3 TSX Dividend Stocks That Outpaced the S&P 500 in the Last Decade

Many TSX stocks beat the S&P 500 in the last 10 years. But only a few of them offer a safe passive income and growth prospects over the long term.

| More on:

The S&P 500 has returned 230% in the last decade, notably outperforming the Canadian broader markets. Many Canadian stocks beat the U.S. broad market index in the last 10 years. But only a few of them offer a safe passive income and growth prospects over the long term.

Canadian National Railway

Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI), a leader in the duopolistic rail freight market, returned 415% in the last 10 years. The global supply chain came to a standstill during the pandemic. But as economies re-opened, CNR sported a superior growth in the last six months.

Its 19,600-mile network joins three coasts: the Atlantic, the Pacific, and the Gulf of Mexico. This network serves as the North American economy’s backbone — the most important competitive advantage for the company.

Moreover, Canadian National makes revenues from nine cargo categories, with petroleum and chemicals making up the highest around 22%. This diversified revenue base implies stability and reliability. While some categories can bring down its consolidated revenues during recessions, other essential categories, like grains, can counterbalance the impact up to some extent.

Canadian National Railway stock is currently trading close to its all-time high and looks expensive from the valuation perspective. It yields 1.6%, lower than TSX stocks at large. It has increased dividends for the last 15 consecutive years.

Algonquin Power & Utilities

Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX:AQN)(NYSE:AQN) is an outlier among utilities. While utilities are generally slow-growing stocks, Algonquin outperformed even top growth stocks in the last several years. With higher earnings growth and consistently growing dividends, this top utility stock returned 560%.

Algonquin stock offers a dividend yield of 4.3% at the moment, higher than TSX stocks at large. The company aims to increase its dividends by 7% per year for the next few years. Its long-term earnings and dividend stability make it a secure bet in the current unreliable times. Algonquin stock was relatively faster to recover from the pandemic lows. In the last six months, AQN stock has soared 42%.

Algonquin has displayed an above-average earnings growth in the last few years. In the last three years, its profits have increased by almost 40% compounded annually — quite a feat for a mature sector like utilities.

Intact Financial

Intact Financial (TSX:IFC) is the leader in Canada’s property and casualty insurance market. Including dividends, this TSX stock has returned more than 300% in the last 10 years.

Intact Financial stock yields 2.5% at the moment. It has increased dividends every year since its IPO in 2005.

Intact offers a decent investment proposition due to its scale, dominating market share, and stable cash flows. Its quarterly earnings so far in 2020 came well above expectations. Though pandemic-related pressures might drive the stock’s volatility in the short term, it will likely continue to outperform in the longer term.

Bottom line

Many high-growth stocks have delivered substantially higher returns and beat the S&P 500 in the last decade. However, portfolio stability and dividend payments are also important, along with growth. These three TSX stocks check all these boxes.

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 Vineet Kulkarni has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. David Gardner owns shares of Canadian National Railway. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Canadian National Railway. The Motley Fool recommends Canadian National Railway and INTACT FINANCIAL CORPORATION.

More on Dividend Stocks

Data center woman holding laptop
Dividend Stocks

Buy 5,144 Shares of This Top Dividend Stock for $300/Month in Passive Income

Pick up the right dividend stock, and investors can look forward to high passive income each and every month.

Read more »

Canadian dollars are printed
Dividend Stocks

Transform Your TFSA Into a Cash-Creating Machine With $15,000

If you have a windfall of $15,000, putting it in a TFSA is a great start. But investing it in…

Read more »

woman retiree on computer
Dividend Stocks

1 Reliable Dividend Stock for the Ultimate Retirement Income Stream

This TSX stock has given investors a dividend increase every year for decades.

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Dividend Stocks

8.7% Dividend Yield: Is KP Tissue Stock a Good Buy?

This top TSX stock is certainly one to consider for that dividend yield, but is that dividend safe given the…

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Dividend Stocks

TELUS Stock Has a Nice Yield, But This Dividend Stock Looks Safer

TELUS stock certainly has a shiny dividend, but the dividend stock simply doesn't look as stable as this other high-yielding…

Read more »

profit rises over time
Dividend Stocks

A Dividend Giant I’d Buy Over TD Stock Right Now

TD stock has long been one of the top dividend stocks for investors to consider, but that's simply no longer…

Read more »

analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Top Financial Sector Stocks for Canadian Investors in 2025

From undervalued to powerfully bullish, quite a few financial stocks might be promising prospects for the coming year.

Read more »

Canada national flag waving in wind on clear day
Dividend Stocks

3 TFSA Red Flags Every Canadian Investor Should Know

Day trading in a TFSA is a red flag. Hold index funds like the Vanguard S&P 500 Index Fund (TSX:VFV)…

Read more »