service revenue growth in the first quarter and reaffirmed full-year service revenue growth guidance between 2% and 4%.

Is TELUS a TSX dividend stock to buy for long-term income and growth?

Whether management leaves the TELUS stock dividend untouched or executes a prudent 50% cut to strengthen the balance sheet, current valuation levels offer an attractive margin of safety. Investors securing positions in T stock today at a forward price-to-free cash flow (P/FCF) multiple of 7 times stand to benefit from steady income and solid total returns as the corporate restructuring unfolds.

Patient investors searching for an exceptional TSX dividend stock to buy today and hold for generations should view TELUS as a truly remarkable passive income opportunity to consider today.

If the dividend survives, the future passive income yield is even more magnificent.

The post 1 Dividend Giant I’d Buy and Never Sell appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

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• Why I’d Choose This Dividend Stock Over Telus or BCE Any Day
• All It Takes Is $5,000 Invested in Each of These 3 Dividend Stocks to Help Generate Nearly $1,200 in Passive Income
• BCE or Telus: Which TSX Dividend Stock Is a Better Buy Now?
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Fool contributor Brian Paradza has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Rogers Communications and TELUS. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Every income investor knows the sinking feeling of falling for a yield trap. You spot an eye-popping payout, add the high-yield dividend stock to your portfolio, and months later watch helplessly as management slashes the dividend and sends the stock price plummeting.

So when a Canada-listed real estate investment trust (REIT) offers a monthly cash payout yielding roughly 6.8% annualized while reporting a key payout ratio over 110%, alarm bells should be ringing loud.

On paper, Slate Grocery REIT (TSX:SGR.UN) looks like a risky investment candidate for anyone seeking a reliable TFSA dividend stock. In the first quarter of 2026, the trust reported an Adjusted Funds from Operations (AFFO) payout ratio of 111.9%. Over the past eight quarters, its AFFO payout rate has exceeded the sustainable threshold of 100% in five of them.

By conventional wisdom, this monthly distribution should already have been trimmed. Yet, the monthly checks keep arriving like clockwork, paid out in steady U.S. dollars. Even stranger, while public market investors hesitated when yield hovered well over 7%, some smart-money managers with very deep pockets quietly stepped up to buy out the entire trust’s assets in May. The trust is evaluating options, and the yield is shrinking.

SGR.UN Dividend Yield data by YCharts

Essential assets in an uncertain economy

To understand why an affiliate of Slate Asset Management may want to snatch Slate Grocery REIT away from public investors, you have to look past the headline AFFO numbers and step inside its physical 115 grocery-anchored retail properties located entirely in the United States.

Slate Grocery REIT owns the essential neighborhood hubs that everyday Americans rely on, no matter what the economy is doing. Roughly 79.4% of its space is leased to essential service providers, anchored by recession-proof retail titans like Walmart and The Kroger Co. Rain or shine, inflation or recession, communities still need food, medicine, and daily necessities.

That steady foot traffic creates an unshakable floor for rental income. But the real secret behind why this asset stands out as a compelling TFSA dividend stock lies in what has been happening behind the scenes during lease negotiations.

Double-digit leasing spreads and hidden cash flow strength

Across the U.S. grocery sector, rents have been climbing fast. Slate Grocery REIT’s existing leases sat well below market rates, giving management an immense opportunity to capture double-digit re-leasing spreads in recent quarters, including a 49% spread on new leases closed during the first quarter of 2026. To lock in lucrative new long-term leases at higher rates, the trust spends cash upfront on tenant improvements and property upgrades.

In real estate accounting, those aggressive upfront investments hit the AFFO calculation immediately, temporarily pushing quarterly payout ratios above 100%. Under the hood, however, operating cash flow – measured by Funds from Operations (FFO) – remained remarkably healthy, sitting comfortably between 82% and 87% over those same eight quarters. The business was not suffering from an operational deficit; it was reinvesting cash to secure higher future rents.

A buyout bid unlocks major intrinsic value

While retail investors nervously watched the “concerning” AFFO payout rates, institutional money saw the bigger picture.

