Passive Income in 2020: 2 Proven Ways to Earn Money While You Sleep

You can be a consummate passive investor in 2020 and earn significantly from the high dividends that SmartCentres stock and Keyera stock are paying.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

There are many ways to earn passive income in 2020 and increase your spending power or build your savings for future use. But there are two legitimate and proven ways to make money, even while you’re asleep.

Investing in real estate properties for rental income and owning dividend stocks deliver the highest returns. Buying stocks doesn’t require much capital. However, purchasing hard assets would entail more considerable cash. As a substitute, some investors opt for real estate investment trusts (REITs) to earn rental income like a landlord.

Quality REIT

SmartCentres (TSX:SRU.UN) is a quality real estate stock. This $5.32 billion REIT is a perfect hedge against inflation and a safeguard versus recession. Its real estate portfolio consists of power centres or value-oriented, unenclosed shopping centres, retail stores, and destination outlets.

You’re investing in strength and diversity if you purchase SmartCentres shares instead of owning physical property. About 115 properties have Wal-Mart as the anchor tenant, although there are other prominent names in from the 3,100 tenants.

Since the real assets are where Canadians usually shop, SmartCentres generate recurring and stable rental payments from its prominent national and regional tenants. The businesses are profitable even during a slowdown in the economy.

For $31.54 per share, this REIT will pay a dividend of 5.87%. Any amount of investment will double in in fewer than 12.5 years. Also, seed money of $25,000 can produce $122.30 in monthly passive income. You can forget about investing in an actual real estate property and still make money like a true landlord.

Stellar dividend stock

Keyera (TSX:KEY) is a permanent fixture in the stock portfolios of many Canadian retirees. This $7.4 billion oil and gas midstream company has been operating in the energy industry for more than two decades now.

The company is in the business of transporting, storing, and marketing natural gas liquids (NGLs) and iso-octane in Canada and the U.S. Its Gathering and Processing business units operate a network of roughly 4,000 kilometres of pipelines.

Also, Keyera has 17 natural gas processing plants that are located on the western side of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. The company has grown to be one of the largest independent midstream companies in Canada.

Since 2016, Keyera has been displaying consistent growth and paying a handsome dividend. You can own the stock for $34.38 per share and receive a 5.58% dividend in return. A $10,000 investment can produce $558 in annual income.

Historically, a $10,000 investment made 10 years ago delivered a total return of 341.21%, including the reinvestment of dividends. The ending investment amount is $44,136.53.

Moving forward, Keyera expects to have more expansion projects in Western Canada. This energy stock is likewise ideal for an RRSP or long-term investor.

Passive income in 2020

SmartCentres is the next-best alternative to direct ownership in rental property while Keyera is the key to earning generous dividend payouts. You don’t have to look elsewhere for income-producing assets.

Your goal of earning passive income in 2020 is achievable if you can save enough to purchase both stocks. After buying, you can sleep in peace and be contented.

Should you invest $1,000 in Cae Inc. right now?

Before you buy stock in Cae Inc., consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Cae Inc. wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $21,058.57!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 38 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 2/20/25

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

If You Thought Apple and Microsoft Were Big, You Need to Read This.

The steel industry produced the world's first $1 billion company in 1901, and it wasn't until 117 years later that technology giant Apple became the first-ever company to reach a $1 trillion valuation.

But what if I told you artificial intelligence (AI) is about to accelerate the pace of value creation? AI has the potential to produce several trillion-dollar companies in the future, and The Motley Fool is watching one very closely right now.

Don't fumble this potential wealth-building opportunity by navigating it alone. The Motley Fool has a proven track record of picking revolutionary growth stocks early, from Netflix to Amazon, so become a premium member today.

See the 'AI Supercycle' Stock

More on Dividend Stocks

investment research
Dividend Stocks

Got $400? 3 High-Yield Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

These Canadian stocks offer resilient payouts and high yields, making them compelling investments to generate worry-free passive income.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution for Long-Term Gains

Whether it's infrastructure, real estate or tech, these three stocks offer a promising addition to your TFSA.

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Dividend Stocks

Better Dividend Stock: Canadian Tire vs. CT REIT? 

Both Canadian Tire and CT REIT are good dividend stocks. However, which is a better investment depends on your financial…

Read more »

Dam of hydroelectric power plant in Canadian Rockies
Dividend Stocks

3 Low-Volatility TSX Stocks for Smoother Returns

Find stability in an era of tariff-induced uncertainty with Hydro One and two other low-volatility Canadian stocks

Read more »

Senior uses a laptop computer
Dividend Stocks

Why Canadian Dividend Stocks Are Still a Smart Buy in 2025

Here are some tax-related reasons why investors should continue to buy Canadian dividend stocks.

Read more »

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

3 Monthly Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

These three dividend stocks offer monthly income and so much more for investors seeking growth in their portfolio.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Stocks to Consider Adding to Your TFSA in 2025

Canadian dividend stocks like Altagas are a prime candidate for your TFSA due to their attractive valuations and dividend yields.

Read more »

lab worker inspects test tubes
Dividend Stocks

Better Materials Stock: Nutrien vs Methanex?

Sure, Nutrien stock seems like a strong option. But this other one might just have the edge on it.

Read more »