4 Dividend Stocks to Set and Forget

Adding one or more set-and-forget stocks should be an objective for every investor. Here are some options to consider for your long-term portfolio.

| 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

Establishing an income stream is one of the chief goals of every investor portfolio. Finding that right mix of stocks to accomplish that goal can be a daunting task for some, especially newer investors. Fortunately, there are plenty of great options to choose on the market. Here are some of those great set-and-forget stocks to generate a healthy passive-income stream.

Bank on growth and income to fuel your portfolio

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD) is a perfect set-and-forget stock. TD operates both a strong domestic arm in Canada as well as a growing international segment that is focused on the U.S. market.

TD’s U.S. business continues to fuel the bank’s growth. In the period since the Great Recession, TD has acquired and then rebranded U.S. assets into a network of over 1,200 locations. Today, that U.S. network stretches from Maine to Florida.

Earlier this year, TD acquired Tennessee-based First Horizon in a US$13.4 billion deal. The deal will add billions in loans and deposits, millions of new customers and expand the bank’s reach into new U.S. state markets. The deal also bumps TD into one of the top-six banks in the U.S. market.

That incredible growth means that TD continues to offer a juicy quarterly dividend. The set-and-forget candidate pays out a handsome yield of 3.77%. Furthermore, TD has an established precedent of paying out that dividend without fail that goes back over a century.

Set and forget: All hail the (Dividend) King!

Speaking of well-established dividend stocks, let’s take a moment to talk about Canadian Utilities (TSX:CU). As the name implies, Canadian Utilities is a utility stock, which means investors can expect a stable revenue stream and reliable dividends.

In the case of Canadian Utilities, that dividend works out to an impressive 4.61%, making it one of the better-paying set and forget options on the market. What then makes Canadian Utilities a great set-and-forget option for your portfolio?

Canadian Utilities is currently the only Dividend King stock in Canada. In other words, Canadian Utilities has provided annual dividend hikes for 50 consecutive years. That factor alone makes this a great set-and-forget option for any portfolio.

Throw in the defensive business model and you have a nearly perfect long-term option.

Telecoms have become necessities: Buy this one

There are many things in our daily lives that have changed in the two years since the pandemic started. Many of us work and learn remotely. We’ve embraced online commerce more and the time savings it brings us. And all of that requires a fast and stable internet connection.

That’s just one reason why telecoms and, specifically, the wireless and internet segments have become a necessity for millions. This is why Telus (TSX:T)(NYSE:TU) represents an intriguing option to consider.

Telus is not the largest of Canada’s telecoms, but does offer a juicy dividend, more than a decade of strong growth, and a business that continues to diversify. Specifically, Telus has diversified into other areas beyond its traditional subscription business. That includes entry into both the home security and healthcare businesses.

As an income stock, Telus’s quarterly dividend currently works out to a handsome 4.08%. Additionally, the company continues has provided investors with annual upticks to that dividend for over a decade.

Sheer necessity makes this stock a gem

Telecoms aren’t the only necessity-focused stock that surged under the pandemic. Grocery stocks provide a necessary service to us and yet are often dismissed as investments.

That’s unfortunate because some grocery stocks, like Loblaw Companies (TSX:L) are superb investment options.

Loblaw is the largest grocer in Canada, with over 2,400 stores scattered across the country under a dizzying array of banners. The company also operates the largest pharmacy network in the nation under its Shoppers brand. Loblaw also operates financial and clothing arms. Again, it’s all about necessity.

In terms of an income, Loblaw pays out a quarterly dividend with a yield of 1.44%. That’s hardly the highest yield on the market, but it is stable, growing, and a great set-and-forget passive-income stock.

Should you invest $1,000 in TD Bank right now?

Before you buy stock in TD Bank, 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 TD Bank 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 $21,345.77!*

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 24 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 4/21/25

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 Demetris Afxentiou has positions in The Toronto-Dominion Bank. The Motley Fool recommends TELUS CORPORATION.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Dividend Stocks

Canadian dollars are printed
Dividend Stocks

Beat the TSX With These Cash-Gushing Dividend Stocks

Learn how recent macro events have affected stocks on the TSX, and find out which stocks are thriving despite challenges.

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Build a $15,000 Portfolio Around These 3 Blue-Chip Dividend Stocks

Dividend stocks are one thing, but blue-chip dividend stocks are some of the top options out there.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 2 TSX Stocks to Buy for Dividend Income

These stocks have increased their dividends every year for decades.

Read more »

exchange traded funds
Dividend Stocks

2 Rock-Solid Canadian ETFs to Safeguard Your Portfolio During Trump’s 90-Day Tariff Pause

BMO Low Volatility Canadian Equity ETF (TSX:ZLB) and another ETF were built for tougher market sledding.

Read more »

people relax on mountain ledge
Dividend Stocks

3 TSX Dividend Stocks to Buy for TFSA Passive Income

These stocks trade at reasonable prices and offer high dividend yields.

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Canadian Stock to Buy With $250 Right Now

Analysts are super excited about this Canadian stock, so let's get into why.

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Dividend Stocks

1 Top TSX Stock Down 18% to Buy and Hold For Decades

TD picked up a nice tailwind to start 2025. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

Forklift in a warehouse
Dividend Stocks

9.5% Dividend Yield! I’m Buying This TSX Stock and Holding for Decades

Looking for a dividend stock that's ready to stand the test of time? Then consider this top notch option.

Read more »