On May 22, 2026, trading in the REIT’s units was temporarily halted on the Toronto Stock Exchange following news that an affiliate of Slate Grocery REIT’s own external asset manager had shown interest in acquiring all outstanding units and taking the REIT private. Before the announcement, the market priced the units at around $15.50 – a massive 20.3% discount to its net asset value (NAV) of US$13.79 (CAD 19.44) per unit.

The unsolicited buyout offer highlights what the public market missed: the retail REIT was significantly undervalued on the stock market despite its defensive goldmine of defensive, U.S.-dollar-denominated rental income and organic rent growth potential.

Should you buy the 6.9% yield in a TFSA?

Even after rallying to around $17.50, units still trade at nearly a 10% discount to their most recent net asset value. The REIT is a compelling passive income opportunity for Canadian investors looking for a high-yield TFSA dividend stock to buy and hold. You get a resilient 6.9% monthly yield, built-in U.S. dollar currency exposure, double-digit leasing momentum, and recent institutional validation – all shielded from taxes inside a TFSA.

With second-quarter earnings slated for August 6, income investors looking to secure tax-free monthly distributions may want to evaluate this trust before the valuation gap closes entirely.

That said, the “risk” of a premium buyout is still on the table.

The post Yielding 6.8% Every Month: 1 TFSA Dividend Stock Doing Just That appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

• Your TFSA Could Be Worth $109,000: Here’s the Monthly Income That You Could Earn
• Use a TFSA to Make $500 in Monthly Tax-Free Income
• The Perfect TFSA Stock: A 7% Yield With Monthly Paycheques
• A Simple Way to Turn $25,000 in TFSA Savings Into Consistent Cash Flow
• How to Build a Paycheque Portfolio With 2 Stocks That Pay Monthly

Fool contributor Brian Paradza has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Kroger, Slate Grocery REIT, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The latest Canada-U.S. trade dispute is reaching another critical stage in 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump has signed three proclamations directing 50% tariffs on a new list of Canadian goods, including milk, cream, other dairy products, beer, wine, cider, whisky, and other spirits. The measures are expected to take effect on August 19, after a 30-day implementation window, while trade talks continue. Some goods that currently qualify for tariff-free treatment under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement could also be affected, although energy, potash, critical minerals, and fish were excluded from the latest measures.

Against this uncertain trade backdrop, some Canadian companies are still delivering strong operating results, which could act as a buffer against external pressures. So, if you want to reduce the impact of trade uncertainty on your portfolio, focusing on such fundamentally strong Canadian stocks could be a sensible approach right now.

Here are two Canadian companies that could continue to thrive despite trade tensions.

Loblaw stock

The first company that stands out in this uncertain Canada-U.S. trade environment is Loblaw Companies (TSX:L), a business built around groceries, pharmacies, healthcare services, financial products, and other everyday consumer needs.

At the time of writing, Loblaw stock recently traded at $64.98 per share and carried a market cap of about $75.2 billion. The stock gained 19% over the last year and more than doubled over three years. At the current market price, it also offers an annualized dividend yield of about 0.9%.

That strong stock performance has been mainly backed by steady demand and solid execution. In the first quarter of 2026, Loblaw’s revenue climbed 4.2% year-over-year (YoY) to $14.5 billion as its food retail same-store sales rose 2.4%, while drug retail same-store sales saw a 4.1% increase. Its results from the pharmacy and healthcare services segment were especially strong, with same-store sales rising 6.7% YoY.

In the latest quarter, the company’s e-commerce sales also jumped 20.3% from a year ago, helped by PC Express delivery and third-party delivery options. Higher sales, better operating leverage, and lower expenses as a percentage of sales drove its adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) up by 6.5% YoY to $1.6 billion.

Meanwhile, Loblaw is continuing to expand its network as it opened five hard discount stores and eight drug stores in the first quarter. The company plans about $2.4 billion in gross capital spending in 2026 and continues to return cash through share repurchases and dividends.

For investors seeking a Canadian business that could keep growing through economic and trade uncertainty, Loblaw’s essential products, strong domestic presence, and growing digital and pharmacy operations make it an attractive investment choice.

Saputo stock

Another Canadian company showing resilience amid trade tensions is Saputo (TSX:SAP), one of the world’s largest dairy processors with operations across Canada, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. While trade uncertainty may create headwinds for dairy exports, this company is still finding ways to grow.

Following a 43% rally over the last year, Saputo stock now trades at $41.14 per share with a market cap of $16.5 billion. It also offers an annualized dividend yield of roughly 1.9%.

The company’s revenue for fiscal year 2026 (ended in March) from continuing operations fell 1.5% YoY to $17.6 billion, mainly because of lower U.S. dairy commodity market pricing. Still, the underlying business improved as higher sales volumes in North America, better pricing, a stronger product mix, and operating efficiencies drove its adjusted EBITDA up by 10.4% YoY to $1.7 billion. More importantly, its adjusted EBITDA margin also improved to 9.5% from 8.4%.

In June 2026, Saputo completed the sale of an 80% stake in its Argentina operations for net proceeds of about $543 million while retaining a 20% interest. That move is likely to give the Canadian dairy giant more financial flexibility and let it focus on higher-return opportunities.

Despite Canada-U.S. trade uncertainty in the short term, Saputo’s improving margins, stronger cash flow, portfolio simplification, and disciplined capital allocation make it an appealing stock for long-term investors.

The post The Canadian Companies Thriving Despite Trade Tensions appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar 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.

Energy stocks are at the peak of their upcycle. Before 2022, the energy sector was maturing, with increasing consolidation of smaller players, large companies pausing expansion plans, and focusing on cost-cutting. However, geopolitical tensions have fired up supply chains and revived the sector. While oil demand remains stable, with marginal growth, countries are diversifying their oil supply. This has stirred up oil prices and made energy stocks the most sought-after.

Canadian energy stocks to watch when oil prices rise

Many energy infrastructure companies have intensified their capital spending on new pipelines to open Alberta’s oil sands reserves to the world. Whenever oil headlines heat up, they fuel share prices of oil producers and energy infrastructure companies. Walking through the Canadian energy supply chain, here are three energy stocks to keep an eye on alongside the investing strategy to follow for each.

Cenovus Energy

Cenovus Energy (TSX:CVE) is an integrated oil company that does everything from producing, refining, transmitting, and retailing oil and gas. It is not the largest oil company in Canada but a key beneficiary of the uptrend. Last year, the company acquired MEG Energy, which increased its production output just before the US-Iran war. Thus, the high oil prices have helped Cenovus earn a surplus, which it is directing towards repaying debt. It aims to reduce its net debt to $4 billion in the long term, from $8.1 billion as at March 31, 2026.

Hence, you will see the Cenovus share price rise faster than others when oil prices rise. However, this same strength is also its weakness, as a dip in oil prices reduces the surplus. The company is investing in technology to reduce breakeven costs and sustain dividends even at US$45 WTI.

To make money from Cenovus, consider buying the stock when the oil price trades below $70/barrel. A lower oil price will reduce the share price and help you lock in a higher dividend yield. Cenovus doesn’t have a strong dividend history, but it has grown dividends by an average annual rate of 10% throughout the upcycle. You can enjoy high dividends when oil prices fall and share price rallies when oil prices rise. Consider booking profits if the stock price rallies 30–50%, as such a high rally is not sustainable.

Enbridge

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) has the largest oil and gas pipeline infrastructure in North America. It is building a gas pipeline to connect the Woodfibre LNG plant, which will export liquefied natural gas to Asia through the Pacific route. The company is also building renewable energy plants for hyperscalers like Meta. A lot of capital is being used for new infrastructure projects, which will generate new income sources for years to come.

Whether you should buy Enbridge at its all-time high is a topic of debate as the stock shows no signs of slowing. If you already own Enbridge shares, keep holding. One investing strategy could be to buy Enbridge shares in small quantities throughout the year to take advantage of dollar cost averaging. ENB is still a reliable dividend stock and could see a steady increase in share price as projects worth $9.9 billion come online in 2027.

Bird Construction

Though not an energy stock, it is strategically relevant to the energy industry. Bird Construction (TSX:BDT) is the key beneficiary of nation-building initiatives. The Canadian government is promoting the development of energy and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The government is looking to diversify its oil exports to Asian countries and reduce its reliance on the United States.

This has given rise to several infrastructure projects, driving up Bird’s order book. Bird Construction’s share price has surged 200% since November 2025, and more upside is likely as new orders pour in. It has an order backlog of $11 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up from $8.3 billion a year ago.

The stock still has potential to grow another 100–200% as the capital spent by the likes of Enbridge becomes revenue for Bird Construction.

Investing tip

Each of the above three energy stocks is riding the energy upcycle, and how you invest in each of them will help you maximize returns.

The post 3 Canadian Energy Stocks to Watch as Oil Headlines Heat Up appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Puja Tayal has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Enbridge and Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Trade tensions have become part of everyday life for Canadian businesses. Since returning to the office, U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced, delayed, and expanded several rounds of tariffs. Trade pressure intensified again recently, when he announced new 50% tariffs on specific Canadian goods, with no exemption for products that comply with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.

Still, not every Canadian company depends heavily on cross-border goods trade. Some businesses earn most of their money from essential services at home.

In this article, I’ll highlight two Canadian dividend stocks that continue to grow despite the trade uncertainty.

Quebecor stock

The first Canadian company built to handle this difficult trade environment is Quebecor (TSX:QBR.B).

Based in Montréal, this telecommunications and media company has mobile, internet, television, news, and entertainment operations. After jumping by nearly 70% over the last year, its stock currently trades at $66.98 per share with a market cap of about $15 billion, and offers a 2.4% annualized dividend yield.

That solid momentum in Quebecor stock has been backed by its strong operating and financial results. In the March 2026 quarter, the company’s revenue rose 3.9% year-over-year (YoY) to nearly $1.4 billion. On the profitability side, its adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) rose 4.9% from a year ago to $576.6 million.

Its telecommunications business remained the main growth driver. Mobile service revenue climbed 8.8% YoY, internet revenue rose 3.2%, and the company added 28,800 mobile connections during the quarter. With all this, Quebecor’s adjusted net profit also jumped 18.6% YoY to $219.5 million.

Meanwhile, the telecom firm is strengthening its position through Freedom Mobile, new nationwide plans, faster internet services, and disciplined debt reduction. Because most of its growth comes from Canadian telecom services, Quebecor offers investors a strong domestic business that is less directly exposed to tariffs on physical exports.

Hydro One stock

Another attractive Canadian stock that could keep growing through trade tensions is Hydro One (TSX:H). It mainly operates Ontario’s electricity transmission and distribution system and serves about 1.5 million customers. Following a 22% surge over the last year, its stock now trades at $59.08 per share with a market cap of $35.5 billion and a 2.4% annualized dividend yield.

In the first quarter, Hydro One posted a 10% YoY increase in its total revenue to about $2.6 billion. Its net profit attributable to common shareholders also rose 9.2% YoY to $391 million, while earnings improved to $0.65 per share from $0.60.

These gains came mainly from Ontario Energy Board-approved rates and higher peak electricity demand. Lower operating, maintenance, and administration costs also helped, although higher financing and depreciation expenses offset part of the improvement in the latest quarter.

Notably, Hydro One recently invested $715 million and placed $484 million of assets into service. It was also selected to develop major transmission projects in Greenstone, Red Lake, and between Sudbury and Barrie.

These projects should support its long-term earnings growth as Ontario’s electricity needs expand. Since Hydro One earns regulated revenue from essential provincial infrastructure, its business is not closely tied to exports or tariff-sensitive goods.

The post The Canadian Companies Thriving During Trade Tensions appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar 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.